Marlene Knaus: The Untold Story of Niki Lauda’s Ex-Wife and Fashion Icon

Marlene Knaus is likely best known as the former wife of Formula One great Niki Lauda, but her own life is much more than a marriage to the motor racing legend. A former model and fashion expert, Marlene made headlines with her striking appearance, elegance, and old-school style. Despite being associated with one of the most recognizable drivers in history, she has led a remarkably low-profile life, choosing instead one of discretion and quietude.

Even though she did not want fame, Marlene was significant in the life of Lauda. She stayed with him through his worst times, particularly after his near-fatal crash in 1976. Other than marriage, she was a trendsetter in the 1970s with impeccable taste and easy charm. This article goes in-depth about Marlene Knaus’ life, from her childhood days, career growth, relationship with Niki Lauda, and where she is today.

Quick Bio

Who is Marlene Knaus?

Marlene Knaus is a former model and socialite of Venezuelan descent, born in 1956. She gained recognition in the 1960s and 1970s as a fashion model and an influential figure in European high society. Her signature look, featuring effortlessly loose hair and a natural aesthetic, became a trend in the fashion world during her peak years.

Although best recognized for her relationship with Niki Lauda, Marlene had a career in her own right. She was an “It Girl” of her era, often featured on the front pages of fashion magazines and renowned for her classic, simple sense of style. Her subtle way with fashion brought her a rating as being among the most fashionable women of her generation. She was still a big figure within the world of fashion even after she gave up modeling.

Early Life

Marlene Knaus is Venezuelan-American. Very little information can be found regarding her family and childhood life. She is described to have grown up in a lifestyle that allowed her to harness her creative as well as her artistic skills. Her exposure in early life to other cultures might be responsible, in a possible way, for sharpening her sense of style and fashion.

She was drawn to fashion at a very young age, and in adulthood, she was already famous as a model. In comparison to most of the models who appeared during that time, Marlene possessed this natural elegance rather than pure glamour. Natural elegance appealed to a lot of designers as well as other fashion enthusiasts.

Career Beginnings

Marlene’s career as a fashion model was launched during the 1960s, and she became a highly sought-after model before long. She graced numerous magazine covers and was featured regularly in high-level fashion shows. Her effortless beauty and unique sense of style made her a muse for photographers and designers alike.

Her career was not without its struggles, however. Modeling was cutthroat, and it was a simple matter for the pressure of maintaining an ideal image to erode anyone. Nevertheless, Marlene struggled for her own good by remaining unapologetically herself. She never followed trends but created them, a testament to one who started among peers. Over the years, she worked in interior decorating and photography as well, painting her own artwork.

Who Was Marlene Knaus’s Ex-husband?

Marlene Knaus met Niki Lauda for the first time in the early 1970s, during the peak of his racing career. Their affair was a media frenzy virtually overnight because Lauda was among the most recognized athletes of his time. They were wed in 1976, a year in which one of the most dramatic events of Lauda’s life took place—his near-fatal crash at Nürburgring.

Despite the horrific crash, Marlene remained with him and was his support throughout the recovery. Marlene and Lauda were together for over 15 years and had two children, Mathias and Lukas. Although they subsequently divorced in 1991, they never parted ways and were still friendly with each other, Lauda consistently speaking extremely positively of Marlene in later life.

Marlene Knaus’s Physical Appearance

Standing at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm) tall, Marlene Knaus was a tall and imposing figure that dominated the modeling scene in her prime. Her long, flowing hair and natural beauty were distinguishing features that set her apart from the overly styled and glamorous look that was so common in the modeling world at the time.

She possessed a slim and elegant build, typically in formal yet simple clothes. Marlene’s style was natural—she preferred simplicity and timeless style to styles of the moment. Even in advanced old age, she has managed to maintain a certain elegance and composure, affirming her status as a true style icon.

Net Worth

The net worth of Marlene Knaus is not disclosed, though with her good modeling and interior design business career, she would have probably generated a lot of money. She may also have secured her financial position through the divorce settlement by Niki Lauda, her ex-husband, who died in 2019 with a net worth estimated at $200 million.

Despite her retraction from the spotlight to such a great extent, Marlene is believed to live comfortably. She has succeeded in leading her personal and humble life away from the spotlight of the media, following her individual interests and her family.

Social Media

Unlike most of her other former celebrity and socialite peers, Marlene Knaus did not have a social media presence. She closed down her public profiles in 2014 and has lived a private life ever since. Unlike other celebrities of her generation who transitioned to become social media influencers, Marlene is not pro-privacy and has never pursued the spotlight.

Her absence from social media just adds to the mystery. Fans frequently see old pictures of her shared, yet she does not otherwise post on these sites. Her decision not to live her life in public view again reinforces the perception that she prefers personal rather than public life.

Legacy

Marlene Knaus currently resides in Ibiza, Spain, and enjoys a secluded and peaceful life there. Even though she is no longer public, she remains an iconic figure in the fashion industry, and her beauty and grace are still remembered by all.

While she is no longer part of the fashion or celebrity scene, she continues to have a presence. Being the ex-wife of one of the legends of the track and a legend in fashion in her own right, Marlene Knaus’s story is one of classic beauty, poise, and quiet resolve. She is an inspiration to many who value understated elegance and classic beauty.