They’re runway stars for a reason. From Kate Moss to Naomi Campbell, we chronicle their rise from fresh face model to fashion legend.
IN THE 1990s, supermodels reigned on the runways and in popular culture — thanks to their pulling power for major fashion houses and brands. Comfortably recognised by their first names, think Linda, Christy, Claudia, Cindy, Elle, Helena and Naomi, people obsessed over their beauty and style, careers and even relationships. This was, after all, the pre-social media era where fans had to rely on print and TV for their fix (for a reference point for the ‘Supers’ at the height of their fame, see George Michael’s Freedom music video from 1990, featuring Linda, Christy, Naomi, Cindy and the late Tatjana Patitz).
Their allure and intrigue remain today as they navigate new career trajectories, but as these eight supermodels prove, they’ve still got it.
These photos prove the “Supers” icon-worthy status
Campbell forged a path for Black models and has been a vocal opponent of racism in the fashion industry. Last year, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for her services to global fashion by UCA (University for the Creative Arts).
Famed for her iconic facial mole, Crawford famously fronted Pepsi ads and had a relationship with fellow 90s star, Pretty Woman’s Richard Gere. She is the mother of model Kaia Gerber and Preston Gerber with her entrepreneur husband Rande Gerber.
Nicknamed The Body, Sydney-born-and-raised Macpherson appeared in the 1994 film Sirens with Hugh Grant (with subsequent roles in Alice, Batman and Robin, The Edge and The Mirror Has Two Faces) and has two sons with financier Arpad Busson. She had a long association with lingerie brand Bendon through her Elle Macpherson Intimates range and is the co-founder of WelleCo. Left, Macpherson graced this 1998 cover of Sports Illustrated, and right, attending the Christian Dior Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2022/2023 show in July 2022.
An honorary Australian (after her four-year relationship with INXS singer Michael Hutchence in the early 90s), in reality, Christensen claims Peruvian and Danish heritage. She was famed for her appearance in crooner Chris Isaak’s sultry Wicked Games music video.