Simone Kowalski

Simone Kowalski, who is also known by the moniker Simi, is a German fashion model. Born on July 25, 1997, she first attained widespread public recognition after competing in and winning the fourteenth cycle of the reality television competition Germany's Next Topmodel in 2019.

Kowalski is based in the German town of Stade. During her youth, she actively engaged in athletics, training as a member of the local sports club VfL Stade. Outside of her modeling activities, she pursued higher education, undertaking studies focused on international primary school teaching.

In 2019, Kowalski entered the fourteenth season of Germany's Next Topmodel. Her trajectory on the show led to the live final event on May 23, 2019, hosted at the ISS Dome in Düsseldorf, where she was officially announced as the winner. Her prize package included a modeling contract with the agency ONEeins fab Management, cash prize money amounting to 100,000 euros, and a cover feature for the fashion publication Harper's Bazaar.

Following her victory, Kowalski voiced critical perspectives regarding the television show. In 2020, she publicly criticized the program's format, asserting that displaying young contestants undermining one another for the purpose of entertainment was wrong. She also mentioned that she was personally unable to watch episodes of the series.

In August 2022, amid a wave of criticism from former contestants, Kowalski again spoke out against Germany's Next Topmodel. She argued that the series presented severe risks to young individuals and caused mental trauma for many participants. In her statements, she emphasized that show host Heidi Klum had a duty to confront the pain and distress inflicted upon the contestants during their time on the broadcast.

During this time, Kowalski joined former America's Next Top Model participant Lisa D'Amato for an interview to detail her personal experiences. Kowalski stated that participating in the show severely damaged her health, leaving her mentally broken and causing her to lose her money, personal relationships, and family connections. She also asserted that she was compelled against her will to work for Heidi Klum's father after the show concluded. Rebutting former contestants who spoke favorably of the series, Kowalski expressed her conviction that Germany's Next Topmodel should be permanently discontinued.