Keep Up With These Iconic Supermodels
When it comes to modeling, supermodels are more than just pretty faces. While their paths to the top may diverge, many of them go on to use their fame for good, build commercial empires, or pursue acting careers that only serve to further their notoriety. Since Tyra Banks and Kate Moss’ heyday, what’s become of these iconic catwalk names? See what else they’ve accomplished since their first appearance on the covers of magazines. These people have gone from settling back into a quiet life to inspiring people around the world with their names.
The Tale of a Fairy
The years 1985 to 1998 saw Kristen McMenamy become a household name in the modeling industry, and she has continued to do so ever since. She has been able to balance her career and raising her three children at the same time.
The Tale Of A Fairy
Last year, McMenamy walked the runway for Chanel Haute Couture for the spring/summer 2011 collection and appeared in the short film “The Tale of a Fairy.” In 2012 she appeared in campaigns for Givenchy and Gaultier, and in 2013 she divorced and walked in the Atelier Versace spring/summer fashion show. She’s just too hard to stop!
Exotic Beauty
Yasmin Le Bon, who was born in 1964 to Iranian-English parents, embodied a blend of traditional western beauty and exoticism. Her big break came in 1987, when she was hired as the face of a new campaign by “Guess,” and that was just the beginning.
Exotic Beauty
She rose to fame thanks to magazine covers and runways, but she has remained grounded; she and her husband, Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon, have been married for more than thirty years. Le Bon continues to model, and in 2012 she posed in a gown that weighed over a hundred pounds – nearly as much as she did.
The Queen of Pose
Coco Rocha was discovered while competing in an Irish dance competition in 2002, launching a decade-long career that included numerous fashion campaigns, runway walks, and even editorials. People dubbed her the “Queen of Pose” because she posed in a regal and deliberate manner.
The Queen Of Pose
Rocha became a brand director and helped map the careers of younger models after purchasing a stake in the Nomad Mgmt Modeling Agency in 2016. She’s worked with Kendall and Kylie Jenner as a personal trainer and is the founder of the Coco Rocha Camp, a four-day master class for aspiring models.
A Design Muse
Devon Aoki, whose name you may recognize, ruled over more than just the fashion world. She had a debut season that made her famous almost immediately, and then she became Karl Lagerfeld’s design muse. Devon closed out his shows as his Chanel bride for several seasons.
A Design Muse
In the films “2 Fast 2 Furious” and “Sin City,” she wowed audiences with her beauty. Aoki lives with her husband, James Bailey, and their three children now that she has retired from the runway. Steve Aoki, her brother, is a musician who has used her in a number of his music videos.
Mind the Gap
Lara Stone had already been signed to Elite Modeling Agency before she was even allowed to legally drive. She’s been flaunting the gap in her teeth and her bright blonde brows on the runway for Stella McCartney and Prada ever since.
Mind The Gap
Tyra Banks was so inspired by Lara’s look that she had a contestant’s tooth gap widened on season sixteen of “America’s Next Top Model.” Stone is still a model, recognizable all over the fashion world, despite being closer to forty than thirty.
A Business Model
Kathy Ireland began her career as a well-known model, but her true talents are in the business world. It all started in 1993, when she took out a $50,000 loan to launch her own line of socks. Socks, not perfume, underwear, or shoes.
A Business Model
Kathy Ireland Worldwide, also known as kiWW, is a marketing firm that you may be familiar with. The company generates more than one billion dollars in annual sales, so the lesson is clear: socks are a great place to start if you want to make a fortune.
Making the Cut
Klum’s career took off in 1997 when she was hired as a Victoria’s Secret Angel and graced the cover of the “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit” issue, making her one of the most famous supermodels alive today. Klum rose to prominence as one of the most well-known models of all time, securing endorsements from companies such as McDonald’s, Liz Claiborne, and Volkswagen.
Making The Cut
Heidi has won Emmys, designed lingerie, served as a judge on “America’s Got Talent,” given birth to four children, and married twice, first to Seal and then to Tokio Hotel guitarist Tom Kaulitz. “Making the Cut,” an Amazon Prime show she co-created with Tim Gunn, premiered in March 2020.
Branching Out
Karlie Kloss was bouncing between agencies when she first started modeling at the age of fourteen, but by the time she was sixteen, she had walked sixty-four shows during fashion month. Kloss was John Galliano’s muse and a regular on the Dior runways, as well as the face of Estee Lauder and Swarovski Crystals.
Branching Out
She still walks the runway now and then, but she’s also branched out. She started Kode with Klossy, a scholarship program for young girls interested in STEM fields, in 2015. She co-hosts “Project Runway” with Christian Siriano and Brandon Maxwell.
Starting at the Top
Stephanie Seymour began at the top and worked her way down. Victoria’s Secret and “Sports Illustrated” swimsuit issues were among her first contracts. When she posed for an adult magazine in 1993, she quickly became famous and has only grown in popularity, for better or worse.
Starting At The Top
Seymour continues to model for the most part, but she has dabbled in acting as well. Stephanie appeared in the film “Pollack,” on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” and in the live-action video game “Hell: A Cyberpunk Thriller” as a character. Her published book is full of beauty advice, and she has also appeared in numerous advertisements for clothing and cosmetics.
