By Susan Kirschbaum
Helena Christensen could be considered blessed on a few counts. A native of Denmark, she’s part Peruvian, part Danish, a light-eyed brunette, eternally gorgeous, and warm-hearted to the ones she loves. She’s equally adept at photographing female friends, revamping vintage dresses for sale at her former West Village boutique, or whipping up a bowl of pasta to serve on her outdoor deck. Her fave rockstars include R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe and U2’s Bono, who, along with his wife, Ali, helped steer Helena into her latest passion: charities. It’s clear that even in this, her most important job rests in being a mother to her 9-year-old son (with actor Norman Reedus), Mingus.
I read that you and Mingus actually designed a clothing line to benefit the Chernobyl Children’s Project International (CCPI).
We designed four children’s clothing collections for a company called Bestseller. I asked Mingus for advice with styles and colors for the boys’ collection. He also did some illustrations for the T-shirts.
It’s important to make our children aware of how grateful we have to be every day about the way we live compared to most of the world’s population. Since this cause involves mostly children, I thought it was a great way for him to feel he could make a difference in helping children that desperately need it.
Did you find yourself putting some of your fashion knowledge to work in the designs?
I designed a couple small clothing lines with my partner in BUTIK—an antique and clothing store we had together—so I had a bit of knowledge from that. I have obviously learned a lot from being in the fashion business for 20 years. I like being involved actively, personally with projects. It makes a huge difference for your commitment.
How does your own fitness and health influence your awareness of the health of the world’s population in general?
I don’t really think of it that way. I just know that I’m thankful every day for the health of my family and friends. I realize I have to take care of myself so I can be there for others, in particular my son. I have been boxing for three years now, to be fit and gain strength.
In terms of the general health of the world’s population, I would like more physical activities at school. Kids love being active together. There should be a lot of emphasis on how important feeding your child healthy food is. It’s utter importance for their future, in terms of their health and self-confidence.
At the Food Bank gala last year you were honored for your involvement and you talked about going down to the food kitchens.
As soon as you get involved with any worthy cause, your own little safe life bubble bursts. You see everything from a different perspective. This is important for your head and mind. It humbles you to realize how many people need help, buy also how many people dedicate their time and effort in helping.
What has stayed with you, touched you?
Learning about the plight of CCPI has had an enormous effect on me. Seeing documentaries from the affected areas: Multihandicapped children tied with ropes to their dirty beds and just left there to die makes you literally break down. The long lines in front of soup kitchens around the city and the thankful faces: When they are given a healthy nutritious meal, it makes a world of a difference, to them and to yourself.
