Stella Maxwell
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Stella Maxwell – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Explore the fascinating life and modeling career of Stella Maxwell (born May 15, 1990), the Belgian-born, New Zealand-raised supermodel and former Victoria’s Secret Angel. Learn about her background, rise to fame, personal identity, famous quotes, and cultural influence.
Introduction
Stella Maynes Maxwell (born May 15, 1990) is a high-profile fashion model best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret and major luxury brands. Although born in Brussels, she spent much of her youth in New Zealand, and has British / Irish heritage. Over her career, she’s become a symbol of diversity, fluid identity, and resilience in fashion—balancing high glamour with outspoken support for LGBTQIA+ visibility. Her journey offers lessons in embracing one’s uniqueness, and navigating the often challenging terrain of modern modeling.
Early Life and Family
Stella Maxwell was born in Brussels, Belgium, on May 15, 1990, to Northern Irish parents.
She lived in Belgium until about age 13, attending the European School in Brussels. Australia for about a year, before relocating to New Zealand around age 14, settling in Wellington. Queen Margaret College in Wellington, and later enrolled at the University of Otago.
It was while a student at Otago that she was scouted for modeling and began her path into the fashion world.
Her multinational upbringing—Belgium, Australia, New Zealand—along with her parents’ diplomatic background, contributed to her global outlook and comfort with multiple cultures and languages.
Rise into Modeling & Career
Early Modeling Breakthroughs
After being discovered while at university, Maxwell began to focus more intensively on modeling.
She signed with agencies like The Society Management, Elite Model Management, and the Kate Moss Agency.
High Fashion Shows and Campaign Work
Stella Maxwell has walked the runway for many top designers and brands:
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Jeremy Scott, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Chanel, Fendi, Miu Miu, and more
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She has appeared in campaigns and editorials for Alexander McQueen, H&M, Topshop, Asos, Roberto Cavalli, Karl Lagerfeld, Urban Outfitters, and others.
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She has graced covers of fashion magazines (Vogue editions, etc.) in multiple markets.
One memorable runway moment: during a Concept Korea S/S 2011 show, she opened dressed as a modern Snow White but famously fell and dropped an apple on the runway.
Victoria’s Secret & Brand Ambassadorships
Maxwell walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (first credited in 2014) and became an official Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2015.
She also became a face for Max Factor cosmetics.
In 2016, she was ranked No. 1 in Maxim’s Hot 100 list.
She collaborated with the French brand The Kooples to design a handbag named after her.
She’s also appeared in music videos (e.g. “Chemical” by Beck in 2021) and ventures into fashion media and activism.
Public Role & Activism
Maxwell is openly queer / sexually fluid and has used her platform to support LGBTQIA+ causes. Pride Live’s Stonewall Day events.
In interviews, she has spoken about the importance of visibility, inclusivity, and being authentic in the public eye.
Personality, Style & Influence
Stella Maxwell’s public persona blends confidence, relatability, and activism. Some key traits and stylistic notes:
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She often emphasizes wellness, positive mindset, and balance in life.
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She supports fluid identity and resists rigid labels. In interviews, she has said she doesn’t want to be forced into boxes regarding gender or sexual identity.
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On fashion: off duty, she favors mixing vintage, quirky, and statement pieces.
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She is candid about the pressures of modeling, the importance of staying grounded, and handling the ups and downs (including runway falls).
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She projects a mix of glamour and approachability—the “model next door” feel in high fashion.
Her influence extends beyond modeling: she is part of a new wave of models who use their platforms for social change, especially around queer visibility in fashion.
Famous Quotes of Stella Maxwell
Here are several quoted lines attributed to Stella Maxwell, reflecting her beliefs about confidence, modeling, wellness, and authenticity:
“Having a lot of friends and family around you — that’s all a part of wellness.”
“For me, it feels empowering to walk down a runway in my underwear!”
“Confidence is something you have to embrace.”
“I try to think professionally that my body is my job and just get up and do my modeling work, you always feel better after it.”
“People like to see what you’re doing and feel involved. Everyone craves that whole behind-the-scenes side of things. … You have to keep it real.”
“I use ‘wicked’ all the time … It’s part of my slang!”
These quotes showcase her blend of candor, self-confidence, and commitment to honesty in public life.
Lessons from Stella Maxwell’s Journey
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Embrace your roots and identity
Maxwell’s multinational upbringing and fluid identification show that identity can be rich and evolving. -
Resilience in the face of setbacks
Runway falls and industry pressures are inevitable, but how you recover matters. -
Use your platform for good
She demonstrates that models can be voices for inclusion, not just faces for brands. -
Balance glamour with groundedness
Wellness, friendships, mental health—she often steers the conversation beyond just beauty. -
Stay authentic and transparent
In an industry filled with gloss, her openness about the challenges helps humanize her public image.
Conclusion
Stella Maxwell’s story is one of blending high fashion and real-world values. From a childhood spanning continents to walking the world’s biggest runways, she has maintained a sense of purpose and a commitment to authenticity. Her career exemplifies how modern models can be more than images—they can be cultural voices, advocates, and symbols of evolving identity in fashion.