A Model Poet
Pat Cleveland struggled to find work as a model until she traveled to Europe in 1970. She promised not to return to the United States until Vogue featured a black model on the cover, and she kept her word, returning to her homeland in 1974.
A Model Poet
Pat worked as a model until the 1980s, when she decided to open her own modeling agency in Milan, Italy. Pat, who is still a part-time model, has broadened her horizons considerably, publishing a book of poetry in 2001.
The World’s First Supermodel?
Janice Dickinson moved to New York City in the 1970s to further her modeling career after winning a modeling competition as a teenager. She was earning two grand per day (roughly seven thousand in today’s money) less than ten years later, and she was regularly appearing on magazine covers.
The World’s First Supermodel?
Janice declared herself the world’s first supermodel, and despite being in her sixties, she has maintained a high profile in the fashion industry. She was a judge on “America’s Next Top Model” for a few seasons and has also appeared on VH1’s “Couples Therapy.”
Not a Quitter
It isn’t always easy to achieve your goals. After being asked to model for an adult magazine, Linda Evangelista almost left the industry. Despite her desire to give up, she heeded her mother’s advice and persevered. She lost a lot of traction after cutting her hair short, but after a few months, people began gushing about her new look.
Not A Quitter
Models won’t get out of bed for less than $10,000, according to one of her most famous quotes. Her activism includes funding research and raising awareness about various illnesses. In 1996, VH1 honored her with a Fashion Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2003, she was inducted into the Canada Walk of Fame.
Hello Boys!
When Eva Herzigova starred in a Wonderbra commercial in 1996, she shot to fame. The ad featured a stunning model wearing a black Wonderbra with the caption “Hello boys.” Despite the fact that it received international attention and spawned a slew of knockoffs, the ad was met with a barrage of complaints that it was offensive.
Hello Boys!
Herzigova had a very successful modeling career. She left the catwalk for a career in film after growing tired of it. In 2013, she starred in “Cha Cha Cha,” and in 2014, she starred in “Storyteller.”
Every Mother Counts
Turlington, who is still in high demand, has accomplished a lot outside of the runway. That’s not to say she wasn’t a success as a model – far from it. She is now a vocal anti-smoking activist who devotes much of her time to maternal health. Her film “No Woman, No Cry” looks at the various approaches to maternal health around the world.
Every Mother Counts
Every Mother Counts is a non-profit that Christy helped found. She’s working toward a Master’s degree, thanks to Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. She is also a yogi and still works as a model from time to time.
A Kiwi Model
The majority of supermodels come from America or Western Europe, but Rachel Hunter hails from the other side of the globe: New Zealand. She wanted to be a dancer as a child, but when she was seventeen, she decided to pursue modeling.
A Kiwi Model
It didn’t take long for the rest of the world to notice her, and magazines began contacting her for cover ideas. She is now a full-time mother of two children and has made a number of television appearances, including her own show, “Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty.” Rachel still looks great and models decades after her first campaign.
Feminine Energy
Alessandra Ambrosio rose to fame quickly as a lingerie model and was able to leverage her celebrity into high-fashion jobs. Working with Bottega Veneta and Oscar de la Renta was part of this. She announced her retirement after a long career on the runways and on magazine covers.
Feminine Energy
Two years later, she founded Gal Floripa, a company that provided lifestyle and swimwear options that were inspired by female power, motherhood, and Brazil, where she was born, among other things.
A Tech Model
Natalia Vodianova was discovered at the age of fifteen and quickly signed a seven-figure contract with Calvin Klein. The contract lasted eight seasons, and some of the most scandalous ads in the brand’s history resulted from it. Following that, there were over 200 runway appearances and a slew of magazine covers. With all of that, who’d have guessed she’d end up as a tech mogul?
A Tech Model
She founded Elbi in 2015, an online platform that aims to make philanthropy accessible to anyone with a computer or phone. Vodianova is also the founder of the Naked Heart Foundation, a charity that provides information on Russia’s underprivileged children.
An Abrupt Departure
Daria Werbowy, a Polish model, didn’t set out to become a huge star; she did it on the side to help pay for her art school education. In her first week with Elite Model Management, she signed an exclusive contract with Prada.
An Abrupt Departure
Daria still holds the record for the most shows opened and closed in a single season in the modeling world. Chanel, Dior, La Perla, and Hermes, to name a few, are among them. Her abrupt exit from the modeling industry in 2008 suggests that it was never her intended career path. She and her boyfriend now live on the Irish coast.
The Highest-Paid Model
“Rolling Stone” named her the most beautiful girl in the world, and she was also the highest-paid model in the world at one point. Gisele’s first modeling job was with a fast-food restaurant in Brazil, where she was born. She quickly rose to model stardom after that first job.
The Highest Paid Model
Gisele has put her name to good use by launching Agua Limpa, a water conservation and plant recovery project. She also serves as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environment Program.
A Busy Bee
Despite her obvious natural beauty, Molly Sims took a long time to make it big after dropping out of college to pursue modeling in 1993. Molly began to land roles in “House of Style,” “Starsky & Hutch,” and “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit,” where she gained a large following.
