Naomi, Christy, Linda, Cindy! Fashion's supermodels return to tell their stories


By AGENCY

'The Super Models' looks back on the four women who created a template for today's uber-influencers. Photo: Filepic

Naomi, Christy, Linda and Cindy are back, recounting how they revolutionised fashion as the first supermodels in the 1990s in a new series for Apple TV.

The Super Models, which launches on Sept 20, looks back on the four women who created a template for today's uber-influencers by injecting an element of personality into the job of modelling.

Britain's Naomi Campbell, 53, Canada's Linda Evangelista, 58 and the two Americans, Cindy Crawford, 57, and Christy Turlington, 54, dominated the fashion scene during one of its most explosive periods.

Read more: Adriana Lima and other iconic Victoria's Secret Angels make a rousing return

They worked with the top designers and photographers, though it was a music video, George Michael's Freedom, which helped cement their status in the public consciousness as the first "supermodels".

"(The 1990s) was a very unique time historically, where everything was converging – fashion, music, you had MTV just starting – ...right before the brink of the internet," said co-director Larissa Bills.

"These women were like the original influencers. Prior to the internet, prior to social media, they were able to bring a whole world to the public in a way that hadn't been done before."

It is the first time they have shared their story together.

"The fact that they're all in their 50s now... it was the right time. They're in a more reflective space in their lives," said Bills.

All from modest backgrounds, the foursome made millions of dollars and revelled in their stardom.

But they also faced many of the horrific aspects of the fashion industry -- addiction, eating disorders, sexual harassment.

Evangelista faced perhaps the most challenging moments, with a husband accused of rape by other women (the case was finally dropped in early 2023), breast cancer and a botched cosmetic surgery which she says left her "disfigured".

Read more: Victoria's Secret gave them wings? Models made famous by the lingerie brand

Age is an under-current of their discussions, and was underlined again in recent days after the foursome featured on the cover of Vogue in the US and Britain.

The distinct lack of wrinkles led many to accuse the magazine of doctoring the images.

For Bills, though, the series is a celebration.

"They shouldered such a giant responsibility – to be 16 years old and the face of a brand. The industry was not regulated at the time and they really did it on their own. Well done to them," she said. – AFP

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Style

T-shirts for the female gaze? Such designs by women for women have unique appeal
What is it about the Olsen twins' fashion label that makes people splurge?
PINNACLE OF INNOVATION
INTO THE UNKNOWN
A cult Swedish brand just got the backing of a fashion conglomerate, but why?
Fashion designer sews 200 stuffed animals on his jeans
Forget handbags, it is now designer pants that offer a certain status symbol
Dark suit and a weary smile: The fashion of Kamala Harris' abbreviated legacy
'Visually captivating': Why pageant fashion can be such a hot topic
Looking back at the dramatic Miss Universe Malaysia national costumes

Others Also Read