Uschi Obermaier

Known worldwide for their uber model status, both Heidi Klum and Claudia Schiffer must pay tribute to their predecessor, Uschi Obermaier, the first German supermodel. With her sultry dark hair and full lips, the Bavarian bombshell is recognized as one of the most desired fashion models of the sixties.

Known worldwide for their uber model status, both Heidi Klum and Claudia Schiffer must pay tribute to their predecessor, Uschi Obermaier, the first German supermodel. With her sultry dark hair and full lips, the Bavarian bombshell is recognized as one of the most desired fashion models of the sixties. Both her look and seductive demeanor offered a stark contrast to the lithe girl mannequins that had dominated the earlier half of the decade.

 

 

 

Photo credits Seenby.de

 

Inspired by the explosive influence of the 1960s pop culture revolution, young Uschi escaped her mundane suburban life and hitched a ride to Berlin. There she met Rainer Langhans, leader of the political commune, Kommune 1. Tumbling into a life of accidentally political affiliations as the girlfriend of Langhans, Ushchi settled into residence at the commune. She was soon noticed by the media and emerged as the global sex symbol of the 1968 German left wing movement. The couple gained wide spread attention for their bold style; stand on social change and sexual freedom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a risqu? cover shoot for a German fashion magazine, Uschi caught the attention of German nightclub owner and world explorer, Dieter Bockhorn. Bockhorn often hosted glamorous parties in her honor and propose they become an item but Uschi remained true to her independence and sought the next big thrill. She joined the Rolling Stones on their 1975 tour and lived the fast life as the girlfriend of Keith Richards and supposed sometimes lover of Mick Jagger. Before romancing the Stones, Uschi was said to have spent a tender night with Jimi Hendrix at the Kempinski Hotel in West Berlin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo credits vintag.es

 

Desperate to explore the world just as Bockhorn promised, Uschi left the Stones behind to accompany Bockhorn on an incredible three-year voyage throughout Asia and the Middle East. The couple traveled in customized (and seemingly tricked out for the time!) bus that Bockhorn built especially for Uschi. They celebrated their union in a traditional wedding ceremony during their jaunt through India followed by an expedition through Mexico.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Photos from messynesschic.com and io.com

 

Most notable, of all of Uschi?s exotic traits and dynamic experiences was her eclectic, yet hippie style. Uschi was instantly inspired by the culture and fashion from the Middle East to Mexico and adopted many authentic pieces into her everyday wardrobe. Always adorned with body hugging fringe, layers of antique coin jewelry upon exposed d?colletage, Obermaier defined the balance between bohemian chic and rock and roll.

 

The film, Eight Miles High takes on her illustrious journey and was made in conjunction with Obermaier, who now lives in Topanga Canyon, California. Holding true to Uschi?s original style, the film plays as perfect inspiration for bohemian trendsetters and globetrotters alike.

 

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