The 1980s was an era of iconic fashion moments, and supermodels were at the forefront, their names becoming synonymous with glamour, style, and that elusive “it” factor.
However, the legacy of these supermodels extends far beyond the runway, inspiring generations of models and fashion enthusiasts alike.
The growing influence of social media and social movements like third-wave body positivity eventually led the modeling industry to embrace greater diversity, including a wider range of sizes, genders, and social media presence.1
1. Cindy Crawford
Known for her signature beauty mark, Crawford graced countless magazine covers and was the face of Revlon. She transitioned into acting and entrepreneurship.
2. Patti Hansen
An all-American beauty with a rocker-chic edge, she was a defining face of the 1980s fashion scene.
Known for her signature blonde locks, piercing blue eyes, and infectious energy, she graced countless magazine covers and high-fashion campaigns and one of the top-earning models during that time.
3. Iman
The Somali-American beauty with an exotic allure was a trailblazing supermodel in the 1980s. Known for her statuesque figure, elegant poise, and striking features, Iman graced countless magazine covers and runways, becoming a muse for designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Gianni Versace.
Her influence extended beyond the catwalk, as she became a symbol of diversity and empowerment in the fashion industry.
4. Cheryl Tiegs
She’s the quintessential California girl and was one of the first supermodels to achieve mainstream fame.
Known for her sun-kissed blonde hair, blue eyes, and radiant smile, Tiegs graced the covers of magazines like Vogue, Glamour, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, becoming a household name in the 1980s. Her iconic pink bikini poster solidified her status as a pop culture icon.
5. Linda Evangelista
Famous for her chameleon-like ability to transform her look, Evangelista was a favorite of top designers and photographers. She was known for saying, “We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day.”
6. Naomi Campbell
A British supermodel known for her fierce walk and striking beauty, Campbell was one of the first black models to achieve international stardom. She was part of the “Big Six” supermodels of the 1990s.
7. Christy Turlington
An American supermodel known for her classic beauty and elegant style, Turlington was the face of Calvin Klein’s Eternity fragrance. She later became an advocate for maternal health.
8. Claudia Schiffer
A German supermodel who rose to fame in the early 1990s, Schiffer was known for her resemblance to Brigitte Bardot. She graced over 1,000 magazine covers and worked with Chanel, Versace, and Guess.
9. Elle Macpherson
Macpherson, an Australian supermodel nicknamed “The Body,” was known for her athletic physique and sun-kissed beauty. She appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue multiple times.
10. Cristina Ferrare
Ferrare, an Italian-American beauty, was a prominent figure in the 1980s fashion scene. She graced the covers of numerous magazines and appeared in high-profile campaigns for brands like Max Factor and Clairol.
Ferrare’s versatility extended beyond modeling, as she also enjoyed a successful career as a television host and author.
11. Shelley Hack
With her timeless beauty, girl-next-door charm, and piercing green eyes, Hack captivated the hearts of many as she graced the covers of magazines and starred in Revlon’s “Charlie” perfume campaign.
Beyond her modeling career, Hack made her mark in the entertainment industry as an actress and used her platform to advocate for political causes.
12. Tatjana Patitz
A German model known for her natural beauty and enigmatic aura, Patitz was part of Peter Lindbergh’s iconic black-and-white photograph that launched the supermodel era. She appeared in George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90” music video.
13. Paulina Porizkova
A Czech-born model who became a sensation in the 1980s, Porizkova was known for her striking features and captivating gaze.
She appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue twice and later became an author and actress.
14. Carol Alt
An American model and actress, Alt was one of the most famous faces of the 1980s. She appeared in numerous magazines and commercials, and later transitioned into acting, starring in films like “Howard the Duck.”
15. Brooke Shields
Starting as a child model, Shields transitioned to high fashion in the ’80s, known for her thick eyebrows and Calvin Klein campaigns.
Her famous line “You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.” caused a sensation.
16. Jerry Hall
An American model and actress, Hall was known for her long blonde hair, statuesque figure, and high-profile relationship with Mick Jagger. She was a muse for Yves Saint Laurent and Antonio Lopez.
17. Kim Alexis
An American model known for her all-American girl-next-door look, Alexis was a popular face in magazines and commercials. She was the spokesmodel for Revlon’s “Unforgettable Women” campaign.
18. Yasmin Le Bon
A British model who became a muse for designers like Azzedine Alaïa and Chanel, Le Bon was known for her exotic features and elegant style. She was married to Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon.
19. Janice Dickinson
An American model who proclaimed herself the “world’s first supermodel,” Dickinson was known for her bold personality and outspoken nature. She later became a judge on “America’s Next Top Model.”
20. Christie Brinkley
An American model known for her girl-next-door charm and bright smile, Brinkley appeared on over 500 magazine covers and was the face of CoverGirl cosmetics for 25 years.
21. Inès de La Fressange
A French model and muse for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, de La Fressange was known for her aristocratic elegance and effortless chic.
She was the first model to sign an exclusive modeling contract with a haute couture house.
22. Estelle Lefébure
A French model known for her chic and natural beauty, Lefébure was a favorite of designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent. She was married to singer David Hallyday.
23. Kara Young
An American model known for her striking beauty and enigmatic presence, Young was a favorite of photographers like Steven Meisel and Herb Ritts. She appeared in numerous high-fashion editorials and campaigns.
24. Isabella Rossellini
An Italian actress and model, Rossellini was known for her aristocratic beauty and captivating presence. She was the face of Lancôme for 14 years and appeared in numerous films.
25. Kathy Ireland
Ireland was known for her girl-next-door looks and business savvy. She founded a successful brand licensing company and appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue three times.
These legendary figures and their influence on the fashion world remains as vibrant and relevant as ever. So next time you flip through a vintage Vogue or spot a classic ad campaign, take a moment to appreciate these trailblazing women who made the ’80s a truly unforgettable era in fashion history.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
