Before Christie Brinkley became a celebrated figure in the fashion world and an icon of beauty, she experienced a passionate yet tragically brief love story with Olivier Chandon de Brailles, the heir to a renowned champagne dynasty. Their romance began in 1982 when the then 28-year-old Brinkley, fresh from an eight-year marriage, attended a glamorous calendar launch party in New York City. There, she met the dashing Olivier, who was driven not only by his prestigious background but by a fervent ambition to establish himself as a successful race car driver.
Their immediate attraction was palpable; Olivier impressed Christie with thoughtful gestures like sending her a dozen white roses after their first meeting, which he thoughtfully penned with a heartfelt note. He had moved to New York with aspirations of a career in marketing, but his true passion lay in motorsport, a dream he pursued fervently despite the dangers associated with racing.
However, their whirlwind romance faced prominent concerns from both their families regarding the perils of racing. Olivier even went as far as dropping “de Brailles” from his name to avoid preferential treatment linked to his family’s wealth.
Tragically, on March 2, 1983, Olivier lost his life during a testing session at Moroso Motorsport Park when his car crashed, leading to his drowning. At just 27 years old, he left Christie devastated, as she had been anticipating meeting him that very evening. In the aftermath of this heartbreak, she took a break from her burgeoning modeling career to grieve; she even turned down a promising role in the film “Splash.”
Interestingly, two months post-Olivier’s death, she met musician Billy Joel, which ultimately led to a new chapter in her life. Their relationship blossomed, although it began under complex circumstances with Joel still involved with another model at the time.
Today, at 71, Brinkley fondly recalls her love for Olivier, illustrating that he was not merely a fleeting chapter of her life, but a significant love forever remembered. This heartfelt reminiscence serves as a reminder that even amidst heartache, love remains a powerful force that shapes our journeys.
Through her story, Brinkley intertwines memories of loss with reflections on love and resilience. Her experience encapsulates both the glamour of her life in the spotlight and the personal trials that remind us of the human side of celebrity status.