The Faces That Defined The Decades
Modeling is about more than just showcasing a line of clothing; it's about challenging pre-existing beauty standards, shaping culture, and defining eras. From Kate Moss's edgy pout to Cara Delevingne's effervescent charisma, these women reinvented what it means to be a model. Here are 20 of the most iconic models ever to walk across a runway.
1. Iman
Somali-born Iman redefined what a supermodel could be by becoming one of the first internationally famous Black supermodels. More than just a pretty face, she was a political science student with impressive intelligence, self-confidence, and unmatched poise, even at a young age. She was a muse to many, including Yves Saint Laurent and Gianni Versace.
2. Kate Moss
Kate Moss's arrival on the fashion scene signified a sharp turn in the definition of beauty. She popularized the "heroin chic" look, with her gaunt features and thin frame, becoming the face of the "anti-supermodel" movement, which was more raw, edgy, and minimal than before.
3. Twiggy
Twiggy, born Leslie Lawson, was the most iconic model of the 1960s, becoming the face of the mod aesthetic. Because of the way she didn't just model clothes, but became a phenomenon who redefined beauty standards, she is considered the world's first "supermodel."
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4. Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell was part of the "Big Six" group of supermodel elites of the 1980s and 1990s who redefined what it meant to be a model. She was the first Black model to appear on the covers of Vogue France and Time Magazine.
5. Cindy Crawford
Another of the "Big Six," Cindy Crawford was known for her glamour, athleticism, and confidence. She embodied the American ideal of beauty, and popularized a more muscular body type in fashion.
6. Claudia Schiffer
Also part of the "Big Six" group of women who obtained a level of celebrity never seen before in fashion modeling, Claudia Schiffer was known for her platinum blonde hair and European aesthetic. She was chosen by Karl Lagerfeld as the face of Chanel, becoming his muse and one of the most recognizable faces in the 1990s fashion world.
7. Christy Turlington
Christy Turlington was known for her classic features, grace, and effortless elegance. A favorite of Calvin Klein, she dominated the fashion world as part of the "Big Six" in the 1990s.
8. Linda Evangelista
Linda Evangelista was known for being able to adapt her look drastically, making her indispensable in the fashion world. She walked for Gianni Versace, Chanel, Valentino, and countless others, and appeared on hundreds of magazine covers.
9. Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum was one of Victoria's Secret's original angels, making her an instant icon. However, her business savvy and foray into television have made her an enduring media presence with cultural relevance beyond her modeling career.
10. Tyra Banks
Like Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks is a multi-faceted force in media, beyond just fashion. She was one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angels, created the hit show America’s Next Top Model, founded her own production company, and cosmetics line.
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11. Elle Macpherson
Elle Macpherson, famously known as "The Body," was famous for her toned physique and radiant smile. Her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers are some of the most iconic of all time, but she also went on to found multiple successful companies of her own.
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12. Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne became the face of a new generation of models, with her thick, expressive eyebrows and androgynous, edgy aesthetic redefining beauty in the 21st century. Beyond her looks, she's known for her bold personality, sense of humor, and authenticity.
13. Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields started as a child actress before transitioning to modeling in the 1980s, captivating audiences with her natural beauty. Her Calvin Klein campaign was groundbreaking for its time, uniquely mixing sensuality with innocence.
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14. Jean Patchett
Jean Patchett helped define 1950s high fashion. Her defined features, poise, and striking eyes made her a favorite of several of the era's most celebrated photographers, including Irving Penn and Richard Avedon.
15. Gisele Bündchen
Gisele Bündchen became an instant standout when she entered the fashion world in the 90s. She had a strikingly tall, toned frame, defined facial features, and a radiant smile that captivated the world's top designers.
16. Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima is the longest-running Victoria's Secret model, known for her athletic physique, high cheekbones, and playful personality. She's also worked with Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Chanel.
Photobra Adam Bielawski on Wikimedia
17. Jean Shrimpton
Rising to prominence in the 1960s, Jean Shrimpton is considered one of the world's first supermodels. She popularized more natural, edgy, and youthful street-style photography, as well as many quintessentially '60s fashion trends like the mini skirt and the pixie haircut.
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18. Pat Cleveland
Pat Cleveland was one of the first Black supermodels to gain international fame. She was a favorite of photographers like Bill Cunningham and Steven Meisel, and helped shape 1970s fashion.
19. Beverly Johnson
Beverly Johnson was the first Black model featured on the cover of Vogue. She was known for her striking features, glamour, and versatility, and walked for the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Halston.
20. Kathy Ireland
Kathy Ireland became famous as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model, known for her athletic build and classic features. She went on to become a successful entrepreneur, founding a billion-dollar business empire, Kathy Ireland Worldwide.