A Busy Bee
She’s a busy bee with her acting, modeling, and family (she married Scott Stuber and has three children). She does, however, have time to serve as a global ambassador for Services International’s Five & Alive program.
A Model on Broadway
Christie Brinkley was looking forward to bigger and better things even when she was one of the most highly regarded and sought-after models in the world. When her modeling opportunities dried up, she moved on to film and television, even hosting a CNN talk show for a time.
A Model On Broadway
The Susan G. Komen Foundation and UNICEF are two notable charities she’s gotten involved with. As a talented singer and dancer, Brinkley has also portrayed Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of “Chicago.”
The First Supermodel
Twiggy, real name Lesley Lawson, is widely regarded as the world’s first supermodel. Her skeletal figure was ideal for displaying the 1960s beauty ideal, and she continues to represent the London mod scene to this day.
The First Supermodel
Twiggy went on to pursue other successful endeavors, including acting and serving as a judge on “America’s Next Top Model.” Lawson is well-known today as an animal rights activist who frequently encourages people to stop wearing fur. She also devotes her time to medical research organizations.
An All-American Model
Carol Alt is one of the most all-American supermodels. Since her birth in 1960, she has been attracting attention. She had over FIVE HUNDRED magazine covers in the 1980s alone. Alt’s appearances in advertisements for brands like Diet Pepsi and General Motors weren’t limited to high fashion.
An All American Model
Carol has since gone on to become a reality TV contestant, a TV show host, and even an actress, with several starring roles in Italian television. She seems to have a thing for hockey players in her love life, having married both Ron Greschner and Alexei Yashin. Yashin and she are still together.
Retired at Thirty
There wasn’t a single big designer who didn’t want Karen Mulder, a Dutch model, to model for them. Giorgio Armani, Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent are among them. She appeared on the cover of “Vogue,” modeled for Victoria’s Secret, and posed for the “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit” issue.
Retired At Thirty
She revealed she struggled with mental health issues and made shocking allegations against her former bosses, as well as Prince Albert of Monaco, after retiring from modeling at the age of thirty in 2000.
History’s Biggest Modeling Contract
Paulina Porizkova signed the world’s largest modeling contract at the time, in 1988. Estee Lauder paid her $6 million to become the company’s new face. Porizkova, on the other hand, eventually admitted that she despised modeling and moved on to something much more manageable: acting.
History’s Biggest Modeling Contract
“Portfolio,” “Covergirl,” “Anna,” and “Her Alibi” are among her films. She was a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2007 and a guest judge on “America’s Next Top Model” in 2010. Porizkokva’s passion for writing has remained constant throughout her life: she wrote a children’s book in 1992, a novel about a young girl getting into modeling in 2007, and she began blogging at the Huffington Post in 2009.
A Musical Model
Carla Bruni was one of the most famous models in the world for the majority of the 1990s. This brunette darling, who hails from Italy, has walked the runways for a slew of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses. She stunned the fashion world when she left the runway in 1997 to pursue a career in music.
A Musical Model
Carla worked on her music and dabbled in acting for almost the entire decade of the 2000s. She returned to modeling in 2018 for Versace’s spring/summer fashion show, and then married Nicolas Sarkozy, France’s president. As a result, she became more immersed in the political world.
From Model to Actor
“ELLE,” “Marie Claire,” “Cosmopolitan,” and “Sports Illustrated” are just a few of the magazines that have featured Rebecca Romijn. La Perla, Christian Dior, J. Crew, Tommy Hilfiger, and a slew of other brands have enlisted her services. If you’ve ever seen a modeling campaign while out shopping, Romijn was most likely a part of it.
From Model To Actor
Her acting career has now surpassed her modeling career. She starred as Mystique in the first three X-Men films and has also appeared in films such as “Rollerball” and “The Punisher.” Rebecca’s life has also included appearances on “Ugly Betty” and “Star Trek: Discovery.”
No Grace
Many models have a distinct western appearance, but Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid does not. She was discovered at the age of eighteen in her native Somalia and quickly rose to become one of the most well-known models in the world. Iman, on the other hand, didn’t stay in the industry for long; she left in 1987, claiming that she couldn’t find any grace in this line of work.
No Grace
In Los Angeles, Abdulmajid met and married David Bowie. She made a documentary about her homeland, “Somalia Diary,” with the help of the BBC. In 1994, she launched her cosmetics line, giving women of color who, like her, struggled to find a foundation that matched their skin tone more options.
A Guess Girl
Laetitia Casta was discovered on a beach in her native France at the age of 15 and became a Guess girl at the age of 15. She flaunted her beauty on the runways, in Victoria’s Secret catalogs, and in the “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit” issue.
A Guess Girl
After appearing on the cover of “Rolling Stone” in only her birthday suit, Casta was named model of the year in 1998. She still models now and then, but her focus has shifted to French-language films. She has a daughter with director Stephane Sednaoui, whom she married. With actor Stefano Accorsi, she has two children. She is now married to Louis Garrel, the director of her film “A Faithful Man,” which was released in 2019.
In Control
Helena Christensen jumped right into modeling after winning Miss Universe for Denmark in 1986. She walked the runways and graced the covers of magazines all over the world, and she continues to do so even though her heyday has passed.
