When many think of fashion, a specific image comes to mind, a vibrant runway, the divinely exclusive crowd looking to see beautifully crafted clothing by the world’s most prestigious fashion designers. Showcased on captivating, charismatic, magnetic women with character and class to match the designer’s aesthetic vision. Women who just seem to have “it.” The factor goes beyond a person’s appearance, transcending physical beauty to a radiance that comes from within that further enhances the outside through thoughts, feelings, and personality. Though this exists in many forms in history as well as the modern age, famously one era of fashion stands forever prominent, cherished, and beloved.
The age of the supermodel. These muses did more than walk the most esteemed runways with perfect form, spending time at the trendiest nightspots, or appearing in interviews. These women have a presence and voice that touched the heart of an industry that treasures beauty, life, and art, hence their legendary imagery and aesthetic are still relevant to this day. Though the 90s age of the supermodel that is typically thought of has closed at the end of the decade, the beauty, persona, and aura of the supermodels have left an ever-lasting impression due to the “it” factor each of them held and shared with the world.
The term supermodel is defined as a fashion model with a worldwide standing and a background in haute couture alongside commercial modeling. Claudia Schiffer stated in 2007, “In order to become a supermodel one must be on all the covers all over the world at the same time so that people can recognize the girls.” The supermodels were not just faces, but personalities with true radiance.
In this article, we will be looking into the history of supermodels to understand the origins and purpose, the aesthetics of the supermodel age to see how this was channeled, and the style as well as beauty practices that contribute to the. “it factor” presence.
The famous Vogue Italia cover of 1989 featuring Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Christy Turlington, shot by Steven Meisel ushered in the 90s supermodel age. This photographer’s work has graced numerous major magazines, he has a remarkable genius for composing narratives that recognize culture, in addition to his ability to capture characters and the faces that came to define the look of the day.
This is important to note as each model projects character on the runway, each channeled themselves into the look to present the garment in a manner that created a moment. Serving as a muse within the creative visions, but remaining distant enough to provoke a sense of mystery while being alluring or charming in their own way for the garment. These runway moments remain one of a kind.
For example, Kate Moss held an eternal youth factor, with waif-like stature her range can go from grunge to glamour. Adding a pure joyous yet raw charm that captured the heart of the ensembles she would showcase. Fashion photographer Mario Testino on Moss stated, “In life, there are perfumes and colognes. You need to use lots of cologne as the scent fades away; with a perfume, you just use a drop and it lasts all night. You are a perfume, you will go on and on.” Other models with differing mystique have also channeled the, “it” factor. in differing ways that held a presence and commanded the room to watch as they came down the runway as each displayed the designer’s work in the best light possible through their own womanhood.
Another example is Yasmeen Ghuri, who had a regal, yet airy factor, resulting in ensembles becoming more sophisticated and mature through her elegant walk with a refined, strong walk. Yasmeen, a woman of substance who was an avid reader, driven and intelligent, was able to channel this in her looks. While just by looking at her we wouldn’t know she read 10 books a month, her grounded natural charm, self-assurance, and vulnerability through how she carried herself added this regal, yet airy factor to the ensembles she showcased. Dubbed “the face of an angel, the body of a goddess” by Gianni Versace himself.
Designer Gianni Versace, with fashion houses that places high importance on celebrating the female form and a woman’s individuality, curated the Big Six supermodels that come to mind now. Fashion is a tangible depiction of society, culture, and people in a specific moment. Gianni was one to view fashion as an art and understood the relationship people have to clothing. He as a designer understood the super’s stature and also their skills in embodying not just themselves, but any garment they sported. As the women garnered more recognition and press coverage, Versace knew they were becoming the faces of the 90s. These designers defined the supermodel aesthetic with the supers modeling in their memorable campaigns that off iconic imagery and style notes.
Originally “the Big Five”, a term referring to Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell would go on to evolve into “the big six” including Kate Moss into the mid-90s. Each woman had their own unique niche, a trademark charm, hence no competition as they all embodied the beauty of the 90s. Linda the style chameleon, Claudia the bright blonde, Cindy the sexy one, Naomi the glamorous, Christy the elegant, and Kate the eternal youth.
With their demure expressions and charismatic stride, their unique factors created the cultural moment of 90s glamour. This type of glamour has a down-to-earth feeling yet elevated, well-rounded women that felt at ease in their own skin. The aesthetic drew people in and many gravitated towards it as there was a sense of realism. Where people did not have total access and could see the quote-unquote imperfections, but this just made the women all the more beautiful in intimate stills that have been known as some of the most iconic fashion photography.
German fashion photographer and film director, Peter Lindbergh stated, “Using black-and-white photography was really important in creating the supermodel. Every time I tried to shoot them in color, because their beauty was close to perfection, it ended up looking like a bad cosmetics advert. With black and white, you can really see who they are. It toned down the commercial interpretation that color gives. What’s so striking about black and white is how it really helps a sense of reality to come through.”
This sense of reality is an expression that is executed not just through looks, but aura, attitude, mannerisms, and personality. We can see in this interview how poised, well-spoken, and respectful Christy is and in this interview how Naomi carries herself with elegant body posture and confident body language while speaking her mind. Both have an awareness of the world around them and themselves within it.
This aura and attitude stand out because it differs from how many carry and present themselves. Their unique, distinctive beauties are further elevated through their personal wardrobes and makeup looks. The beauty practices of the supermodels off the runway tended to place more emphasis on enhancing the eyes, lips, and cheeks rather than the overall face to allow for these features to stand out. Features that are heavily needed in communication. Makeup trends of this time were more on the cool or neutral side in terms of undertone, if you’re interested in implementing this technique to your own complexion The Personal Style Analysis Guide: Seasonal Color Palettes is available now for you to understand your palette.
Each had an individualized color palette and understanding of their personal looks due to their work in the creative industry. With an understanding of how to channel a specific aura and attitude in unison to each of their unique beauties, off duty they each would tangibly depict through their own personal styles. These outfits allowed the supermodels to have the clothing be more of an extension of them, prioritizing themselves without sacrificing style. This also would produce not only a timeless style that is still looked to today but also a versatile look in their day in order to work. Their clothing would often consist of the staple model top, jeans, and leather jacket, but they also would wear fashionable pieces of the 90s that would both set or contribute to the popularization of trends.
Hair would be a less-than-fresh blowout that provides volume and movement around the face. A very upkeep styling technique without being overdone to match the degree of formality on the spectrum to casual. Even in the most casual looks, they remain poised and have an elevation as clothing is well suited to the body and never ill fit while subtly highlighting features through the use of visual weight in relation to the body, as well as facial structure. If you’re interested in curating this poised and elegant, yet laid-back wardrobe, the How to Dress Effortless, Chic, and Elegant guide is available now.
