Vito Schnabel, a prominent art dealer and well-known figure in high society circles, recently tied the knot with model Helen Althof in a quiet, intimate ceremony. The couple, who have captivated headlines for years due to their high-profile connections, chose Old Westbury, New York, as the backdrop for their private vows. The bride arrived in a chic white mini dress featuring a plunging neckline and an elegant long train, complemented by rhinestone sandals, a delicate necklace, and sunglasses. Those close to the couple described the wedding as very modest and discreet, with the emphasis on privacy rather than spectacle.
At 37, Schnabel married the 21-year-old model, signaling a significant age gap that has drawn public curiosity. The ceremony was intentionally low-key, allowing the couple to celebrate in a setting that felt personal rather than performative. This choice aligns with Schnabel’s longstanding preference for intimate gatherings that keep the focus on family and close friends rather than media attention.
The pair reportedly met through a mutual billionaire friend aboard a yacht, a setting that underscores the social circles they inhabit. The meeting occurred when Helen Althof was just 19 years old, a detail that has been cited in coverage of their relationship and the path that led to marriage.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, rumors swirled about a possible romance between Irina Shayk and Vito Schnabel. In March 2020, paparazzi captured the two in the foyer of Shayk’s Manhattan residence, and later that year they were photographed again with Shayk’s daughter Leah, from actor Bradley Cooper, at a playground. Despite the public drama and sensational headlines, sources close to the situation indicated that their long-standing friendship did not develop into a serious romantic relationship.
One insider described the dynamic in practical terms, noting that Irina Shayk and Vito Schnabel had known each other for many years and had maintained a friendship through various life stages. According to that account, they once went on a double date with Heidi Klum and Bradley Cooper, highlighting the intertwined nature of their social networks. The insider added that both individuals were recently independent and enjoying a period of renewed focus on personal and professional lives in New York, where both have spent considerable time during recent years. Schnabel, famed for his flair in the art world and social scene, was portrayed as someone who enjoys lively conversation and flirtation, while Shayk was described as comfortable in the spotlight, traits that have fueled public fascination with their stories.
In past appearances, Heidi Klum has shared experiences of travel and family life, underscoring a period when the group enjoyed holidays and time together with partners. Those details, while part of a broader narrative about their interconnected social circles, are now part of a larger arc that culminates in Schnabel’s marriage to Helen Althof. The family-focused timing of the wedding, the choice of a private venue, and the careful curation of guest lists reflect a deliberate shift toward quieter, more personal milestones amid a life lived in the public eye.