In honor of the model-turned-actress&rsquo; 46th birthday, take a look back at her spectacular journey through the modeling world.

Although she is better known for her eclectic roles in blockbuster films such as Troy (2004) and Inglorious Basterds (2009), Diane Kruger&rsquo;s first claim to fame was, in fact, the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/braless-runway-looks-chanel-dior-valentino" target="_blank" rel="noopener">runway</a>. Standing at only 5 foot 7 inches, Kruger was shorter than most female <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/models-who-became-actresses-twiggy-sienna-miller" target="_blank" rel="noopener">models</a> of her time but quickly emerged as one of the preeminent fashion models of the &lsquo;90s nonetheless, walking and starring in campaigns alongside models by the likes of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/naomi-campbell-best-90s-moments-young-model-runway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Naomi Campbell</a> and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/shalom-harlow-young-model-90s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shalom Harlow</a> at her zenith.&nbsp;
Prior to gracing our screens with her evocative acting performances, Kruger walked for iconic brands such as <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/dries-van-noten-fall-winter-2021-fashion-film" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dries Van Noten</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/saint-laurent-fall-winter-2021-collection-anthony-vaccarello" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yves Saint Laurent</a>, and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/marc-jacobs-famous-friendships" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marc Jacobs</a>. The German model famously became the face of a long-running <a href="https://www.lofficielarabia.com/fashion-week/giorgio-armani-and-the-tale-of-haute-couture" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Giorgio Armani</a> 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 <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/jason-wu-fall-2021-new-york-fashion-week" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jason Wu</a> and those of her alma mater, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/chanel-resort-2022-collection-virginie-viard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chanel</a>.&nbsp;
Although the fashion industry only kept Kruger&rsquo;s attention for a handful of years before the National Treasure star set her sights on acting, her modeling dexterity&mdash;however short-lived&mdash;is lauded by many to this day. Here, L&rsquo;OFFICIEL rounds up some throwbacks that exemplify her modeling career in all its glory.

Lolita Lempicka Spring/Summer 1999

Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 1997

A Look Back on Diane Kruger's Early Modeling Days

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA April 2024 - Zayn Malik Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA March 2024 - Dakota Johnson Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA December/January 2024 - Vanessa Kirby Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA November 2023 - Sofia Richie Grainge Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA Fall 2023 - Nicholas Galitzine

L'OFFICIEL USA Fall 2023 - Jay Chou Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA Fall 2023 - Emma Corrin Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA Summer 2023 - Eiza González Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA Summer 2023

L'OFFICIEL USA Spring 2023 - Doja Cat First Cover

A Look Back on Diane Kruger's Early Modeling Days

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