Photographer Dennie Cody spotted her horseback riding near her Miami home when she was 13 and sent her photos to a local model agency. During nights, weekends, and after classes she had her first photo shoots. Her first job was a series of ads for a store chain, Emporium Capwell, for a hundred dollars per hour. As the months passed, the bookings began to pour in. Within no time, there wasn't anyone in the Miami fashion world that wasn't familiar with this young woman's face, fashion agencies wouldn't hear about any other model. Soon news of this budding new talent reached New York, where modeling's highest priestess, Eileen Ford, offered her a contract in Paris. Her first shots were, for the most part, a failure, and she was quickly dismissed. She immediately returned to the United States. Eillen Ford, reluctant on giving up on Christy's opportunity for stardom, sent her to New York's most prominent magazines and photographers. At this time, Christy was only 16. Working with photographer Arthur Elgort, she eventually gained coverage on American Vogue who had requested her for a series of photos. Christy would wait two more years, first completing her high school education, before pursuing a career as a professional model. In 1987 her career took off when Italian Vogue chose her for its cover.

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Has Maybelline contract worth $3 million where she has to work 12 days each year. In 1989, Christy signed an exclusive contract with Calvin Klein to represent their perfume Eternity. Modelled for Versace, Peta and Shiseido. Has own calender. Owns the 'Up and Down Club' in San Fancisco with her little sister, Erin. Had documentary made after her called 'Christy Turlington Backstage' which followed her life during the spring 1994 collections. Christy is partners with Elle Macpherson, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell in ownership of the 'Fashion Caf?' in New York.