AN HONOR, A MAGICAL NIGHT, THANK YOU!

It’s not everyday that Vanity Fair honors you at its inaugural dinner celebration for Fashion Icons. What a magical evening, how wonderful to be surrounded by such talented people, my co-honorees Nieves, Oriol and Rocio and my beloved daughter. We were having such a great evening that when they called my name I almost forgot we were there for the awards—it felt like a dinner party filled with kindness, brainpower and beauty.

Celia Forner: “It's crucial to work hard because it always pays off. Not worrying about what people think and following your path without comparing yourself to anyone is essential.”

One of the greatest Spanish models of the 1980s and 1990s, she was honored in early July with one of Vanity Fair's Fashion Icons, alongside Nieves Álvarez, Oriol Elcacho, and Rocío Crusset.

By Nuria Hernández

August 7, 2025

Celia Forner began her career in the fashion world as a teenager. Her first photoshoots were for a hair salon, and little by little, her work led her to pose for the biggest names in the industry and around the world. The daughter of a farmer and a housewife, the former world model of 1987 turned her career toward the art world. Today, she is also an entrepreneur, and her cosmetics brand is a hit with the most popular celebrities. We chatted with Celia Forner, chosen as one of this year's four Vanity Fair Fashion Icons.

Celia Forner poses during the Vanity Fair Fashion Icons awards . Flavio Orsolato

 

Vanity Fair: At the beginning of July, you were chosen as one of Vanity Fair's Fashion Icons. How do you experience the fashion world today?

Celia Forner: I feel very grateful for the award and to the fashion industry. It's no longer part of my everyday life, although I have fond memories of my years as a model.

You were one of the first Spanish top models. Looking back, what memories come to mind from those early days in fashion?

Those were years when everything was new and exciting. I'm very fortunate to have lived through that golden age of fashion and to have achieved international success.

You worked in places like Tokyo. What did that time mean to you?

I imagine it must have been quite an adventure, and that I probably had certain fears… I lived in Tokyo, Paris, and New York, and traveled all over the world. In Tokyo in particular, there were hardly any Westerners in the late ’80s, and we models were idolized almost like sumo champions.

And what was it like walking for Karl Lagerfeld?

For me, it’s more of an anecdote; he was one of the many great designers I worked with. I enjoyed walking the runway for Chanel, Fendi, and his own brand, but it’s not something I think about often or that left a particularly deep mark on me. Karl Lagerfeld was very cultured, very demanding, and could be brutal in his comments.

During the Vanity Fair Fashion Icons, we witnessed a true moment of sisterhood between Laura Ponte and Nieves Álvarez when the former presented the award to Nieves. How did you experience relationships with other models during your time? Do you still have any good friends from back then?

I have a couple of good friends, like the artist and actress Anh Duong, whom I do see often. I feel great affection for some of my former colleagues, but we’re not regularly in touch. That said, when we do see each other, we’re always very happy to reconnect.

Celia Forner is a hit today with her cosmetics brand. Flavio Orsolato

 

How did your interest in art arise?

When my daughter turned two, I decided to start studying Art History in depth. I greatly enjoy museums and art galleries, and I really enjoyed art fairs back in the day, where you could really get a feel for the art market and can sometimes discover new artists. It's very important to do your homework to understand what it means to build a collection.

You're a great collector. Which of the works you own do you hold most dear?

It's hard to choose, but interestingly, my favorites tend to be the first ones we acquired. We haven't actively collected for several years.

Together with your husband, Francesco Venturi, you form a perfect duo. What's the secret to your success as a couple?

Friendship, respect, a sense of humor, and giving each other space as adults.

You now live in Rome. What's your daily life like in the Eternal City? I imagine Rome is a great source of inspiration for you?

Rome is one of my favorite cities in the world. It's a constant source of inspiration and always surprises you. I love everything about the city: its sounds in the morning, the architecture, the people, the food… I'm Latina and I feel at home there. Plus, my husband is Roman, and the city has always been a part of our life together. Although I wish there were fewer tourists.

The cosmetic brand of choice for celebrities

When and why did you decide to launch ALLEVEN, your cosmetics brand?

For five years, I worked on developing a body makeup product that I couldn't find on the market. It was a dream to create a product that would cover blemishes, scars, etc., and that was waterproof and smudge-proof. I never thought about creating a cosmetics brand; it happened organically after the success of the first launch.

Nowadays, many brands are launched every month, but not all of them have survived. Beyoncé, Margot Robbie, Scarlett Johansson, and Naomi Watts use their products. What is the key to ALLEVEN's success?

As a brand, ALLEVEN was a category-setter with airbrush body makeup. Celebrities and makeup artists embraced it with open arms. Our products are based on cutting-edge science, and our continuous innovation makes them unique. For me, as the founder and owner of the brand, it's very important to deliver on our promises. Our customers appreciate the work and respect that goes into each of our creations. Knowing who's behind the brand is undoubtedly a very important factor.

How do you take care of yourself these days?

I try to surround myself with quality people. I naturally use ALLEVEN products every day, meditate, and practice Bikram yoga, dance, swimming, and weight training. Being able to find time for myself and to cultivate my interests is a priority. My diet is healthy because that’s what I enjoy. I also like facial and body treatments. By the way, ALLEVEN will open its first spa in Mallorca in March 2026, at Casa Volkers Hotel, the first hotel by Engel & Völkers.

Tell me about your daughter, Allegra. She had a very special word to say about you at the awards. What can you tell me about her?

Allegra is very talented. I would love for her acting talent to be discovered in Spain. Although she was born and raised in London, she speaks perfect Spanish. I am very proud of my children; they are hardworking, compassionate, and empathetic; they are excellent people.

Allegra is an actress, producer, and director of events and exhibitions. She has directed a film. What do you think she inherited from you and what from her father?

Perhaps my tenacity, discipline, and curiosity to constantly learn new things, and from Francesco, his diplomacy and patience, among other things.

What advice have you given her for navigating the challenging world of show business and for life in general?

I believe it is crucial in life to work hard, because it always pays off. Not worrying about what people think and following your own path without comparing yourself to anyone is essential.

You also have a son—can you tell us what he does?

Filippo combines his work in photojournalism with portraits and interior photography. He photographed Benedetta Brachetti, niece of Elsa Peretti, for Vanity Fair Spain, in the home Mongiardino designed for Elsa.

Are you more of a person who lives in the moment or thinks about what's to come?

In my opinion, the here and now is the most important thing to live a full life, always with the excitement for the good things yet to come.

In the summer, Mallorca is your point of reference. What does the island offer you?

Calm and peace. It's a place of constant inspiration for my professional career at ALLEVEN and for my life in general.

I imagine you've fulfilled many dreams, but are there any left to achieve?

I always have new projects; it’s something that defines me and, for me, is an endless source of motivation and excitement. There’s always another dream to chase.

To read this article in Spanish, click here.