Reflecting on the past, every ten years had a dominant style: the mod movement of the 1960s, the punk appearance of the 1980s, and the emergence of grunge in the 1990s, among others. iconic supermodels Individuals favored by specific designers and prominent brands encapsulated that style, essentially becoming the "ambassadors" of a certain appearance. While you might not recognize them as well nowadays, they wielded significant influence during their prime years. Here are 32 supermodels who shaped fashion and beauty norms for their respective times.
Mary Jane Russell
Technically, Mary Jane Russell began her modeling career in the late 1940s, though she gained significant recognition in the 1950s. Her elongated neck and refined facial features perfectly complemented the sophisticated atmosphere of that era, and she adorned numerous magazine covers as a result. Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.
Janice Dickinson
You might recognize Janice Dickinson as a vibrant figure in the media landscape, however, during the 1970s and 1980s, she was a highly sought-after model. By the close of that era, her striking presence graced the covers of numerous international magazines. Vogues 37 instances and collaborated with brands such as Revlon and Christian Dior.
Lauren Hutton
Several renowned models have had spaces between their front teeth, but Lauren Hutton was among the earliest—her deal with Revlon in 1973 became the highest-paid modeling contract ever at that time. She might be better known for her acting roles, such as those in various productions. American Gigolo .
Lara Stone
Dutch supermodel Lara Stone was spotted at age 12! Rising to fame in the early 2000s, she was labeled the "anti-model" by the media. New York Times Due to her distinctive characteristics, when she became the spokesperson for Prada's perfume in 2010, her appearance started gaining traction among other models cast in significant advertising initiatives.
Georgia Hamilton
Georgia Hamilton was a prominent model during the 1940s and 1950s, appearing on the cover of numerous magazines. Life The magazine cover from 1948 (one among numerous others she created) showcased her well-suited appearance for both editorial and advertising work at the time due to her sharp facial structure and slender waist.
Naomi Sims
Naomi Sims, one of the earliest African American supermodels, rose to fame during the 1960s and 1970s. After beginning her career by collaborating closely with photographers, she gained significant recognition from a nationwide AT&T advertisement campaign. Additionally, she made history as the first black model to grace the cover of major magazines. Ladies' Home Journal and Life.
Suzy Parker
Comparisons to Greta Garbo have been drawn for Suzy Parker, who began her modeling career as a teenager (appearing in Life At peak performance in the mid-1950s, she reportedly became the first model to earn an annual salary of $100,000, which included campaigns with Revlon.
Eva Herzigová
The most significant milestone in Eva Herzigova's career came from her breakthrough: an advertisement for Wonderbra where she wore a black bra accompanied by the tagline, "Hello Boys." This billboard reportedly caused such distraction among drivers that it led to crashes; however, it also launched a highly successful modeling career for her.
Karen Mulder
Dutch model Karen Mulder was prominent in the modeling industry during the 1980s and 1990s, notably featuring on an American cover during that period. Vogue and the Sports Illustrated Bathing Suit Issue. She was among the first Victoria's Secret Angels and played a key role in shaping their initial look.
Karen Graham
Karen Graham, who served as the sole spokesmodel for Estée Lauder over a span of 15 years and became the first model to secure a beauty contract, also graced the cover of American Vogue multiple times during her career. Vogue Twenty instances occurred during the late 60s and mid-70s. (She wasn't identified in the photographs, leading some to believe her name was actually Estée Lauder!)
Dovima
The fact that models gaining recognition under a single name isn’t a recent trend is exemplified by Dovima, who was among the highest-paid models of her era—earning roughly $60 per hour during the 1950s. One notable photograph of her taken by Richard Avedon highlights this. Dovima With Elephants This image is regarded as one of the most iconic photographs ever captured and stands as a masterpiece.
Beverly Johnson
You might know Beverly Johnson as an actress, including her work in Crossroads and The Meteor Man But she was also an extremely influential model and the first Black model to grace the cover of American. Vogue In 1974, she fundamentally altered the fashion industry's approach to inclusivity.
Gia Carangi
Gia Carangi had a tragically brief life and died at the age of 26 due to complications from AIDS. She was regarded as one of the top supermodels of the 1980s, known for her work with various brands and agencies. Vogue And campaigns for Dior and Armani. Her tale was later adapted into a film led by Angelina Jolie. Gia ).
Cheryl Tiegs
If you are acquainted with the history of it Sports Illustrated The Swimsuit Issue might be recognizable for Cheryl Tiegs, who appeared on numerous covers during the ‘70s and ‘80s. One notable piece is a poster from 1978 featuring her in a pink bikini. As they say, this image perfectly captures her iconic status. SI became a fixture hanging on the walls of nearly every American teenage boy’s room during the 1970s.
Sondra Peterson
During the 1950s and 1960s, Sondra Peterson was regarded as a prominent leading model, sharing the spotlight with models like Jean Shrimpton. Her appearance was highly desirable, such that in May 1960, she was noted for her style. Seventeen highlighted her as part of their model lineup: she graced the cover alongside an accompanying piece called, "Get the Sondra Peterson Look."
