As a group of supermodels known as the “Big Five” ruled the runway in the 1990s, it was a pivotal decade for the fashion industry.
Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, and Cindy Crawford were the faces of the business, appearing on the covers of numerous publications and walking in the most prestigious fashion shows.
They were genuine celebrities, not just models, with well-known faces and names around the globe.
In contrast to many of their peers and contemporaries, these five women have been able to maintain their notoriety and success over the years.
Some of these models are no longer active in the industry, while others have switched to different endeavors. Many people hardly remember the names and faces of those who have vanished into obscurity.
Karen Mulder, a former rival of the Big Five, serves as one illustration. In the 1990s, she enjoyed a prosperous career that saw her grace the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar and participate in Victoria’s Secret fashion shows.
She did, however, stop modeling in 2000 and has since battled with personal problems and mental health, which has caused her to vanish from the public eye.
Niki Taylor, a rising star in the 1990s who graced the covers of magazines like Elle and Cosmopolitan, is another illustration.
Her professional life, however, was cut short in 2001 when she was seriously injured in a car accident. Since then, she has recovered but has chosen to put her family and personal life first instead of returning to modeling.
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Big Five Models
Harper’s Bazaar and Elle magazine covers were graced by Elaine Irwin, who participated in numerous Victoria’s Secret fashion shows and retired from modeling in 2005 to concentrate on her personal life.
This includes raising her two children and being a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society.
Yasmeen Ghauri also retired from modeling in the 2000s and has since focused on her family, although she has made occasional appearances in the fashion industry.
Despite their disappearance from the spotlight, the impact of these models on the fashion industry cannot be denied.
They helped pave the way for the diverse representation that is now seen on the runway and in fashion campaigns. They were trailblazers who broke barriers and shattered stereotypes, and they will always be remembered as icons of their time.
Linda Evangelista
Linda Evangelista is a Canadian model who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. She started her modeling career at the age of 16, after being discovered by a talent scout while competing in a Miss Teen Niagara pageant.
In the 1980s, Evangelista quickly became one of the most sought-after models of the decade, walking the runway for a few of the largest designers in the world, including Chanel, Azzedine Alaia, and Gianni Versace.
She appeared on the cover of several magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle.
Throughout her career, Evangelista has been known for her distinctive look, which included short, boyish hair and bold, colorful makeup. She was also known for her work ethic, often working long hours and traveling the world for photoshoots and fashion shows.
In the early 2000s, Evangelista retired from modeling and decided to focus on her personal life and her charity work. She has been actively involved in various charities, including amfAR and the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Despite her retirement from modeling, Evangelista remains a beloved figure in the industry and is considered one of the most iconic models of the 1980s and 1990s.
Her striking beauty, her versatility, her distinctive look, her work ethic, and her longevity in the industry have made her a favorite among photographers, designers and audiences alike.
Today, Linda Evangelista continues to be a respected figure in the world of fashion and entertainment, and her legacy as one of the most iconic models of the past decades lives on.
Tatjana Patitz
Tatjana Patitz is a German model who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. She started her modeling career at the age of 18, after being discovered by a talent scout while studying at a university in Hamburg, Germany.
In 1985, Patitz landed her first major campaign with Elite Model Management, and quickly became one of the most sought-after models of the decade.
Throughout the 80s and 90s, she modeled for several of the largest brands in the world, including Chanel, Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent. Furthermore, she was featured on the cover of numerous magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle.
Besides her successful modeling career, Patitz also had a successful acting career. She appeared in several films, including “The Player” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”.
In the 1990s, Patitz was considered one of the “big six” supermodels, along with Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Claudia Schiffer.
They were known for their striking beauty and versatility in front of the camera and for their commanding presence on the runway.
In the 2000s, Patitz retired from modeling and decided to focus on her family and her photography career. She married a German artist and photographer and had one child with him. She also became a successful photographer and has displayed her work in galleries around the world.
Despite her retirement from modeling, Patitz remains a beloved figure in the industry and is considered one of the most amazing models of the 1980s and 1990s.
Her striking beauty and versatility in front of the camera made her a favorite among photographers and designers alike, and she continues to be remembered as one of the most influential models of her time.
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Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell, a British model and actress who gained traction in the 1980s, has since become one of the most recognizable and successful models in the world.
She started her career at the age of 15, after being discovered by a talent scout while shopping in London.
In the 1980s, Campbell quickly became one of the most sought-after models of the decade, walking the runway for a few of the most prominent designers in the world, including Azzedine Alaia, Gianni Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Additionally, she has appeared on the cover of numerous magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle.
Aside from her successful modeling career, Campbell also had a successful acting career. She appeared in several films, including “Cool as Ice” and “Girl 6” and in several TV shows like “Empire” and “American Horror Story”.
In the 1990s, Campbell was considered one of the “big six” supermodels, along with Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Tatjana Patitz, and Claudia Schiffer.
They were known for their striking beauty and versatility in front of the camera and for their commanding presence on the runway.
Throughout her career, Campbell has been known for her charity work and her activism. She has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and has also been actively involved in various charities, including the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
Photo: Pop Sugar