In Control
Christensen is the creative director of “Nylon” magazine and has launched several clothing lines of her own. She is now in charge of the camera, and her work has appeared in publications such as “Nylon,” “ELLE,” and “Marie Claire,” among others. Helena’s charitable work entails a great deal of work raising awareness and funds to aid those who are afflicted with diseases.
An Exclusive Gucci Contract
To begin your modeling career, nothing beats an exclusive Gucci contract. Liya Kebede’s first runway appearance was in 2000, and it was because of this. It was then on to Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, and Victoria’s Secret.
An Exclusive Gucci Contract
She is now fully committed to her activism, devoting a large portion of her time to maternal health and the preservation of Ethiopian culture, where she was born. She founded the Liya Kebede Foundation in 2005 to help Ethiopian mothers and children through educational and medical programs. She also contributes maternal health articles to many of the magazines where she has previously appeared.
A McDonald’s Model
Everywhere you look, there are potential models to be found. Even while employed at McDonald’s, as Yasmeen Ghauri did. Her modeling career took off after she appeared on the cover of “Vogue” in January 1991, and she quickly rose through the ranks to become the face of brands such as Chanel.
A McDonald’s Model
Yasmeen became the first woman of South Asian descent to be Victoria’s Secret angel in 1992. Ghauri took a break from modeling after more than five years on the runway. Her career was still on the rise, but she wanted to spend more time with her husband, lawyer Ralph Bernstein, and start a family. Together, they have a daughter.
The Girl Next Door
Niki Taylor was destined for magazine covers with her girl-next-door look and incredible charisma. At the age of fourteen, she made her first appearance in the magazine “Seventeen.” She went on to work for “CoverGirl,” “Nokia,” and the “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit” issue after that. At the tender age of fifteen, Taylor became the youngest model to appear on “Vogue.”
The Girl Next Door
Krissy, Niki’s younger sister and another model, died in 1996. Niki was involved in a tragic accident a few years later and had to take some time away from the spotlight to recover. She is now a successful model and the wife of former NASCAR driver Burney Lamar.
An Arizona Beauty
Amber Valletta’s first of sixteen “Vogue” covers came when she was eighteen years old. It was only the beginning for this Arizona beauty, who has appeared in Armani, Prada, and Elizabeth Arden campaigns. She went on to work as an actress in films like “What Lies Beneath,” “Hitch,” and “The Family Man.”
An Arizona Beauty
Valletta has spoken publicly about her struggles with substance abuse in the hopes of assisting others. She has stated unequivocally that in these types of situations, the help of others is critical, and she is grateful she was not left to her own devices.
Made for Couture
Shalom Harlow has a body made for couture, according to Tim Blanks, a fashion journalist. At the age of seventeen, she was discovered by a scout at a “The Cure” concert and quickly rose to prominence as a model.
Made For Couture
Harlow has modeled for high-end brands such as Chanel and Dior. Shalom is still rocking the catwalks and social media, despite the fact that “The Cure” is no longer active. She walked in Versace’s spring 2019 show and was featured prominently in the brand’s spring campaign.
America’s Top Model
She was the first black woman on the cover of “Sports Illustrated,” the creator of “America’s Next Top Model,” and the author of a young adult novel. Tyra was also one of Victoria’s Secret’s most well-known models, with more sold bras than any other model.
America’s Top Model
Banks is now a mother and devotes her time to a variety of charitable causes. One of her main missions is to help young girls with self-esteem issues, and she’s also started a scholarship program to help young black girls attend the high school where she went.
An Unfortunate Tragedy
Gemma Ward made twenty-five thousand dollars per runway show when she was only twenty years old. She had also fronted a Calvin Klein campaign and served as a muse for Miuccia Prada at the time. Ward was on her way to becoming the next Kate Moss when her boyfriend, Heath Ledger, died unexpectedly, forcing her to take a break.
An Unfortunate Tragedy
She signed with IMG Models and returned to the runways after a five-year hiatus. Her acting credits now include roles in films like “The Great Gatsby” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”
Jeans and Riding Boots
German-born Tatjana Patitz rose to fame in the 1990s, working with Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Cartier, Versace, and Calvin Klein, among others. She appeared in George Michael’s “Freedom ’90” music video alongside supermodels Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and others.
Jeans And Riding Boots
Patitz stayed out of the spotlight for the most part, preferring to live on a Santa Barbara ranch with her son Johan and their many animals. She still models on occasion, but she prefers to wear jeans and riding boots most of the time.
The Body
Macpherson earned the nickname “The Body” for his six-foot frame and athletic figure. Her first cover for “Sports Illustrated” made her famous, and she would go on to earn $25,000 per page in the future.
The Body
Elle, like many other models, went into acting and had a successful career on screen in the 1990s. She’s also a UNICEF ambassador and a representative for Smile in Australia, which helps families of children with a variety of rare diseases.
An Alternative Model
Agyness Deyn stood out among the Victoria’s Secret Angels. Yes, she was lovely and enchanting, but there was something else about her. Her tomboy look and short hair helped her stand out in a crowded market, and the punk aesthetic she was able to cultivate on the runways was a joy to watch.
