Each of these models has left an indelible mark on the industry, transforming fashion and redefining beauty standards in their eras. Here’s a comprehensive article on the 20 most famous models ever, detailing their backgrounds, career milestones, and lasting impacts on the fashion industry:
Naomi Campbell
Background: Born in London, Naomi was discovered at 15.
Career Highlights: One of the original “supermodels” of the 1990s, Naomi was the first Black model to appear on the covers of Vogue Paris and Time. She’s graced countless runways and campaigns for brands like Versace and Yves Saint Laurent.
Legacy: Known for her fierce walk and philanthropy work, Naomi is a cultural icon.
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Kate Moss
Background: Discovered at 14 at JFK Airport.
Career Highlights: Kate redefined beauty standards in the 1990s with her “heroin chic” look. She’s worked with Calvin Klein, Chanel, and Alexander McQueen.
Legacy: A pioneer of minimalist beauty and one of the most photographed women in the world.
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Gisele Bündchen
Background: Born in Brazil, Gisele was discovered at a mall at 14.
Career Highlights: Dominated the 2000s as the highest-paid model, becoming the face of Victoria’s Secret, Dolce & Gabbana, and Chanel.
Legacy: Gisele is credited with ending the “heroin chic” era, bringing back curvier models.
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Cindy Crawford
Background: Raised in Illinois, Cindy was valedictorian of her high school class.
Career Highlights: A staple of 1990s fashion, Cindy appeared on over 500 magazine covers and starred in campaigns for Pepsi, Versace, and Revlon.
Legacy: Known for her iconic mole, she made fitness videos that brought fashion into everyday life.
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Tyra Banks
Background: Born in Los Angeles, Tyra began modeling at 15.
Career Highlights: The first Black model on the covers of GQ and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Creator of America’s Next Top Model.
Legacy: Tyra reshaped the modeling industry by emphasizing inclusivity and mentorship.
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Claudia Schiffer
Background: Discovered in a Düsseldorf nightclub.
Career Highlights: A face of Chanel in the 1990s, Claudia appeared in campaigns for Guess and Versace.
Legacy: Her Barbie-like features made her one of the most recognizable models of the decade.
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Adriana Lima
Background: From Salvador, Brazil, Adriana began modeling at 15.
Career Highlights: One of the longest-running Victoria’s Secret Angels, she’s also worked with Maybelline and Miu Miu.
Legacy: Her exotic beauty has cemented her as a fashion favorite.
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Linda Evangelista
Background: Born in Ontario, Linda was discovered in a beauty contest.
Career Highlights: Famously said, “I don’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day.” She’s graced campaigns for Chanel, Valentino, and Dior.
Legacy: Known for her versatility, Linda was the ultimate chameleon of her era.
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Bella Hadid
Background: Born into a famous family, Bella began modeling at 16.
Career Highlights: The face of Dior Beauty, Bulgari, and Michael Kors, Bella’s sultry looks have dominated the 2010s and beyond.
Legacy: A modern style icon with a strong social media presence.
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Heidi Klum
Background: Born in Germany, Heidi won a national modeling contest.
Career Highlights: The first German model to become a Victoria’s Secret Angel. She later became the host of Project Runway.
Legacy: A crossover star known for her entrepreneurial ventures.
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Christy Turlington
Background: Born in California, Christy began modeling at 14.
Career Highlights: A Calvin Klein Eternity campaign icon, she also appeared in campaigns for Prada and Chanel.
Legacy: An advocate for maternal health through her charity Every Mother Counts.
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Kendall Jenner
Background: Raised in the spotlight as part of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
Career Highlights: A favorite of brands like Chanel, Givenchy, and Balmain, Kendall is one of the most followed models on social media.
Legacy: A key figure in the rise of influencer culture in modeling.
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Alessandra Ambrosio
Background: Born in Brazil, Alessandra began modeling at 12.
Career Highlights: Known for her work as a Victoria’s Secret Angel and campaigns for Armani and Ralph Lauren.
Legacy: One of the most recognizable Brazilian models globally.
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Twiggy
Background: Born Lesley Hornby in London, Twiggy became a teenage sensation in the 1960s.
Career Highlights: Known for her pixie haircut and bold lashes, she epitomized the “Mod” look.
Legacy: The first global supermodel and an enduring fashion muse.
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Iman
Background: Born in Somalia, Iman was discovered in Kenya.
Career Highlights: Worked with Yves Saint Laurent and Calvin Klein, and was a muse for designers like Halston.
Legacy: Founder of a successful cosmetics line catering to women of color.
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Elle Macpherson
Background: Born in Australia, Elle was nicknamed “The Body.”
Career Highlights: Famous for her record five covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Legacy: An entrepreneur with ventures in fashion and wellness.
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Bar Refaeli
Background: From Israel, Bar began modeling as a child.
Career Highlights: Known for her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers and campaigns for Chanel and Gap.
Legacy: A trailblazer for Israeli models in global fashion.
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Gigi Hadid
Background: The daughter of a former model and real estate mogul, Gigi started modeling as a child.
Career Highlights: A face of Tommy Hilfiger, Maybelline, and Versace, Gigi is a runway regular.
Legacy: Celebrated for her relatable yet glamorous appeal.
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Carla Bruni
Background: Born in Italy, Carla began modeling at 19.
Career Highlights: The face of Versace, Chanel, and Christian Dior in the 1990s. Later became First Lady of France.
Legacy: A unique blend of beauty, talent, and political influence.
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Liu Wen
Background: Born in China, Liu started as a catalog model.
Career Highlights: The first East Asian model to walk for Victoria’s Secret and appear on Forbes’ top-earning models list.
Legacy: A trailblazer for Asian representation in fashion.
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