The Famous Supermodels Of The 90s: Icons Who Shaped An Era

Aisha Brekke 27 Jul 2025

The 1990s was a truly special time, a period when culture shifted and new forms of fame emerged. It was, in a way, the start of something big for many things, including the internet. But for fashion, it was the undeniable rise of the supermodel. These women were more than just faces on magazine covers; they became household names, recognized around the globe.

We often think of today's famous models, like Gigi Hadid or Kendall Jenner, and wonder about the legends who came before them. Where are the models from the 90s today, you might ask? Well, this era created a kind of celebrity status for models that had not been seen before, or arguably, since.

The term 'supermodel' itself gained popularity in the 1980s, but it was in the 90s that these women truly became prominent figures in media. They were not just modeling clothes; they were setting trends, appearing in commercials, and even hosting television shows. They were, you know, a very big deal, almost like superheroes of style.

Introduction to the Era of Supermodels
The Big Six: Queens of the 90s
Beyond the Runway: Their Impact
Where Are They Now?
Frequently Asked Questions
A Lasting Legacy

Introduction to the Era of Supermodels

The 90s was a decade of unique aesthetics. We saw the mod look in the 60s, punk in the 80s, and then grunge took hold in the 90s. But alongside these fashion shifts, a new kind of star emerged. These were the supermodels, who really were everywhere you looked.

They weren't just models; they were celebrities in their own right. They graced magazine covers all over the world. These women became household names, easily recognized by millions. It's almost hard to imagine that level of fame for models today, you know, compared to how it was back then.

The industry saw some of the most popular models ever during this time. We've gone through our digital archives to find every time these original supermodels walked a runway between 1990 and 2000. Their presence truly shaped the fashion world, and so much more.

The Big Six: Queens of the 90s

Many big names from that era held significant influence. However, there were six women who really stayed at the very top. They were known as "The Big Six," and they were, quite simply, the queens of 90s fashion. These women defined what it meant to be a supermodel.

They included Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, and Christy Turlington. Each one brought something unique to the table. Their faces became synonymous with the era's style, truly. Let's find out all about these 90s supermodels.

Cindy Crawford: The All-American Beauty

Cindy Crawford was, in a way, the quintessential American beauty of the 90s. Her look was classic, yet also very strong. She appeared on countless magazine covers, and her appeal was truly widespread. She became a symbol of the decade.

Her famous Pepsi commercial is still talked about today. It showed how supermodels weren't just for high fashion. They were for popular culture, too. She was one of the most famous persons in the world, a true icon. You could say, she had a massive impact.

Naomi Campbell: The Runway Force

Naomi Campbell was, and still is, a force on the runway. Her walk was legendary, and her presence was always undeniable. She was known as one of the top three models throughout the 90s, a true standout. Her impact on fashion is still felt.

Naomi also had a very public life. Her dating history included famous men like Mike Tyson, Robert De Niro, and Eric Clapton. This showed how these models were becoming celebrities in their own right, you know, almost like movie stars.

Linda Evangelista: The Chameleon

Linda Evangelista was known for her incredible versatility. She could transform her look for any photoshoot, a true chameleon of fashion. She had been a classic 1980s supermodel, but she really solidified her status in the 90s.

The Canadian model has appeared on over 700 covers, which is a truly astonishing number. Her famous haircut, nicknamed "The Linda," helped her gain even more recognition. It showed how a model could even set hair trends, too, a very interesting thing.

Christy Turlington: The Timeless Elegance

Christy Turlington brought a sense of timeless elegance to the 90s fashion scene. Her beauty was classic and sophisticated. She was, along with Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista, originally known as "The Trinity," a very powerful trio in the industry.

Christy was also known for her calm demeanor and professional approach. She became a muse for many designers. Her work showed a different side of the supermodel phenomenon, one of grace and enduring appeal. She really was a beloved figure.

Claudia Schiffer: The Brigitte Bardot Lookalike

Claudia Schiffer often drew comparisons to Brigitte Bardot with her striking blonde hair and classic features. She quickly became one of the most recognizable faces of the 90s. Her appeal was global, truly. She was a very popular choice for campaigns.

Claudia's career spanned high fashion runways and major advertising campaigns. She represented a glamorous, aspirational image that resonated with many. She showed how a model could be both a high fashion star and a commercial success, too, in a way.

Kate Moss: The Grunge Goddess

Kate Moss introduced a different aesthetic to the supermodel scene. Her look was more raw and edgy, a perfect fit for the rising grunge trend of the 90s. She offered a contrast to the more overtly glamorous models of the time. She was, you know, unique.

Despite her smaller stature compared to her peers, Kate's impact was huge. She became an icon for a new generation. Her influence on fashion and pop culture is still very much present today. She really carved out her own path, it's almost remarkable.

Beyond the Runway: Their Impact

The supermodels of the 90s were more than just pretty faces. They were, in some respects, cultural phenomena. They were "it," not just "in." Their fame extended far beyond the fashion world, reaching into popular culture in ways we rarely see today.

Think about the popularization of the Victoria's Secret "Angels." Or the famous January 1990 American Vogue cover that featured many of these women together. These moments cemented their status as true celebrities. They were, basically, everywhere.

They became muses to designers, faces of major ad campaigns, and even trend starters. They did it all, really. The number of fashion assignments these established female models took on each year was quite astonishing. They truly had to get used to working with many different individuals and projects.

Unlike the current preference for thinner male models with a rock 'n' roll attitude, the men of the nineties were defined by their sculpted physiques. This highlights how each decade boasts a reigning aesthetic, and the 90s supermodels fit theirs perfectly. They were, quite simply, the standard.

Where Are They Now?

Many people wonder what happened to these famous models of the 90s. Well, a lot of them are still very much in the public eye. They have continued to work in fashion, launch businesses, or pursue other ventures. Their influence has not faded.

Some have become advocates for various causes. Others have started families or focused on philanthropy. They still appear in campaigns or make special appearances. It's interesting to see, too, how their careers have evolved over time.

They are still recognized as iconic figures. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of models and fashion enthusiasts. You can often find articles and features showing what these 13 iconic supermodels from the 80s and 90s look like today. They truly left a mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the original 90s supermodels?

The original 90s supermodels often refer to "The Big Six." This group included Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, and Kate Moss. They were, in a way, the most prominent faces of that era.

What made 90s supermodels so famous?

90s supermodels became famous because they transcended the traditional role of models. They became celebrities in their own right, appearing in popular culture beyond just fashion magazines. They hosted TV shows, starred in commercials, and had very public lives, almost like movie stars.

Where are the 90s supermodels now?

Many 90s supermodels are still active in the fashion industry or have pursued other successful careers. They often appear in special campaigns, run businesses, or engage in philanthropic work. Their iconic status means they remain relevant figures today, you know, very much so.

A Lasting Legacy

The 90s was a time of big hair, big money, and truly big-time supermodels. These women, like Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Linda Evangelista, who were known as "The Trinity," created a new kind of stardom. They changed how we viewed models forever. Their impact on fashion and popular culture remains significant, truly.

They paved the way for future generations of models to achieve celebrity status. Their faces and stories are still celebrated today. If you are looking for deals on the latest shoes for women, men & kids from top brands, you can learn more about our products on our site. You can also explore more about trending celebrities and famous people on our platform. The influence of these 90s icons continues to resonate, reminding us of a truly golden age for fashion and fame. You can also find out more about them on Wikipedia, which is a good resource.

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The Famous Supermodels Of The 90s: Icons Who Shaped An Era

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