Hilary Rhoda
Her classic American beauty and athletic poise made her a defining face of Estée Lauder for over a decade, bridging high fashion and mainstream appeal.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American model·Birthday: April 6·Millennials
Biography
Hilary Rhoda emerged from Chevy Chase, Maryland, not as a typical waifish model, but as a former competitive athlete with a powerful, statuesque presence. Discovered at a local gym, her career ignited when she landed an exclusive contract with Estée Lauder in 2006, becoming the first new face for the brand in nearly a decade. She brought a fresh, healthy, and accessible glamour to the cosmetics giant, representing it globally for years. Simultaneously, Rhoda conquered the fashion world, walking for houses like Chanel and Versace, and gracing the pages of Vogue. Her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue highlighted her athletic physique, a testament to her soccer and lacrosse background. More than just a model, Rhoda co-founded a successful activewear line, demonstrating the business savvy that has extended her influence beyond the runway.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Hilary was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Hilary Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Hilary's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Secured an exclusive, multi-year contract as the face of Estée Lauder in 2006, a major industry coup.
- Featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in three consecutive years (2009-2011).
- Walked in major fashion shows for designers including Chanel, Versace, and Michael Kors.
- Co-founded the activewear brand RYU, showcasing her entrepreneurial drive.
Did You Know?
She was a highly competitive athlete in high school, playing varsity soccer, lacrosse, and basketball.
Rhoda was discovered by a modeling scout while working out at a Washington D.C. sports club.
She is married to former professional hockey player Sean Avery.
She has appeared in advertising campaigns for luxury brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Gap.
“I bring an athletic strength to my work, a different kind of power.”