An Alternative Model
Deyn has worked for Alexander Wang, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, and a slew of other fashion houses. She was the official face of Burberry, Doc Martens, and other well-known brands. After retiring from modeling in 2012, she pursued acting. “Clash of the Titans,” “The Titan,” and “Her Smell” are among Agyness’s film credits.
Growing Up Supermodel
Beverly Peele began modeling at the surprisingly young age of twelve. “Mademoiselle,” her first magazine cover, was published in 1989. She then went on to walk for Prada, Comme des Garcons, and John Galliano for “Vogue,” “ELLE,” and “Cosmopolitan.”
Growing Up Supermodel
Beverly took a break in 1993 to raise her daughter Cairo, despite her meteoric success. Her sons Trey and DJ, as well as her daughter Storm, have joined her family since then. Beverly and Storm made an appearance on the Lifetime docu-series “Growing Up Supermodel” in 2017, which follows the careers of the children of famous models like Peele.
Five Hundred Magazine Covers
The first model to appear on the cover of “Rolling Stone” was Claudia Schiffer. Claudia was once the highest-paid model in the world, earning around $50,000 per day, and she was a prolific model, having appeared on more than 500 magazine covers.
Five Hundred Magazine Covers
She tried her hand at acting with roles in “Love Actually” and “Zoolander,” both of which she enjoyed. Claudia has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and as a member of the Arts and Entertainment Support Committee, among other things.
The Best Angel
Adriana Lima is one of the most lucrative Victoria’s Secret models. She walked the runway for the first time at the age of seventeen and went on to become the longest-running Angel of all time. Lima has walked the runway for Fendi, Vera Wang, Prada, and Alexander McQueen, and has appeared in twenty televised shows.
The Best Angel
She retired from the lingerie industry in 2018 and hasn’t appeared on a fashion runway since that time. Adriana deserves some rest and relaxation after spending so many years as the world’s second-highest-paid model.
An Early Start
Brooke Shields’ first modeling job was in an ad for Ivory Soap when she was only eleven months old. Shields was at the forefront of the industry during the 1980s, from her controversial advertisements with Calvin Klein to multiple covers.
An Early Start
Brooke, who is now in her fifties, would rather act than model. She has appeared in shows such as “Friends,” “Suddenly Susan,” “Jane the Virgin,” and others. She is an outspoken advocate for postpartum blues sufferers and was the executive producer of “When the Bough Breaks,” a documentary about the issue.
Making History
Making history is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Beverly Johnson was the first African-American model to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine in the United States in 1974, paving the way for all other models of color. Black models were uncommon before she arrived, but after she arrived, it was a whole new world.
Making History
Johnson, who is now in her sixties, is still a beauty. She is the author of “Beverly Johnson’s Guide to a Life of Health and Beauty,” as well as a celebrity judge on “The Face,” a reality show in which contestants compete for a modeling contract. Beverly also has a thriving wig and hair collection.
Sixteen “Vogue” Covers
This classic beauty was encouraged to hide the gap between her two front teeth when she first appeared on “Vogue.” While she did listen for a while, Lauren Hutton eventually let this “imperfection” shine through, and it became one of her most adored features.
Sixteen “Vogue” Covers
It had no effect on her career, and she has appeared on the cover of “Vogue” a remarkable twenty-six times. Hutton’s gap is still visible now that she is in her seventies. She’s been working on a memoir titled “Smile” recently, so we may soon be able to hear about this legendary model’s life from her own lips.
A Model With a Temper
There’s good, bad, and ugly when it comes to Naomi Campbell. She was the first black woman to appear on the covers of “French Vogue” and “Time.” Her temper, on the other hand, has gotten her into a lot of trouble. Campbell admitted to mistreating her maids, which did not help her image.
A Model With A Temper
After overcoming those obstacles, Naomi launched her own reality show, “The Face,” on which she served as both a coach and a producer. She also appeared in a cameo on “Empire,” playing an older lover to the character Hakeem.
A Model with a Cause
No one can deny that Cindy Crawford is stunning, but she also contributed significantly to the well-being of models in the fashion industry. Crawford began to gain widespread fame after appearing on talk shows and giving interviews in which she expressed her views on the modeling industry and what it was like to grow up in it.
A Model With A Cause
In 2000, Crawford decided to stop working as a full-time model, but she still finds time to appear on the shows every now and then. In her current role, she is devoted to promoting environmental safety and awareness.
A Thousand Dollars per Day
China Machado made 1959 her year as the first non-Caucasian person to appear on the cover of any major American fashion magazine. The magazine was “Harper’s Bazaar,” and it’s even more notable because it came later in her career – at least in comparison to other models. She became the highest-paid model at the time after moving to Paris to find work, earning a thousand dollars per day.
A Thousand Dollars Per Day
Machado became the senior fashion editor at the same magazine that featured her on the front cover after her big cover debut. She rose through the ranks to become the fashion director. At the age of eighty-six, this icon and legendary beauty passed away on December 18th, 2016.
A Legendary Supermodel
Kate Moss is one of the most recognizable supermodels of all time, having appeared on more than 300 magazine covers. She was named one of the most influential people in the world by “Time” magazine. Even with all of her success, Kate’s life hasn’t been perfect.
