Claudia Schiffer shimmers across 21 pages for Harper’s Bazzar’s July issue

It’s summer, and who better to land the season’s cover than the ultimate beach babe Claudia Schiffer? We imagine that’s what went through the heads of Harper’s Bazaar this month, when they decided to dedicate their entire fashion pages to the German super.

Modelling the dream holiday wardrobe as she poses poolside in paintbox brights, those Prada stripes and super glam Seventies eveningwear, Claudia looks every bit as beautiful as is humanly possible (seriously, nearly 41 and hotter than we could ever imagine? Damn).

Interestingly, she also sports her new luxe knitwear line in the magazine for the first time.

“It’s the first time I have put my name to something,” she says of the collection. “I feel very confident, but also very nervous. Who knew? Maybe it will just be me, the only person in the whole world who likes it.”

We doubt it, somehow. It looks just like the kind of snug, cosy collection we want to wrap up in on chilly summer nights.

“I’ve worked far too long in the fashion industry that I could just sell out,” Claudia continues. “I always knew I wanted to do something that I would love myself, something to be proud of. And there was never a product I really loved. I’ve had a lot of friends who said I was insane. But for me, it’s not just about the money.”

You see, Schiffer is someone who knows what she wants from fashion – “five minutes and I’m out of there,” she says of her shopping habits – and it’s her commitment to being a working mum that helps keep her headstrong.

“I try to be at dinner with the kids. I want to put them to bed,” she says of her work-home balance. “I’m not one of those people who are addicted to their Blackberry. I put it away.”

Speaking of kids, how does she cope with getting ready for the school run?

“You can’t be too over-dressed or too sexy on the school run. It’s about being practical and comfortable.” We think she’s looking at you, Elle MacPherson.

Catch the full interview in Harper’s Bazaar‘s July issue, on newsstands Monday, or catch the preview online here.

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