Karen Alexander
Karen Alexander began her modeling career in the late 1980s, and even though she encountered racism within the industry during that period, she still enjoyed a successful journey. She became one of the earliest Black models to be highlighted in various platforms. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and turned into one of People 50 Most Stunning Individuals.
Carol Alt
During the 1980s, Carol Alt was featured on over 500 magazine covers, including American Vogue , Elle , Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, and Cosmopolitan . Life The magazine dubbed her "The Face," and her advertising portfolio featured campaigns for Cover Girl, Givenchy, and Diet Pepsi.
Shalom Harlow
Shalom Harlow gained significant recognition in the '90s along with top models such as Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. She was notably famous for a versatile look that suited both commercial and high-fashion projects, and she received the Vogue/VH1 Model of the Year honor in 1995.
Paulina Porizkova
Originating from Czechoslovakia, Paulina Porizkova became the first Central European woman to appear on the cover of the Swimsuit Illustrated Bathing Suit Issue. In 1988, she inked an agreement worth $6 million with Estee Lauder, making it the largest modeling contract at that time.
Evelyn Tripp
Evelyn Tripp achieved recognition in 1949 with a Vogue She covered and was featured on 40 magazine covers throughout her career during the '50s and '60s. Similar to those mentioned here, she had strikingly angular facial features. her case , with their strikingly high cheekbones, high forehead, and pronounced chin) were appealing during this era.
Liu Wen
Occasionally known as China's premier supermodel, Liu Wen became the first Chinese model to strut down at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and the second Chinese model to grace the cover of American Vogue. Vogue , and the inaugural East Asian spokesperson for Estée Lauder cosmetics. Her contributions have been prolific , yet many people are still unfamiliar with her.
Amber Valletta
A peer of Shalom Harlow during the '90s (alongside other top models such as Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, and others), Amber Valletta amassed 17 American Vogue Covering that point: She and Harlow were hosts for MTV as well. House of Style and as a result, she shifted her focus to acting.
Liya Kebede
The model from Ethiopia (who appeared on the cover of Vogue (20 instances) was a significant factor during the early to mid-2000s. Notably, in 2002, Vogue Paris dedicated an entire edition to her, and in 2003 she was appointed as the first African American spokesperson for Estée Lauder.
Christie Brinkley
You might recognize Christie Brinkley better from her roles in Billy Joel’s music videos (and let's not forget, she was also his wife). However, her accomplishments in modeling should not be overlooked, considering her impressive tally of 500 magazine covers and her three consecutive careers highlights. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers.
Kathy Ireland
Kathy Ireland was extremely popular during the 1980s and 1990s; she appeared on numerous magazine covers. Sports Illustrated In 1989 came the Swimsuit Edition...it turned out to be one of their highest selling magazines (the issue was later dubbed "The Greatest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Ever"). Over this period, she graced 13 successive swimsuit editions and concurrently pursued an acting career.
Jourdan Dunn
In the early 2000s, British model Jourdan Dunn was spotted, with her peak of success occurring during the following decade. She made history in 2008 when she became the first black model in over ten years to strut down the Prada catwalk. Then, in 2014, she was appointed as the newest spokesperson for Maybelline New York.
Linda Evangelista
You might know Linda Evangelista from her time among the “Big Six” supermodels in the ‘90s or because she once declared they didn’t get out of bed for anything under $10,000 a day. However, not enough attention has been paid to just how versatile and flexible she proved herself to be across various modeling roles, along with her remarkable success—like securing a staggering $7.75 million deal with Yardley of London.
Jean Shrimpton
The 1960s are likely best recognized in the world of fashion modeling for the styles embodied by Twiggy and Jane Birkin. However, Jean Shrimpton was equally impactful (and similarly pivotal for the era) and earned recognition as well. Time among the 100 most impactful fashion icons in history.
Iman
You might have most recently spotted her at events alongside her late husband, David Bowie, but Somalia-native Iman was once a leading model during the '70s and '80s, inspiring fashion giants like Calvin Klein and Gianni Versace. She reached the height of her success in the '80s, and later, in the '90s after retiring from modeling, she launched her own makeup range.
Jean Patchett
Jean Patchett was a prominent figure in the world of modeling during the 1940s and 1950s, often credited with setting the standard for that era due to her composed and distant demeanor. She gained recognition through these two significant periods. Vogue She has covered 1950 and 40 magazine covers throughout her career, along with significant advertising campaigns such as those for Revlon.
Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields is primarily recognized for her acting career; however, she also gained prominence at a young age as a model when she became the youngest person to be featured on the cover of Vogue In 1980 (at age 14), she was. Vogue cover sequences would continue with some widely popular (yet rather contentious) Calvin Klein advertisements.
Tyra Banks
Sure, you're probably familiar with Tyra Banks because America’s Next Top Model But we shouldn't overlook her influence. Banks was a Victoria's Secret Angel and became the first Black woman to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and VH1 named her "Supermodel of the Year" in 1997.