A Look Back on Diane Kruger's Early Modeling Days

Although she is better known for her eclectic roles in blockbuster films such as Troy (2004) and Inglorious Basterds (2009), Diane Kruger’s first claim to fame was, in fact, the runway. Standing at only 5 foot 7 inches, Kruger was shorter than most female models of her time but quickly emerged as one of the preeminent fashion models of the ‘90s nonetheless, walking and starring in campaigns alongside models by the likes of Naomi Campbell and Shalom Harlow at her zenith. 

Prior to gracing our screens with her evocative acting performances, Kruger walked for iconic brands such as Dries Van Noten, Yves Saint Laurent, and Marc Jacobs. The German model famously became the face of a long-running Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio fragrance campaign, as well as that of Allure de Chanel in 1996. Still entrenched in the ongoings of the fashion industry today even despite her career change, Kruger has simply swapped the runway for the front row, often being spotted at various fashion weeks attending shows such as Jason Wu and those of her alma mater, Chanel. 

Although the fashion industry only kept Kruger’s attention for a handful of years before the National Treasure star set her sights on acting, her modeling dexterity—however short-lived—is lauded by many to this day. Here, L’OFFICIEL rounds up some throwbacks that exemplify her modeling career in all its glory.