Image Courtesy of Eau Thermale Avène.
In an industry obsessed with image, Toni Garrn has carved out a space where substance carries weight. From international runways to rural clinics in Uganda, the German model moves between fashion and philanthropy. Through the Toni Garrn Foundation, she’s committed to creating change for girls and women across Africa—education, autonomy, access. Now, in partnership with Eau Thermale Avène, that vision expands into healthcare, with the continuous funding of a solar-powered medical center that speaks in solutions. This marks a continued commitment to sustainable healthcare access, with a focus on dermatology and medical education. Garrn and Eau Thermale Avène offer more than visibility—they deliver continuity.
We met Garrn in a moment of calm to talk about beauty, purpose, and the Toni Garrn Foundation’s partnership with Avène.
Image Courtesy of Eau Thermale Avène.
SLEEK: What does feeling beautiful mean to you?
Toni Garrn: I feel most beautiful when I’m healthy. I used to struggle with dry skin and a bit of eczema around my eyes, so skincare and nutrition definitely play a role. When I’m on vacation, I feel more beautiful because I’m not trying—I’m just relaxed and happy in the sun.
S: Beauty is an evolving concept. How would you define it for yourself?
TG: For me, beauty comes from within. It’s deeply personal, layered, and never absolute. It’s not something that should be judged as purely positive or negative.
S: Still, there are societal ideals around it. Have you ever felt pressured by them?
TG: Not really. I’ve been modeling for a long time. I was discovered on the street, and I’ve been fortunate to work because of my appearance. But I’ve never felt it as pressure. I feel most beautiful when I feel good in myself.
Image Courtesy of Eau Thermale Avène.
S: Outside of modeling, you’ve stepped into other fields. Has that changed your relationship with yourself?
TG: I wouldn’t say it’s a change of self. When I started modeling at 14, I hadn’t really figured out who I was. That self-discovery came later. I always knew modeling was external—it was never something I took personally. It was only after finishing school and moving to New York that I asked myself: What do I actually want to do? That’s when I realized how much I love the African continent. I wanted to travel with organizations that gave me the chance to see a different side of the continent, off the beaten tourist track. It was the opposite of my daily life at the time, but modeling gave me the privilege to experience that contrast. I started in Sub-Saharan Africa, then went to Cape Town and Morocco. The job was glamorous, yes, but also isolating and tough. You learn quickly who you are—but I always saw it as a privilege to travel across three continents in a single month.
S: Have you found a deeper sense of self in Africa?
TG: I feel most like myself when I’m there. Maybe I lived there in another life. Some villages, meals, or people just resonate deeply. It’s where I feel grounded—at home.
S: Your campaign with Avène focuses on empowerment and creating change. What does that mean to you, especially in the context of your foundation?
TG: Our goal is to support local women in ways that truly serve them. It’s about helping them lead self-sufficient lives—because often they don’t even know their rights. Legally, you can’t marry under 18, and you don’t have to say yes just because your parents do. The Toni Garrn foundation has grown—now we provide school uniforms, meals, renovations, and many more things. It depends on the region, project and need within the community. It’s about long-term support.
Image Courtesy of Eau Thermale Avène.
S: Has your foundation work impacted you personally?
TG: In the beginning, it was emotionally tough. One of my first trips was to Burkina Faso. I flew through Istanbul Airport—a place that feels so luxurious—and then arrived somewhere where people were knocking on my window because I had a single mango. That contrast was jarring. But I also knew I had access to spaces where I could fundraise—galas and events with people who have the means to make a difference. That’s where I saw my responsibility.
S: How are you realizing projects with Eau Thermal Avène?
TG: Together, we’re directly supporting a medical center in Uganda—something many rural communities urgently need. It’s been nearly two years since we’ve worked on this project together. It offers a safe space for women to give birth, with basic infrastructure like private bathrooms and solar power so medical procedures can be performed during power shortages. We’re also expanding outreach programs to bring access to those who travel to reach the center. Word of mouth is powerful when infrastructure is limited. It’s a major initiative, and we couldn’t have done it without Eau Thermal Avène.
S: You’re creating change on a large scale. What does personal achievement look like in your day-to-day?
TG: Giving birth to my daughter was my biggest achievement. Honestly, making her breakfast feels like a success. She’s my number one now.