Josephine Skriver commands attention on runways across the world. Her career stands out for its resilience and authenticity in an industry often focused on the surface.
Born in Copenhagen in 1993, this Danish model broke through during a tough era for fashion. She earned her Victoria’s Secret Angel status in 2016, a major milestone.
Her story extends far beyond the camera’s flash. She built a life in Los Angeles with her family, showing a balance between professional demands and personal values.
This profile looks at the woman behind the campaigns. It examines how her background and deliberate choices shaped a modeling career that defied standards.
From Copenhagen Roots to Global Runways
From Copenhagen’s quiet streets to the world’s most prestigious runways, her ascent was both rapid and commanding. The foundation built in Denmark proved crucial for navigating fashion’s demanding international circuit.
Early Life and Discovery in Copenhagen
Years of preparation in her home city gave Skriver the resilience needed for fashion’s intense pace. Her Copenhagen agency instilled professional habits that would serve her well during the industry’s challenging early 2010s period.
This patient groundwork made the difference between merely surviving and truly commanding the global stage.
Transitioning to International Modeling
Fall/Winter 2011 announced her arrival with authority. Josephine opened Alberta Ferretti’s show and closed for Prada during her debut season.
That same season featured an impressive roster of fashion houses. She walked for Calvin Klein, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, and Christian Dior among others.
Powerful photographers quickly sought her chameleonic look. Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, and Patrick Demarchelier each captured her versatility for major campaigns.
Editorial work spanned Vogue editions across multiple continents and Elle publications in five countries. Her face became equally familiar in commercial campaigns for H&M and luxury shoots for Bulgari.
This seamless movement between high fashion and commercial work demonstrated rare professional range. It established her as a reliable choice for brands seeking both credibility and broad appeal.
Josephine Skriver: Career and Brand Milestones
Co-founding an activewear line became the natural evolution of her fitness philosophy. This move from modeling to entrepreneurship marked a significant career shift.
Victoria’s Secret Journey and Iconic Runway Moments
Her 2016 Angel status represented a major fashion milestone. The runway shows reached audiences around the world.
These appearances built her profile beyond traditional editorial work. They demonstrated commercial appeal at the highest level.
Major Fashion Campaigns and Brand Partnerships
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in 2020 brought different validation. Winning “Rookie of the Year” proved her crossover appeal.
Joja, the activewear brand she launched with Jasmine Tookes, emerged from gym sessions. They rejected the industry’s “just be skinny” mentality.
The brand focuses on performance wear for serious workouts. It reflects their personal approach to fitness and strength.
Now casting models for her own brand, she applies hard-won perspective. She evaluates look and vibe clinically, not personal worth.
This distinction comes easier at 31 than 17, she acknowledges. Her various brand partnerships show remarkable range.
From high fashion to commercial work, she built a lot of experience. Joja represents control over her narrative and business future.
Behind the Glam: Personal Life, Love, and Advocacy
The same year her modeling career skyrocketed, a lasting personal connection began to form. She met American musician Alexander DeLeon in 2013.
Their relationship grew over many years. DeLeon, the singer for The Cab, wrote a song for her called “Aurora Borealis.” The gesture was so meaningful she got the title tattooed on her spine.
The couple’s engagement in 2018 was a storybook moment. DeLeon planned a trip to Finland to fulfill her dreams of seeing orcas and the Northern Lights. He proposed under the aurora itself.
Family Dynamics, Relationships, and LGBTQ Advocacy
They married in April 2022 in Cabo San Lucas. The model wore Alberta Ferretti, the designer she first opened for, linking her career and personal life.
In 2023, they welcomed their daughter, Aurora James. Her name carries the weight of their love story, from the song to the proposal under the lights.
This model’s advocacy work is deeply personal. She is an ambassador for the Family Equality Council. She uses her platform to support LGBTQ families, honoring her own origin as an IVF baby born to gay parents.
Her goal is for diverse family stories to become normal. She wants society to see the love in all family structures as equal.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Met Alexander DeLeon | Began a decade-long relationship before marriage |
| 2018 | Engagement in Finland | Proposal under the Northern Lights after seeing orcas |
| 2022 | Wedding in Cabo San Lucas | Married wearing Alberta Ferretti, a full-circle moment |
| 2023 | Birth of Daughter Aurora | Named after the song and lights central to their story |
Motherhood brought a new dimension to her life. The physical strength she built now serves a different purpose. It’s the strength of carrying her child.
Together, the couple supports each other’s careers. He builds his music and tequila brand; she continues her work in fashion. Their life in Los Angeles is built on mutual support and a shared story.
Reflections and The Path Ahead
The strength she built on runways now fuels a different chapter. It’s centered on family and entrepreneurial control, not just the next show.
Josephine Skriver maintains a deep connection to home. She ensures her daughter learns Danish, keeping those roots alive from Los Angeles.
Her Joja brand is a serious business, not a side project. It represents a professional identity she fully commands.
She shares news of her projects selectively. This balance keeps her family life private while staying in the public eye.
Her experience teaches a lot about resilience. She now casts models for her own brand with clinical professionalism, remembering the vulnerability she once felt.
The path ahead likely holds less runway time. It will feature more focus on her brand and the private life she protects.
For any fan, her journey demonstrates a version of success that extends far beyond the camera’s flash.
