Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel WSJ Magazine Cover
In the July 2020 digital edition of WSJ. Magazine, supermodel and Kora Organics founder Miranda Kerr and her husband, Snapchat co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel, grace the cover in a captivating photoshoot by Daniel Jack Lyons. Styled by Jessica Paster, with hair and makeup by Ericka Verrett, and manicure by Olivia de Montagnac, the feature delves into the power couple’s contrasting personalities and shared life, offering insights into their relationship, careers, and how they navigate the complexities of life together.
Spiegel reflects on the dynamic of their marriage: “OK, we do see the world very differently, and that’s, in my view, a huge strength. There’s nothing more helpful than having someone who loves you, and knows you really well, point out a different perspective.” This quote encapsulates a central theme of the article: their differences are not weaknesses, but rather the bedrock of their strong partnership.
Evan Spiegel WSJ Magazine Portrait
The interview provides a glimpse into how the COVID-19 pandemic shifted Spiegel’s perspective. Confined to their Brentwood home, Spiegel experienced a profound change. “I told our team I’m not coming back,” he half-joked, highlighting the unexpected benefit of lockdown: “The thing that’s been so profound for me, I’m actually a part of our family now.” This period of enforced domesticity allowed him to re-evaluate his priorities, placing greater emphasis on family life alongside his demanding career at Snapchat. He also acknowledges the broader impact of the pandemic on technology, noting the rapid shift to videoconferencing and the need for innovation in this space.
When Spiegel first met Kerr, his priorities were clear. He confessed, “[Snap] is like the center of my life. If that’s a deal-breaker for you, I totally get it.” He recognized Kerr’s focus was also centered around her son Flynn, from her previous marriage to actor Orlando Bloom. In a charming gesture on their first date, Spiegel presented Kerr with a gingerbread house, iced with both her and Flynn’s names, signaling his intention to embrace her existing family structure.
Miranda Kerr Smiling WSJ Magazine Photo
Spiegel credits Kerr’s understanding nature as crucial to their relationship’s success. “She never made me feel bad for working hard, so I didn’t have that stress of letting anyone down. But I was letting myself down,” he admitted. Reflecting on his own upbringing, he shared, “My dad worked all the time when I was growing up. It was wearing on my mom. My parents ended up splitting up.” This personal history underscores his desire to find a healthier work-life balance, a shift encouraged by Kerr’s supportive presence.
Kerr’s own strong work ethic, developed from a young age, resonates with Spiegel’s drive. She recounts juggling her early modeling career with high school, attending shoots during holidays and vacations, and traveling economy class for work. “We worked long hours, but I saw my parents with their own businesses, working long hours,” Kerr explains. “I thought that’s what everyone did.” Beyond modeling, Kerr pursued studies in nutrition, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and long-term vision, even amidst the unpredictable nature of the fashion industry.
Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel Posing for WSJ Magazine
Their initial encounter was at a Louis Vuitton party at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Kerr fondly remembers telling Spiegel about her favorite classical piece, “Spiegel im Spiegel” by Arvo Pärt. Intriguingly, Harper’s Bazaar editor Glenda Bailey predicted their marriage early on, whispering to Kerr, “You’re going to marry that guy.” Despite an abrupt departure from Spiegel that first night, Kerr’s interest persisted. Weeks later, after a fashion shoot, she texted him about the song, leading to their connection.
Snapchat co-founder Bobby Murphy observed Spiegel’s surprise and delight at Kerr’s interest, noting, “He was really surprised that she was interested…He was over the moon. She’s the first supermodel he dated.”
Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel Relaxed WSJ Magazine Image
Spiegel, whose parents divorced, has learned valuable lessons from Kerr and Orlando Bloom’s co-parenting dynamic. He emphasizes the welcoming atmosphere they’ve created for Flynn, stating, “This is one of the things I love about Miranda. Everyone is welcome. It’s the Aussie way.” This inclusive approach extends to Bloom, with Spiegel affirming, “I am in no way a replacement for Flynn’s dad. I feel like [I’m part of] Team Flynn.”
The interview also touches on Spiegel’s leadership at Snapchat, addressing the Juneteenth filter controversy and the decision to stop promoting President Trump’s account. Regarding the Juneteenth issue, he stated, “What began with the best of intentions ended with a reminder of how much work is left to do and overshadowed our broader efforts to educate our community about the legacy of slavery in America.” On the political front, responding to accusations of election rigging, Spiegel firmly asserted, “We’re a business and we can put what we want on our platform.”
Miranda Kerr in Thoughtful Pose WSJ Magazine
Kerr expressed admiration for Spiegel’s response to the Black Lives Matter protests and his open letter to his team. “He wanted to articulate it in a way that would be very clear,” she said, highlighting his commitment to social responsibility.
Ultimately, Spiegel reiterates the strength found in their contrasting perspectives: “OK, we do see the world very differently, and that’s, in my view, a huge strength. There’s nothing more helpful than having someone who loves you, and knows you really well, point out a different perspective.” This WSJ. Magazine feature paints a rich portrait of Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel, not just as individuals, but as a power couple whose partnership thrives on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to family and purpose.
