30 Supermodels Who Shaped ’90s Beauty

20. Alek Wek

Alek Wek redefined beauty standards with her dark skin and short hair. Born on April 16, 1977, in Wau, Sudan (now South Sudan), she fled to Britain in 1991 to escape the civil war. Discovered at 18 in a London market, Wek quickly rose to prominence in the fashion industry.

She became the first African model to appear on the cover of Elle magazine in 1997. Wek’s striking look and confidence made her a role model for inclusivity, celebrated by leading magazines and designers worldwide. In 2007, she published her autobiography, “Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel,” detailing her journey from refugee to fashion icon. (harpercollins.com)

21. Karen Alexander

Karen Alexander, born on February 3, 1966, in New Jersey, began her modeling career at 16 after facing initial rejections from top agencies. She eventually signed with Legends Agency, leading to a successful career spanning over two decades. Alexander graced the covers of major magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Mademoiselle, Glamour, and Mirabella.

She also appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 1988 and 1989 and was featured in the Pirelli Calendar. In 1990, she was named one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People.” Beyond modeling, Alexander pursued acting, with a notable role in the 1995 film “Bad Boys.” In 2016, at age 50, she signed with IMG Models, marking a return to the industry. (vogue.com)

22. Kristen McMenamy

Kristen McMenamy’s androgynous look and bold, creative style challenged conventional beauty. Born on December 13, 1964, in Easton, Pennsylvania, she began her modeling career in the mid-1980s. In 1992, she underwent a dramatic transformation by cutting her long red hair short and dyeing it black, with makeup artist François Nars shaving off her eyebrows.

This edgy appearance aligned with the grunge fashion trend, propelling her to prominence. McMenamy’s versatility led her to work with renowned designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Gianni Versace, and photographers such as Steven Meisel and Helmut Newton. She graced the covers of major magazines, including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. In 2004, she returned to modeling, embracing her natural gray hair, and continued to influence the fashion industry with her unique style. (en.wikipedia.org)

23. Stella Tennant

Stella Tennant’s aristocratic, sculptural looks made her a Chanel muse and runway sensation. She stood out with her punk-inspired pixie cut, influencing minimalist fashion. Tennant’s androgynous style and distinctive appearance led her to work with designers like Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Gianni Versace, and Alexander McQueen.

She graced the covers of major magazines, including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and appeared in numerous advertising campaigns. Tennant’s unique presence and fashion-forward aesthetic left a lasting impact on the industry. (en.wikipedia.org)

24. Sophie Dahl

Sophie Dahl’s curvaceous silhouette and literary heritage made her a rare presence on runways often dominated by lean forms. Born on September 15, 1977, in London, she is the granddaughter of renowned author Roald Dahl. Discovered at 18, Dahl quickly rose to prominence in the fashion industry, appearing in campaigns for Versace, Alexander McQueen, and Yves Saint Laurent.

In 2000, she became the face of Yves Saint Laurent’s Opium perfume, a campaign that stirred controversy due to its bold imagery. Beyond modeling, Dahl pursued a successful writing career, publishing novels and cookbooks. Her presence in the fashion world challenged conventional beauty standards, promoting body positivity and inclusivity. (en.wikipedia.org)

25. Yasmin Le Bon

Yasmin Le Bon, born on October 29, 1964, in Oxford, England, is renowned for her exotic beauty and enduring presence in the fashion industry. Discovered at 17, she quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the highest-earning models of the 1980s. Le Bon graced the covers of the inaugural American and British issues of Elle and appeared on the covers of Vogue, V, I.D., Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar. She has worked with top designers such as Versace, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Gianfranco Ferré.

In 2010, she appeared in Duran Duran’s “Girl Panic” music video alongside fellow supermodels. In January 2012, she wore a 50 kg gown in the Stéphane Rolland spring/summer Haute Couture show in Paris. Le Bon continues to be active in the fashion industry, participating in campaigns and runway shows. She is married to Simon Le Bon, lead singer of Duran Duran, and they have three daughters. (en.wikipedia.org)

26. Elle Macpherson

Nicknamed ‘The Body,’ Elle Macpherson’s sun-kissed appeal and athletic figure reshaped attitudes toward healthy beauty. She holds the record for the most Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers, appearing five times: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1994, and 2006. Macpherson’s enduring presence in the fashion industry has solidified her status as a timeless icon. (en.wikipedia.org)

27. Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich began her modeling career at the age of 11 when she was featured in Revlon’s “Most Unforgettable Women in the World” campaign. She quickly rose to prominence, gracing the covers of over 100 magazines, including Vogue, Elle, and Cosmopolitan. Her striking features and versatility led her to work with top designers such as Versace, Chanel, and Christian Dior.

In 1988, she made her acting debut in the television film “The Night Train to Kathmandu” and appeared in her first feature film, “Two Moon Junction.” Jovovich’s modeling success provided a platform for her subsequent acting career, where she became known for roles in films like “The Fifth Element” and the “Resident Evil” franchise. (IMDb)

28. Bridget Hall

Bridget Hall, born on December 12, 1977, in Springdale, Arkansas, began her modeling career at the age of 10 in Dallas, Texas. She moved to New York City with her mother to pursue modeling full-time. By 17, Hall was listed in Forbes as one of the top-earning supermodels, alongside Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington. She graced the covers of major fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Allure, and walked the runways in New York, Paris, and Milan.

Hall worked with renowned designers and appeared in campaigns for brands like Pepsi, Guess Jeans, and Anne Klein. She was also featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue from 2002 to 2005. In 2006, she made a cameo appearance in the film “The Devil Wears Prada.” (en.wikipedia.org)

29. Carla Bruni Tedeschi

Carla Bruni Tedeschi, known professionally as Carla Bruni, is an Italian-French singer, songwriter, and former fashion model who served as the First Lady of France from 2008 to 2012. Born on December 23, 1967, in Turin, Italy, she moved to France at the age of seven. Bruni began her modeling career in 1987, working with renowned designers such as Christian Dior, Givenchy, and Chanel.

In 2002, she transitioned to music, releasing her debut album “Quelqu’un m’a dit,” which achieved significant commercial success. Bruni’s aristocratic air and musical talent have influenced both Italian and French beauty ideals, leaving a lasting impact on the fashion and music industries. (en.wikipedia.org)

30. Daniela Pestova

Daniela Pestova, born on October 14, 1970, in Teplice, Czechoslovakia, is a renowned Czech model celebrated for her versatility and striking beauty. Discovered by the Madison Modeling Agency, she quickly rose to prominence in the fashion industry. Pestova graced the covers of major magazines such as GQ, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Elle.

She appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue multiple times, including three cover appearances in 1995, 2000, and 2006. In addition to her modeling career, she has worked with brands like L’Oréal and Victoria’s Secret. Fluent in six languages—Czech, English, Italian, French, Russian, and Slovak—Pestova’s adaptability and elegance have solidified her status as a prominent figure in the fashion world. (en.wikipedia.org)

Conclusion

The 1990s supermodels collectively reshaped beauty standards, fashion, and cultural trends, leaving a lasting impact that resonates today. Their diverse looks and talents challenged traditional norms, promoting inclusivity and body positivity. (sidewalkrunway.blog)

Their influence extended beyond the runway, as they became icons in advertising, music videos, and popular culture, solidifying their status as global celebrities. The legacy of these supermodels continues to inspire and shape the fashion industry, reflecting a more inclusive and diverse representation of beauty. (theguardian.com)