Sophie Franziska Maria Germaine Habsburg also known as Archduchess Sophie of Austria[1][2][3][4][5] (born on 19 January 1959) is a French-born Italian designer, German aristocrat and former model.
At the age of 20, Habsburg moved to Madrid and had a successful career in modelling. She appeared in De Beers and Valentino commercials, as well as on the cover of the first issue of Vogue Spain. At the same time she also designed jewellery and worked as decorator, radio host and journalist, interviewing royals and actors. She became friends with Richard Gere after an interview and raised funds with him for the charity SOS Children's Villages.[6]
In 2010, Habsburg started designing handbags, known to some as Habsbags. Habsbags are often worn by members of the Spanish and British royal families.[6]
Generations are numbered by male-line descent from Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor. Later generations are included although Austrian titles of nobility were abolished and outlawed in 1919.