by Iolani Ahn
Hold onto your hairspray, fashion lovers! We're about to travel back in time to the 80s, when shoulder pads ruled, neon was essential, and a new breed of fashion icons emerged: the supermodels. These gorgeous goddesses graced the covers of magazines, strutted down the runway, and became household names. Let's dive into the beginnings of the supermodel era, and meet the fierce femmes who changed the face of fashion and pop culture forever!
The Fab Four:
Cindy Crawford: The All-American Beauty Discovered at the age of 16, Cindy Crawford's career skyrocketed after she won Elite Model Management's "Look of the Year" contest. With her iconic beauty mark and svelte figure, Crawford graced countless magazine covers and runway shows, becoming the quintessential American supermodel. Her magnetic presence not only defined the 80s, but also influenced the fashion world for decades to come.
Naomi Campbell: The Runway Queen Naomi Campbell's legendary catwalk strut is one for the ages. Discovered while shopping in London at the tender age of 15, she soon became the first black model to grace the covers of British Vogue and French Vogue. Known for her feisty attitude and fierce runway presence, Campbell's impact on the fashion industry and pop culture was simply immeasurable.
Linda Evangelista: The Chameleon Linda Evangelista was discovered at a beauty pageant in her native Canada, and her career took off like a rocket. Known for her ever-changing hairstyles and striking features, Evangelista became the face of the 80s, gracing over 700 magazine covers. With her famous quote, "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day," she solidified her status as a true supermodel.
Christy Turlington: The Classic Beauty Christy Turlington was discovered while horseback riding in Florida, and her ethereal beauty quickly captured the attention of the fashion world. Her classic and sophisticated look made her a favorite of designers and photographers alike, and she went on to become one of the most recognizable faces of the era. Turlington's elegance and grace inspired women everywhere to embrace their own natural beauty.
The Supermodel Phenomenon: The 80s marked the rise of the supermodel, a new breed of fashion icon that transcended the industry and infiltrated pop culture. These women were more than just models; they were celebrities in their own right, gracing magazine covers, starring in music videos, and even appearing in TV shows and films. Their influence extended far beyond the runway, as they became style icons and cultural touchstones for an entire generation.
The Legacy: The supermodel era of the 80s forever changed the fashion world and popular culture. These women broke barriers, shattered stereotypes, and paved the way for future models, showing that beauty and confidence could make a powerful impact. Their influence can still be felt today, as new generations of models continue to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a fashion icon.
So, let's raise a glass (of sparkling water, of course) to the fierce femmes of the 80s who strutted their way into our hearts and left an indelible mark on the world of fashion. Long live the supermodels!