The British model reaches the milestone age on January 16 and four days beforehand a programme about her life will be aired on French television channel Paris Première.

Called Looking for Kate, the show features interviews with many of the major names in fashion who have worked with the model.

According to Vogue France, the documentary will "delve into some of the darker aspects of the woman whose face is known all over the world".

Among those who have taken part in the programme is photographer David Ross, who took Kate's first test shots. Designer Isabel Marant has also spoken about working with the model, as have photographers Paolo Roversi and Peter Lindbergh.

It is unknown if Kate has had any involvement with the project.

This is the latest in a string of events which have marked Kate's 25-year career. She received the Special Recognition Award at last year's British Fashion Awards in honour of all she has achieved and also graces the cover of the 60th anniversary edition of Playboy magazine.

Kate was discovered by Storm modelling agency boss Sarah Doukas when she was 14, walking through an airport in America. She became known for making the waif look the style of the moment, which countered the voluptuous figures of other big models of the time such as Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista.

The model remains famous for the raunchy black-and-white Calvin Klein campaign she shot alongside Mark Wahlberg, even though she has since admitted she was mortified while in front of the camera at that time.

Kate has worked for the likes of Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton and has now moved into the design arena. Her new line with Topshop is due out later this year.