Her path to the runway began far from the spotlight. Born in Brussels to Northern Irish diplomats, she grew up moving between countries. This global childhood shaped her perspective long before she ever faced a camera.
She carries both British and Irish nationalities, a reflection of her Belfast roots. Fluency in English and French came naturally from her early years in a multilingual European capital.
Her career reached a defining moment with the iconic lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret. Achieving Angel status placed her among the most watched figures in the modeling world.
Beyond the fashion industry, she champions authentic self-expression. As an openly queer woman, she brings a distinct voice to her work.
Her vision extends to entrepreneurship. In 2024, she co-founded Peropero, a luxury pet grooming brand. This move showcases a creative drive that goes beyond the catwalk.
Early Life & Global Beginnings
The first thirteen years of her life were spent immersed in the multilingual heart of Europe. Stella Maxwell attended the European School in Woluwe, a natural fit for a child of diplomats. This environment shaped her early worldview.
Childhood in Brussels and Early Travels
Her father’s career soon prompted a move. At age 13, the family relocated to Canberra, Australia, for a single year. This was just a brief stop before another major shift.
They settled in Wellington, New Zealand, when she was 14. She continued her education at Queen Margaret College, building a new foundation far from her European origins.
Education and Initial Exposure to Modeling
Her academic path led her to the University of Otago in Dunedin. While working at a local newsstand to support herself, an unexpected opportunity arose. A scout from a modeling agency noticed her and extended an offer.
She made a deliberate choice to prioritize her education. Maxwell completed her university degree before fully committing to a professional modeling career. Those formative years of constant relocation taught her invaluable adaptability.
Stella Maxwell: Modeling Career and Achievements
Her modeling career accelerated dramatically when she first stepped onto the Victoria’s Secret catwalk. This moment launched her into the fashion industry’s highest echelons.
Breakthrough as a Victoria’s Secret Angel
The 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show provided her breakthrough. She earned official credit that year, catching the brand’s attention.
By April 2015, she achieved Angel status with the iconic lingerie company. This placed her among fashion’s most visible figures worldwide.
She returned to the secret fashion show in 2025 after a seven-year absence. Her comeback reinforced her lasting connection to the brand.
Runway Highlights and Editorial Features
Beyond Victoria’s Secret, she commanded prestigious runways for Chanel, Versace, and Marc Jacobs. Her catwalk presence became instantly recognizable.
Editorial success matched her runway dominance. She graced Vogue covers across Germany, Turkey, Spain, Thailand, and Japan.
The model also appeared in Harper’s Bazaar and Numéro. Her 2016 #1 ranking on Maxim’s Hot 100 List brought mainstream recognition.
Daily Front Row honored her as Model of the Year in 2017. They later named her Fashion Icon of the Year in 2021.
Personal Life, Relationships, and Advocacy
Her identity extends far beyond the camera’s flash, rooted in a commitment to authentic living. She describes her sexuality as fluid, a honest reflection of self that rejects rigid labels.
High-profile relationships brought intense media focus. Her time in the public eye, including her role with Victoria’s Secret, never overshadowed her professional drive.
She dated actress Kristen Stewart for two years. These connections played out under scrutiny, yet she kept her focus firmly on her work and values.
Her fluency in English and French stems from a childhood moving between cultures. This skill helps her navigate different social landscapes with ease.
Expressing Identity and Cultural Influences
This comfort with movement translates to a clear, public voice. She champions self-expression both on and off the runway.
Her passion for animals led to action. In 2024, she co-founded Peropero, a luxury pet brand named for the sound of a dog’s lick.
Advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ Community
Her advocacy is vocal and consistent. She became an ambassador for Pride Live’s Stonewall Day in 2020, honoring the 1969 uprising.
She also serves as a GLAAD ambassador, pushing for authentic media representation. Maxwell uses her platform to challenge discrimination year-round.
She starred in Calvin Klein’s 2024 Pride campaign, aligning with brands that support inclusive action. Her cover feature in The Advocate further cemented her role as a community voice.
| Organization / Initiative | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Pride Live’s Stonewall Day | Ambassador | 2020 |
| GLAAD | Ambassador | Ongoing |
| The Advocate Magazine | Cover Feature | 2024 |
| Calvin Klein Pride Campaign | Featured Model | 2024 |
Legacy and Enduring Impact in Fashion
True influence in fashion is measured by cultural change, not just campaigns. Stella Maxwell built a career that transcends the runway. She used her platform to advocate for communities often sidelined by mainstream fashion.
Her work with Victoria’s Secret defined an era, but her legacy shows greater range. Campaigns for Versace, Moschino, and Calvin Klein demonstrate her lasting power. Covers for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and i-D cemented her editorial credibility.
Daily Front Row honored her as Model of the Year and later as a Fashion Icon. These awards recognize both her professional excellence and her influence on the industry’s identity.
Her openness and advocacy challenged performative allyship. It pushed for genuine inclusion. Her work with GLAAD and Pride Live reflects a year-round commitment.
The launch of Peropero in 2024 showcases entrepreneurial drive beyond modeling. Maxwell’s legacy rests on living publicly as herself. She demanded the industry meet her on those terms.
