Erin Heatherton
Discover the journey of Erin Heatherton (born March 4, 1989) — from Skokie, Illinois to becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel. Learn about her early life, modeling career, personal struggles, and life beyond the runway.
Introduction
Erin Heatherton (born Erin Heather Bubley on March 4, 1989) is an American model widely known for her time as a Victoria’s Secret Angel (2010–2013) and her work in fashion campaigns, editorials, and initiatives in wellness.
Her career has included runway shows for top designers, magazine covers around the world, and a public journey of confronting the pressures of beauty standards. In recent years, she has shifted her focus toward fitness, entrepreneurship, and personal authenticity.
Early Life and Family
Erin was born in Skokie, Illinois, to Laura (née Stein) and Mark Bubley. Her family is Ashkenazi Jewish, and she attended Solomon Schechter Day School, a Jewish day school, and later Niles North High School.
During her youth, Erin participated in science fairs and played basketball in high school.
She has spoken about feeling “too tall” in school settings, feeling out of place among peers — a hint at how her physique, which would become an asset in modeling, also carried social challenges.
Modeling Career & Achievements
Discovery & Early Breakthroughs
Erin was discovered by modeling scout Arri Taylor while vacationing at South Beach, Miami. At age 17, she moved to New York City and signed with Marilyn Agency. Her runway debut was in September 2006 at a Diane von Fürstenberg show.
Erin quickly walked for major designers such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, among others.
She appeared on international magazine covers (Elle, GQ, etc.) and in high-fashion editorials.
Victoria’s Secret & Public Recognition
Erin began walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2008. From 2010 to 2013, she held the official status of Victoria’s Secret Angel.
During her time with Victoria’s Secret, she appeared in major brand campaigns, commercials, and even a billboard in New York City for their “Showstopper” initiative.
In 2013, she signed with IMG Models.
After leaving Angel status, she continued modeling — she appeared in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues (2015, 2016) and worked in campaigns for beauty and lifestyle brands.
In 2019, Erin signed with Select Model Management and made a modeling comeback, including a cover for Chicago Splash magazine in November 2019.
Struggles, Advocacy & Personal Growth
Body Image and Industry Pressure
Erin has publicly shared the mental and physical toll of modeling. In interviews, she revealed that during her last Victoria’s Secret shows, she was pressured to lose weight despite maintaining rigorous diet and exercise regimens. Her body “resisted” those changes, which led to feelings of depression and self-doubt.
In a podcast, she confessed to using phentermine (a diet pill) and HCG injections to try to manage her weight during her Angel years — underscoring how extreme measures were pushed by industry expectations.
Her transparency and critique of unrealistic beauty ideals have resonated with many who struggle with self-image.
Entrepreneurial Shift & Wellness Focus
After her modeling peak, Erin moved into wellness and fitness entrepreneurship. In 2021, she co-founded Resistance Chicago Lagree, a fitness studio in Chicago. She described this venture as her “next chapter” — wanting to build something more authentic than “posing in lingerie.”
Her personal brand now emphasizes health, balance, and body respect — offering an alternative narrative to the extreme standards she once navigated.
Legal & Financial Challenges
In 2017, a lawsuit was filed by stylist Clare Byrne over an activewear line called RetroActive, claiming Erin abandoned the venture and seeking $10 million in damages.
In April 2019, Erin filed for bankruptcy, stating she was over $500,000 in debt and had made less than $3,000 in that year. A portion of her debts — about $100,000 — was owed to her former business partner.
Despite setbacks, she has continued to rebuild and pivot.
Personal Life & Recent Milestones
Erin has had several public relationships. One of the more well-known was with Leonardo DiCaprio, from late 2011 to late 2012.
On March 2, 2022, she announced her engagement to American-Polish businessman Karol Kocemba. They later married in January 2023.
In 2024, Erin and her husband welcomed their first child, a daughter named Eila Violet (born April 22, 2024).
She currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.
Among her philanthropic interests, she has supported charities like the Global Poverty Project and participated in events like the Global Citizen Festival.
Style, Image & Influence
-
Erin’s look is characterized by her tall stature (approx. 1.80 m / 5′11″), blonde hair, and green eyes.
-
She has been cited in lists like AskMen’s “Top 99 Most Desirable” (No. 35 in 2013).
-
In fashion circles, she is remembered as one of the faces of the late 2000s / early 2010s Victoria’s Secret era — a time when the Angel role was particularly glamorous and visible.
-
Because she later turned to fitness and wellness, her influence now reaches design, lifestyle, and body positivity conversations beyond traditional modeling.
Lessons from Erin Heatherton’s Journey
-
Beauty demands can be destructive
Erin’s candid reflections underline how external pressures can push individuals beyond healthy boundaries. Her story encourages reevaluating what “ideal” means. -
Reinvention is possible
She didn’t stay confined to modeling. Her shift into entrepreneurship and wellness shows resilience and the ability to build new identities. -
Vulnerability has power
By speaking openly about struggles, Erin connects with many who face similar challenges. Her willingness to share the messiness of success gives authenticity to her platform. -
Success is not just about fame
Her deepest proud statements are not about covers or runways, but building something grounded in her values and health.
Conclusion
Erin Heatherton’s journey spans glamour and grit, public triumphs and private trials. From being discovered on a Miami vacation to becoming a prominent Angel, she also faced the harsh edges of the industry. What stands out now is her evolution — using her voice about mental health, body image, and personal agency — and forging a life beyond the runway.