The 2004 Victoires de la Musique named Carla Bruni the female artist of the year, cementing her transition from international fashion runways to the French recording studio. Born in Turin in 1967, she moved to Paris as a child, eventually pivoting from a high-earning career as a model to establish herself as a singer and songwriter.
From the Runway to Music
Bruni began her professional life in 1987 after signing with City Models. She achieved prominence working for houses including Christian Dior, Chanel, and Versace, ranking among the world's twenty highest-paid models by the 1990s. In 1997, she left fashion to pursue music full-time. She initially gained traction as a songwriter for Julien Clerc, contributing to his 2000 album, Si j'étais elle.
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Her debut album, Quelqu'un m'a dit, released in 2003, achieved significant commercial success by spending 34 weeks in the top ten of the French Albums Chart. Her subsequent work includes the albums No Promises (2004), Comme si de rien n'était (2008), Little French Songs (2013), and French Touch (2017). Her musical output often features self-penned lyrics, though she has also adapted the works of poets like Michel Houellebecq.
Public Life and Honours
In 2008, Bruni married the then-president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, serving as the first lady until 2012. Her public life during this period intersected with her artistic endeavors; she contributed to various charity records and performed at international events, including Nelson Mandela's 91st birthday celebration in 2009. She has received multiple decorations, including the Grand Cross of the National Order of Benin and the Collar of the Order of Charles III.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, Turin, Italy
- Citizenship: Italy and France
- Modeling period: 1987–1997
- Debut album: Quelqu'un m'a dit (2003)
- Spouse of the President of France: 2008–2012
- Languages spoken: French, Italian, English
Questions readers ask
Did Carla Bruni continue modeling after starting her music career?
Yes, she returned to the runway periodically, including walking in the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and closing the Versace spring/summer 2018 show.
What is the origin of the Bruni family wealth?
She is an heiress to the fortune of the Italian tyre manufacturing company CEAT, founded by her grandfather Virginio Bruni Tedeschi.
Achievements
- Grand Cross of the National Order of Benin — 2010
- Collar of the Order of Charles III — 2009
- Instruments: guitar, voice and piano
- Genres: French pop
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