The return of 80’s 90’s supermodels and why they became iconics stars

The return of 80’s 90’s supermodels and why they became iconics stars

It was very exciting in the early 90’s to be part of the fashion gang bringing together models, photographers, hairdressers, makeup artists, stylists, fashion editors and designers who all over the decades became fashion icons. Photographers Peter Lindbergh and Steven Meisel, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia Franca Sozzani, fashion editor of Vogue US Grace Coddington, hair stylist Julien d’Ys, makeup artists Stéphane Marais and Pat Mcgrath, designers John Galliano and Gianni Versace . They all contributed to creating the myth of the “90’s supermodels” led by the inseparable trio, “The trinity” Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell.  

The cover of English Vogue by Peter Lindbergh in January 90 helped to establish the myth and opened up the air of “supermodels”. With the “big five” Cindy Crawford and Tatjana Patitz are added to the list.

At the same time, Georges Michael’s video clip “freedom 90” continued the glorification of the “top five” and the “supermodel” phenomenon.

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Christy Turlington, Georges Michael and Linda Evangelista

Subsequently Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss will enter this very exclusive club. Others will benefit from the phenomenon such as Elle Macpherson, Helena Christensen, Eva Herzigova, Stephanie Seymours, Nadja Auermann, Carla Bruni or Kristen Mcmenamy, it will be the debut of the top models.

Nadja Auermann, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, and Stephanie Seymour  by Richard Avedon for Gianni Versace 1994

The “supermodels” arrive at a time when artists and films actresses no longer want to correspond to Hollywood clichés and dictators and provide the ultra-glamorous after-sales service demanded by the majors, the press and the public. They aspire to a protected private life, to a certain normality and reject glamor. Fashion in each generation has always had its “Icons” Maxime de la Falaise, Bettina, Dovima, Lisa Fonssagrive, Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy, Penelope Tree, Marisa Berenson, Margaux Hemingway, Lauren Hutton , Jerry Hall, Iman, Pat Cleveland to name a few.

Marisa Berenson, Jerry Hall, Pat Cleveland for Mac Cosmetics 2020

But the phenomenon of “supermodels” propels the status of model to the rank of superstars and highly publicized icons. With their distinctive personalities and magnetic charisma, they have transcended the world of fashion and redefined the very notion of modeling, becoming true global celebrities. Linda Evangelista has a string of amazing contracts, including the one with Revlon, and says she “won’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day.” Christy Turlington signs, breaks, and re-signs a multi-million dollar contract with Calvin Klein. She works twelve days at $800,000 for Maybelline. Cindy Crawford also signed a contract with Revlon shortly after Linda Evangelista for an amount of ten million dollars; it remains as the largest ever signed in the history of modeling.

Linda Evangelista by Steven Meisel 90’s

The cult of personality reaches its peak. Supermodels set their working conditions, they dictate their hairdressers, makeup artists and photographers. Outside of fashion, their private life consists of highly publicized relationships with famous personalities from sports, music, cinema and Gotha. The press relays all their actions and they make the headlines.

In the 21st century, these icons with iconic faces are making a triumphant return to the fashion scene. They bring their timeless charm and allure, reminiscent of the golden age of fashion. Current generations are rediscovering them and celebrating their style. On the catwalks and on the covers of Vogue, in advertising campaigns and in the media, they spread a dose of nostalgia, glamor and elegance in a world standardized by marketing and in need of renewal. Their return is a tribute to an era of bold fashion and individuality. The style of these memorable decades is more influential than ever. The sharp shoulders, bodycon dresses and ripped jeans of the 80s coexist perfectly with the relaxed, minimalist looks of the 90s. The return of supermodels from the 80s and 90s is a celebration of the timeless glamor and elegance that defined these eras. Their return reignites the flame of fashion and inspires a new generation to embrace individuality and merge the past with the present. Legends live forever and their influence continues to shine.

Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford – British Vogue 2023