A Legendary Supermodel
Moss struggled with substance abuse in the early years of the new millennium, and she was also embroiled in a scandal in 2005. She ended up losing a lot of her previous contracts as a result. Thanks to Buddhist spiritualism, she was able to clean up her act. As part of her collaboration with Topshop in 2014, the model released a fashion line.
Nadja Auermann
When she was discovered, this stunning German native was sipping her coffee in a Berlin cafe. Her career was fruitful, as she collaborated with some of the industry’s best photographers, including Helmut Newton and Peter Lindbergh.
Nadja Auermann
Take a look at one of the more than 100 magazine covers she’s appeared on for a taste. The former model strutted her stuff in the Balenciaga Spring 2020 show in September 2020, proving to the world that she hasn’t lost her touch.
Jean Patchett
If you’re a fashionista, you’ve probably seen Jean Patchett’s iconic 1950 Vogue cover. The black-and-white photograph of her wearing a fishnet mask and a stylish hat made Vogue history, cementing her place as one of fashion’s most memorable models.
Jean Patchett
Patchett had a long and successful career that started in the 1940s. Her icy and “remote” appearance marked a turning point in the fashion industry, which had previously seen models appear more warm and friendly.
Marie Helvin
Marie Helvin was 15 years old when her life was turned upside down while on a trip to Japan with her mother. The teen was signed to Kanebo, a well-known Japanese cosmetics line, and later became the brand’s face. Her success in Japan led her to London, where she eventually settled to work for Yves Saint Laurent.
Marie Helvin
Versace and Valentino were among the first to respond. She met legendary photographer David Bailey while working at Vogue, and the two fell in love and married in 1975, but divorced ten years later. Helvin retired in the 1980s, but she has kept her public profile alive with appearances in British Vogue and as a judge on Britain’s Next Top Model.
Naomi Sims
Naomi Sims, an African American model, graced the 1967 edition of the New York Times fashion supplement during the 1960s, a time when intolerance was rampant in America. All of this was accomplished without the assistance of an agent, as she approached photographers directly.
Naomi Sims
Sims was one of the first models to sign with Wilhemina Models, the now-famous modeling agency. She was also the first black model to appear on the covers of both Ladies Home and Journal Life magazines. Sims tragically died in 2009 after a long battle with illness.
Cybill Shepherd
Cybill Shepard may be better known for her roles in films such as “Taxi” and “Moonlighting,” but she first rose to prominence in 1966 when she was voted “Miss Teenage Memphis” and went on to win the 1968 “Model of the Year” award.
Cybill Shepherd
She went on to have a successful modeling career and become a fashion icon in the early 1970s as a result of the awards. Indeed, it was her appearance on the cover of Glamor in 1970 that drew the attention of director Peter Bogdanovich, who cast her in “The Last Picture Show.” These days, you can see Cybill on “The L-Word” with Jane Lynch!
Linda Morand
Imagine a career based solely on the fact that you resemble someone else. The same thing happened to Linda Morand, who was discovered at art school because of her striking resemblance to Jackie O, a fellow 60s icon.’
Linda Morand
Linda Morad found herself modeling for French haute couture shows, a first for American fashion, thanks to original modeling agent Eileen Ford, aka “The Grand Dame of the Modeling Industry.” Her modeling career faded quickly after that, but she’s since become a regular attendee at the most fashionable events.
Linda Keith
Models and rockstars are an unbeatable combination. Linda Keith has become the apple of many rockers’ eyes, including Keith Richards and Jimi Hendrix, and has even been credited with guiding Hendrix to success.
Linda Keith
Keith was also the inspiration for the Rolling Stones’ song “Ruby Tuesday.” She is well-known for her striking Vogue covers from the 1960s, in addition to her involvement in the 60s rock scene. Keith vanished following the 1960s rock craze and is said to be living with her family in New Orleans, a far cry from her previous life.
Penelope Tree
Penelope was one of many models who made their way into the electrifying 1960s rock n roll scene. She was, however, a subject of Diane Arbus’s captivating photographic projects when she was only 13 years old. However, she was discovered and became famous as a supermodel at Tuman Capote’s famous Black and White Ball in 1966.
Penelope Tree
Tree is married to Ricky Fataar, a South African musician, and they have two children. She began dating renowned psychoanalyst Stuart MacFarlane after her separation from Fataar, with whom she has a child.
Pattie Boyd
Without Pattie Boyd, the model who is credited with inspiring the funky 1960s look, we would not have the famous Twiggy. The model was a regular on the covers of British Vogue, but she is best known for being in the middle of the most famous love triangle in rock history, which included George Harrison and Eric Clapton.
Pattie Boyd
Following her modeling career, Boyd turned to photography, capturing some striking images of 1960s “rock gods.” Her photographs have been shown in galleries around the world, most recently in Sydney, Australia in 2008.
Peggy Moffitt
Peggy Moffit became one of the hottest models in the British fashion circuit thanks to her unusual face and asymmetrical haircut. Her extreme fashions made her stand out from the crowd, not to mention her famous monokini bathing suit that made international headlines. Her makeup was heavily inspired by Japanese Kabuki style, and her extreme fashions made her stand out from the crowd.
Peggy Moffitt
Moffit worked closely with designer Rudi Gernreich and later acquired all of his designs’ legal rights. With that, she arranged for his work to be shown at the Pacific Design Center of the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art in a show called The Total Look: The Creative Collaboration Between Rudi Gernreich, Peggy Moffitt, and William Claxton.
