Danish supermodel Helena Christensen is gracing the campaign for Saie’s latest eyeshadow collection, aptly named SuperSuede Baked Eyeshadow, marking a return to the effortless beauty that defined the 1990s. The collection, which features eleven modern neutral shades, is a celebration of the uncomplicated beauty aesthetic that Christensen helped popularise during her iconic career.
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Reflecting on her contributions to the beauty landscape, Christensen embraces the idea that makeup should enhance rather than overload one’s natural features. In an interview with PEOPLE, she expressed her appreciation for the simplicity of the new eyeshadow line, stating, “I love that it’s a simple, very beautiful quality product, one eyeshadow that defines your entire look without too much else.” The SuperSuede Baked Eyeshadow offers demi-matte and low-lit shimmer finishes, allowing for a soft and natural appearance that she feels resonates with her ‘90s beauty ideals.
Saie’s newest collection is designed to provide up to sixteen hours of wear without the need for primer, promising resilience against creasing and fading. Christensen highlighted the ease of application, noting, “The eyeshadows are so insanely cushiony and soft. It’s actually magical touching them with your finger because you almost don’t even feel them. You don’t need to use any brushes, which I love.” This user-friendly approach aligns with her philosophy on makeup, favouring products that allow for a natural look without elaborate application techniques.
The clothing featured in the campaign also adheres to this ethos of simplicity. Christensen is styled in oversized blazers, relaxed trousers, and cardigans, drawing inspiration from Kim Basinger’s iconic look in “Nine 1/2 Weeks.” She describes this style as “the sexiest, effortless, comfortable look,” which she sees as a hallmark of the ‘90s. Her enthusiasm for the decade is palpable, as she recalls it as a time of unparalleled creativity in fashion, photography, music, and culture.
Having experienced the ‘90s fashion scene firsthand in her 20s, Christensen feels fortunate to have lived through such a vibrant period without the distractions of social media. “I’m so grateful that I was born at the time I was born because I then experienced that whole decade in my 20s; how lucky is that,” she reflected, crediting the offline world for the unique connections formed within the industry.
Despite numerous changes in the fashion landscape since the ‘90s, Christensen maintains that her friendships with fellow supermodels have endured. She remains in contact with most of her contemporaries, believing that they share a bond forged through a unique and shared experience. “We grew up together from our early 20s in this weird, fascinating, strange world that no one else experienced like we did,” she explained.
Among these lasting connections is her friendship with Cindy Crawford, whom she makes an effort to see whenever possible. Christensen cherishes the companionship and emotional support that stems from their shared history, remarking on the comfort of reconnecting with someone who understands the intricacies of her journey. “It’s just so lovely and freeing to sit down with somebody who was there since the beginning,” she remarked.
Despite her enduring presence in the fashion world, what surprises Christensen most is her renewed enthusiasm for it as she ages. She initially began modelling as a temporary endeavour, believing she would eventually transition into photography. However, as time has progressed, she has developed a deeper appreciation for her work: “I appreciate it more than I’ve ever done because you realise with time how much your perspective and your horizon is broadened.”
Christensen credits her extensive travels and interactions with diverse cultures and peoples as pivotal in shaping her outlook on life and her career. This ongoing curiosity about the world around her informs not only her modelling but also her passion for photography and social media, where she documents her life’s moments. She even shares her unique wellness routine, which includes cold plunges, a practice she jokes may be linked to a previous life as a mermaid.
Ultimately, Christensen is both surprised and delighted that her career continues to thrive and inspire her. “It happened too fast, and it was too intense, and there was too much going on, and now I get to enjoy it in a completely different way,” she concluded, embodying a renewed appreciation for a career that has spanned decades and continues to evolve.