Being a model is not an easy task, let alone being a supermodel. Over the years we have seen many models walk the runway and be out of sight, but few of them made it big in the fashion modeling industry. These are the handful of famous faces who have endured the hardships of the industry and written their names in the history of fashion.
Fashion is always changing, from a time when the industry preferred skinny and lean models to times when we see the celebration of all body types and shapes. The newer generation of supermodels like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner are writing history every day with their catwalks on the runways.
These supermodels have one thing in common besides being incredibly talented and extremely breathtaking, they are hard-working and remain true to their passion and profession. Here is the list of the top 20 models of all time that made the world their runway.
SUZY PARKER
She was one of the forerunner models. Suzy raised the bar for every model of her era, as she became the first model to earn more than 100,000 a year.
Picture Courtesy- Horst
JEAN SHRIMPTON
With her huge eyes and perfect pout, Jean Shrimpton was an icon of the swinging sixties. During her career, Jean was dubbed “The It Girl” and is considered one of the first supermodels.
Picture Courtesy- John French
TWIGGY
The British model revolutionized women's fashion with her gamine look and model femininity. Known for her dramatic eye makeup and extra long eyelashes, she is one of the most famous models of the era.
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IMAN
Somali beauty Iman was one of the first black women to dominate the fashion industry. She landed on magazine covers around the world at a time when black women weren’t represented in the media. She was a muse for iconic designers like Gianni Versace, Thierry Mugler, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Yves Saint Laurent.
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CHRISTIE BRINKLEY
The American supermodel skyrocketed to fame with her record-breaking three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers in '79, '80, and '81.
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CINDY CRAWFORD
British Vogue, January 1990 edition featured a black and white cover photographed by legendary photographer Peter Lindbergh. That’s the magazine that established 'The Big Five' supermodels: Christy, Linda, Naomi, and Cindy, as well as Tatjana Patitz.
She is considered the 'Original Supermodel'. Crawford’s intelligence, down-to-earth demeanor, and athletic full-bodied physique earned her a rare cross-gender appeal.
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TATJANA PATITZ
The German model was huge in the 90s with campaigns for Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Revlon to name a few. Among the OG supermodels, she has stayed away from the limelight and she is lesser known today.
Picture Courtesy- Instagram
LINDA EVANGELISTA
If there’s anyone who has left a legacy in the modeling world it’s Linda Evangelista. Her statement line, “We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day” made the headlines in the modeling industry.
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CLAUDIA SCHIFFER
No supermodel has risen to the heights of fashion quite like Claudia Schiffer. The German-born supermodel has appeared on over 1,000 magazine covers and campaigns across the globe, for a career that spans more than 30 years.
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CHRISTY TURLINGTON
From her high cheekbones to that unmistakable wide smile, it’s easy to see why Christy Turlington has ruled the runway since the 90s. In her decades spent owning the catwalks, we have seen Turlington transform into all manner of different characters.
Picture Courtesy- Rex Features
NAOMI CAMPBELL
Naomi Campbell is the undisputable Queen of the runway. Proclaimed as one of the six supermodels of the 90s by the fashion industry, Campbell had a career that millions dream of and is still going strong by walking the runway for Versace, Balenciaga, and Off White among others.
Picture Courtesy- Rex Features
HEIDI KLUM
Heidi Klum is not just one of the most famous models of all time, she’s also a talented designer and a successful businesswoman. After retiring from modeling, she became the host and producer of 'Project Runway'.
Picture Courtesy- Wikimedia Commons
HELENA CHRISTENSEN
Being the OG Victoria’s Secret angel, the first Prada campaign girl, walked in Versace’s iconic 1992 bondage collection and has featured in endless high-end fashion shows, Revlon campaigns, and multiple times on Vogue covers.
Picture Courtesy- Rex Features
KATE MOSS
The British model and businesswoman rose to fame in the mid-’90s and is regarded as one of the most iconic supermodels of all time. Despite being small and unconventional looking, her striking demeanor landed her every contract.
Kate Moss turned into a poster girl for Heroin Chic with grungy, undeniably cool images which were controversial.
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ELLE MACPHERSON
The six-foot tall Australian supermodel with long lustrous hair and legs that reach the end of the world, Elle Macpherson is not called 'The Body' for nothing.
She is known for her record five cover appearances for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue leading to her nickname. Apart from modeling, she has had a successful acting career.
Picture Courtesy- Rex Features
GISELLE BUNDCHEN
Gisele Bundchen brought back the athletic aesthetic body, ending the thin era. In 2004, Gisele became famous for pioneering the 'horse walk'.
After several campaigns for major fashion houses and countless magazine editorials, she is one of the most famous models of all time.
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ADRIANA LIMA
Brazillian model Adriana Lima was named as the most valuable Victoria's Secret Angel and has been the longest-reigning Angel who walked for the lingerie brand for 19 years.
Picture Courtesy- Getty Images
KARLIE KLOSS
Having walked for almost every major fashion house, and fronted countless ad campaigns, from Michael Kors to Christian Dior. She represents the gold standard in the modeling profession because of her poise, confidence, and looks.
A self-proclaimed science nerd, she has amazing coding skills and has founded 'Kode with Klossy for empowering young girls to learn to code.
Picture Courtesy- Rex Features
CARA DELEVINGNE
Standing at 5 foot 8 inches what makes Cara Delevingne stand out from other models is her sense of style and witty humor.
She has graced the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle, and has walked the runway for prestigious designers like Chanel, Prada, and Burberry. She has had a successful acting career as well.
Picture Courtesy- Getty Images
GIGI HADID
She started her career at 2 years old when she modeled for Baby Guess. Her stunning good looks and chic sensibility have made her the darling of the fashion world.
She is one of the highest-paid models of the present time. One of the most sought-after models she has walked the runway for fashion houses like Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Versace, Tom Ford, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Picture Courtesy- Getty Images
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