Donyale Luna
Donyale Luna was discovered by British photographer David McCabe outside the Fisher Building in Detroit in 1963. She was immediately whisked away to New York City, where she achieved enormous success, eventually branching out into film, primarily in Europe.
Donyale Luna
Luna tragically died in 1979 as a result of her struggles with illegal substances. She was 33 years old at the time. The legendary artist Salvador Dali used the model and actress as a muse. She made history as the first African-American cover girl.
Veruschka
Veruschka von Lehndorff, who was born in Germany in 1939, was discovered while attending art school in Italy. Her modeling career took her to New York City, where she worked for the Ford Agency, zigzagging between cities all over the world, but her role in the 1966 avant-garde mystery thriller “Blow-Up” catapulted her into stardom.
Veruschka
Veruscha modeled for Giles Deacon’s line during London Fashion Week in October 2012 (at the age of 71). She also appeared in the Acne Studios Resort 2018 lookbook ten years later.
Jean Shrimpton
When you’re discovered (and fall in love with) world-renowned fashion photographer David Bailey, your career path is pretty much set. Jean Shrimpton was no exception, which explains why she was one of the first supermodels in the world.
Jean Shrimpton
Shrimpton married photographer Michael Cox in 1979 after two highly publicized relationships, the first with Bailey and the second with actor Terrence Stamp. They had a child together. The couple now owns and operates the Abbey Hotel in Penzance.
Rosie Vela
Rosie Vela began modeling in Arkansas while studying art and music, and by the 1970s, she was gracing magazine covers. She met her future musician husband, Jimmy Roberts, there. He died tragically soon after their marriage. Vela relocated to New York, where her modeling career took off, with appearances in Newsweek and Vogue, as well as acting roles in a number of films.
Rosie Vela
Vela transitioned into a music career as a backup singer in the 1980s. She has also returned to creating art, which she shares on her Instagram account as a trained artist.
Dayle Haddon
Dayle Haddon had a long and illustrious career spanning three decades. Estee Lauder, Revlon, and L’Oréal are just a few of the beauty brands that the Quebec native has represented. The former pageant queen was also named to Harpers Bazaar’s “Ten Most Beautiful Women” list twice.
Dayle Haddon
According to the New York Times, Haddon’s ongoing career and multi-year contracts with top Beauty brands have “shattered age taboos.” But it’s hard to be surprised with a face like that.
Cristina Ferrare
Cristina Ferrare was just 14 years old when her family moved from Ohio to Los Angeles, and she rose to fame quickly. Ferrearre began modeling for Max Actor when she was 16 years old, and she went on to be known as the “Max Factor Girl” for over a decade. In 1973, she married John DeLorean, the infamous GM VP and creator of the “Back to the Future” DeLorean car.
Cristina Ferrare
Ferrare has recently dabbled in television, hosting shows such as the Home and Family Show with Mark Steines. The former model and TV personality was also portrayed by Morena Baccarin in the 2019 documentary Framing John DeLorean and in the 2018 film Driven.
Karen Bjornson
Karen Bjornson rose to prominence as a result of her collaboration with legendary 70s designer Roy Halston, who went by the moniker “Halston,” and became one of his most famous “Halsonettes” and greatest muse.
Karen Bjornson
Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and other designers used Bjornson on their runways. Bjornson left modeling in 1989 to raise her two daughters, but she returned to the runway at the age of 50!
Gia Carangi
Gia Carangi, then 17 years old, moved to New York in 1978 to pursue a modeling career, and boy did she find one. Gia was a force. She was one of the first supermodels in the world. Until 1981, she appeared on the covers of Vogue (both the US and international editions) and multiple issues of Cosmopolitan.
Gia Carangi
After her agent and mentor Wilhelmina Cooper died a few years ago, Gia’s modeling career came to an end. Substance abuse and financial difficulties threw the supermodel’s life into disarray. Her life was cut short when she was only 26 years old. Angelina Jolie played the famous model in a 1998 film.
Margaux Hemingway
Margaux Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway’s granddaughter, has landed a record-breaking contract with the luxury brand Fabergé. Her contract had a one-million-dollar value. Time Magazine dubbed the 1970s fashion icon as one of the “New Beauties.”
Margaux Hemingway
Hemingway appeared on numerous magazine covers during the height of her career before moving on to a brief film career. At the age of 42, she was discovered lifeless in her home in 1996, and tragedy struck.
Grace Jones
Grace Jones isn’t just a model, not that we have anything against that, but she has become an absolute icon who has inspired a look for future generations. She signed with Wilhelmina models in 1966 before moving to Paris in 1970, where her bold and camp appearance propelled her to stardom.
Grace Jones
Grace Jones isn’t just a model, not that we have anything against that, but she has become an absolute icon who has inspired a look for future generations. She signed with Wilhelmina models in 1966 before moving to Paris in 1970, where her bold and camp appearance propelled her to stardom.
Kelly Emberg
Kelly Emberg was discovered by a local photographer in her hometown of Houston, Texas, when she was in high school. That chance encounter led her all the way to New York City, where she signed with Elite Model Management. Emberg went on to be a cover girl for a number of magazines, most notably Sports Illustrated.
