Supermodel Cindy Crawford’s children carry on her legacy with Swiss watchmaker
Donning a shimmering gown and a 38mm Speedmaster on her wrist, Cindy Crawford glamorously made an appearance along with her family at the opening of the Omega “Her Time” Exhibition in Paris last Friday. Since 1995, the brand’s longest-serving ambassador now has her children, 18-year-old Presley and 16-year-old Kaia Gerber, joining her as the beautiful faces of Omega.
The announcement was accompanied by the first official picture taken by famed photographer Peter Lindbergh, who captured Crawford, her kids and husband, Rande Gerber, on Malibu Beach.
The ageless supermodel talks about this long and extended relationship with the Swiss luxury watchmaker and on her children becoming runway darlings.
How did you and Omega establish such a strong tie?
It’s like dating. When we first met, it was like a blind date. They hired me just to do an ad. And we liked each other, so they asked me out on a second date. Then they asked me to sign a contract for three years, followed by another contract. Now I’ve been with Omega longer than I’ve been married.
It’s a happy marriage, then?
Yes. It’s like a marriage. Some people grow together and some people grow apart. If you pick the right partner, even though you change and they change, hopefully you’re still in alignment. I don’t even like to say partner, because it’s more than that. It’s like I’m a part of the Omega family and we’re a great fit.
What strengthened the bond?
I think we value what the other partner brings to the table. Originally, what drew me to the brand was the great heritage, with James Bond and the Moonwatch. And then the quality and the legacy but also this timelessness. As a young model at that time, those were brand qualities that I wanted for myself.
Over the years, I really appreciate that Omega has allowed me to become a woman and don’t expect me to be the 25-year-old model that I was. They’ve celebrated my evolution as opposed to … a lot of brands just want the next young thing.
How many Omega watches do you have?
I probably have about, maybe eight. Two are vintage watches — a really thin one from the 40s and one from the 60s that’s more like loops. And those are fun to wear to events or whatever, because no one knows them and they’re like, ‘What is that?’.
How do you optimise your watch wardrobe?
To me, a watch is a real statement accessory and different watches make me feel different. It’s like the difference between flats and heels.
It’s like, how do I want to feel that day? Do I want a more masculine watch with a shirt and jeans, or do I want a more feminine watch for the evening, or do I want a little more sparkle or bling? But I mostly wear at night the Ladymatic with gold, a black face and diamonds.
What’s the most important Omega watch for you?
Constellation because when I got involved with Omega they let me meet the watchmakers and have some input in the design. That’s the watch that I think people know as the ‘Cindy’ watch. So that one will always have a special place in my heart.
What is your most memorable Omega moment?
I’ve had a million. But the one that left the biggest impression was when I went to Peru with Kaia on behalf of Omega and Orbis, the Flying Eye Hospital. My daughter got to see what philanthropy is all about and also how fortunate her life is.
How do you feel about your children following in your footsteps?
I’m just proud of them, not because they have become models, but because they’re nice people, they have good manners and they work hard. Certainly, it’s fun as a mother for them to be entering a world that is my world and to share that with them. For teenagers, it’s a time when they’re pulling away from their parents. But in the same world, it’s a place for us to connect.
How will they fare as the new faces of Omega?
My journey with Omega has been incredible and I know that Kaia and Presley will enjoy working with the brand as much as I have. They are both talented in their own unique ways and I’m so proud of them being the new ambassadors for these fantastic watches. Omega is all about legacy and obviously my kids are my legacy.