Kelly Emberg
Ruby is the model’s child with musician Rod Stewart, and she has two more children with her ex-husbands, Brad Jenkel and Gavin Brodin. She went into interior design and landscaping after her modeling career. She now runs a gardening business where she advises people on how to grow their own vegetable gardens.
Rene Russo
Rene Russo was once described by fellow stunner Brook Shields as “the most beautiful thing that ever walked the face of the earth.” The model-turned-actress was discovered at a Rolling Stones concert, and the rest of the world was soon enamored with her.
Rene Russo
Russo left modeling at the age of 30 to pursue a career in film. She recently starred alongside Jake Gyllenhall in the Netflix original “Velvet Buzzsaw,” which was written by her husband Dan Gilroy! She lives in California with her screenwriter husband and their daughter, who is also a model!
Cheryl Tiegs
Cheryl Tiegs was the epitome of the perfect girl-next-door: she was everything and more! Her sun-kissed cheeks and piercing blue eyes made her a popular cover girl for many fashion magazines and advertising campaigns over the years.
Cheryl Tiegs
Tiegs has been married four times and is now divorced. She appeared on “Living with Ed” in 2010 to promote a green lifestyle, earning Access Hollywood’s title of “Green Star of the Week.” She now resides in Bel-Air in a home estimated to be worth $15 million.
Patti Hansen
Every day, new models are discovered all over the world. Most of the time, they’re just out there living their lives, oblivious to what might be waiting for them. As a result, in 1972, Patti Hansen was discovered working at her father’s Staten Island hot dog stand.
Patti Hansen
She was soon on the fashion circuit, mingling with the hottest stars on the dance floor of Studio 54, where she met Keith Richards, the man who would become her husband.
Marisa Berenson
We’ve talked about a lot of 1970s models, but Marisa Berenson was the girl, according to Yves Saint Laurent. Berenson began modeling when she was 16 years old, and has since worked with YSL, Halston, Azzedine Alaa, and others.
Marisa Berenson
Berenson also starred in a number of films in the late 1970s and 1980s, including “Killer Fish,” “The Secret Diary of Sigmund Freud,” and “White Hunter Black Heart.” Her most recent appearance was in a production of “Romeo and Juliet” at the Garrick Theatre in London in 2016, where she played Lady Capulet.
Jerry Hall
After booking a one-way ticket to France with Jerry Hall, she was able to live her dream life. She was discovered while relaxing on a beach in St. Tropez. Weeks later, she was on the cover of fashion magazines, photographed by Helmut Newton and others. In addition to her modeling career, Hall was well-known for her high-profile relationships with rocker Bryan Ferry and Mick Jagger, who became her husband (and eventual ex-husband).
Jerry Hall
Hall performed at Glastonbury in 2010 after trying to write and perform country and western music. In terms of her personal life, the former model fell in love with Rupert Murdoch in 2015 and married him in 2016.
Angela Lindvall
Few models can claim to have taken a break from modeling in their teens, only to return before the age of 18 and achieve stardom. Angela Lindvall experienced something similar. During the 2000s, Lidnvall ruled the fashion world, appearing in every major publication and collaborating with brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Prada, Calvin Klein, Miu Miu, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and others. Yikes!
Angela Lindvall
Lindvall is an outspoken environmentalist who is the founder and president of the Collage Foundation, which works to protect the environment. “promoting sustainability and environmentally conscious choices among young people.”
Kimora Lee Simmons
Kimora Lee Simmons rose to fame when she was just 13 years old, modeling for top fashion houses such as Valentino, Fendi, and Karl Lagerfeld throughout the 1990s (who he himself dubbed Kimora as the “Face of the 21st Century.”)
Kimora Lee Simmons
Russel Simmons, a music mogul and entrepreneur, married the former model in 1998, and the couple started a fashion line together. In the 2000s, her brand “Baby Phat” became one of the most popular, and she focused on fashion design. Ming Lee and Aoki Lee, her daughters, curated the Baby Phat Beauty line, which she announced in August 2020.
Alek Wek
No one had ever seen anyone quite like Alek Wek when she first appeared on the scene. Wek, who was 14 years old when he fled South Sudan, found refuge in London. She sparked a media frenzy with her buzzcut and darker skin tone. Despite the prejudice, the woman won MTV’s model of the year award in 1997, when she was only 19 years old.
Alek Wek
Wek has written a book about her life called “Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel,” served as a judge on the 16th season of “America’s Next Top Model,” and has worked with the UN Refugee Agency to help South Sudanese refugees.
Inès de La Fressange
When it comes to Inès de La Fressange, modeling and fashion are in her blood: her mother was an Argentine model! The woman was born to model haute couture and became a favorite of Karl Lagerfeld in the early 1980s, when he single-handedly brought the “dead” brand back to life. We’ll give credit where credit is due to Inès, who was clearly a muse.
Inès De La Fressange
While she is no longer as active as she once was, the style icon walked the runway for Gaultier at an event when she was 51, as well as for the Chanel spring-summer 2011 show. Inès was married to Luigi d’Urso, a French nobleman, until his death in 2006. They had two daughters together.