30 Supermodels Who Shaped ’90s Beauty

8. Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks stormed the runways with bold confidence and later broke barriers as the first Black woman on the covers of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and GQ. In 1996, she became the first Black woman to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, posing alongside Valeria Mazza in South Africa.

The next year, Banks made her first solo appearance on the front of the magazine, continuing on her path of breaking barriers in the modeling industry. Famous for her ‘smize,’ Banks went on to redefine beauty standards through television with ‘America’s Next Top Model.’ (en.wikipedia.org)

9. Shalom Harlow

Shalom Harlow’s elegant features and ballet-trained grace brought a unique sophistication to 1990s catwalks. Discovered at age 17 during a Cure concert in Toronto, she quickly became a favorite among designers for both commercial and couture campaigns. (en.wikipedia.org)

Harlow is best remembered for the robotic ‘spray paint’ dress at Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 1999 show, where she stood on a rotating platform as robotic arms sprayed her white dress with black and yellow paint, creating a striking performance art piece. Her cross-genre work bridged fashion with performance art, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. (en.wikipedia.org)

10. Stephanie Seymour

Stephanie Seymour epitomized sultry, all-American glamour in the 1990s, becoming a muse for both Versace and Guns N’ Roses. Her versatility spanned high fashion and Victoria’s Secret, making her a household name. Seymour graced the covers of major magazines like Vogue and Elle, and appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

She was also one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angels, representing the brand in its early years. In 1991, she posed for Playboy, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the fashion industry. Seymour’s enduring influence continues to inspire the fashion world. (en.wikipedia.org)

11. Karen Mulder

Karen Mulder’s striking features and icy blue eyes made her a favorite of elite designers like Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent. A Victoria’s Secret Angel from 1997 to 2000, Mulder became a symbol of both European sophistication and approachable beauty.

She graced the covers of British and Spanish Vogue in 1991 and 1992, and appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 1997 and 1998. In 2002, she released a cover of “I Am What I Am,” which achieved success in the French charts, reaching No. 13. (en.wikipedia.org)

12. Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz’s statuesque, natural beauty made her a favorite of photographers like Peter Lindbergh and Anna Wintour. As part of the iconic ‘Big Five’ supermodels, Patitz personified understated elegance, often linked with the subtle, effortless looks in ’90s fashion.

She was known for her soulful presence in photographs, bringing a depth and intensity that set her apart from her peers. Her work with Lindbergh, in particular, produced some of the most memorable images of the era. Patitz’s enduring influence continues to inspire the fashion industry. (vogue.com)

13. Amber Valletta

Amber Valletta’s minimalist style and adaptability made her a muse for major designers and photographers. She began modeling in the early 1990s, appearing on 17 American Vogue covers and becoming a supermodel as the face of brands like Armani, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, and Versace, while also securing multimillion-dollar cosmetics contracts with Calvin Klein and Elizabeth Arden.

From 1995 to 1996, she co-hosted MTV’s House of Style with Shalom Harlow. Transitioning to acting in the 2000s, she debuted in What Lies Beneath (2000) and went on to appear in films including Hitch (2005), Transporter 2 (2005), and Gamer (2009). She later moved to television, playing Lydia Davis in ABC’s Revenge (2011) and Carla Briggs in Blood & Oil (2015). (en.wikipedia.org)

14. Eva Herzigová

Eva Herzigová’s statuesque beauty and striking features made her a favorite among elite designers like Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent. In 1994, she became the face of Wonderbra’s “Hello Boys” campaign, featuring a provocative image that garnered widespread attention.

The campaign was so impactful that it was voted the most iconic ad of all time in a 2011 poll by the Outdoor Media Centre. Herzigová’s bold sex appeal and classic features positioned her as one of the decade’s top international models. (en.wikipedia.org)

15. Yasmeen Ghauri

Yasmeen Ghauri’s exotic looks and unique runway walk turned heads during fashion weeks. Born in Montreal to a German mother and a Pakistani father, she was discovered at 17 while working at a local McDonald’s. (en.wikipedia.org)

Ghauri’s distinctive “ball-bearing swivel of her hips” earned her acclaim, with The New York Times highlighting her captivating presence. She became a muse to designers like Gianni Versace and Anna Sui, and featured in notable Estee Lauder campaigns. Ghauri’s success paved the way for greater South Asian representation in the fashion industry. (certification.siyarimun.gov.np)

16. Carla Bruni

Before becoming France’s First Lady, Carla Bruni made headlines as a top model and muse to brands like Dior and Givenchy. Born in Turin, Italy, she moved to France at the age of seven. Bruni began her modeling career at 19, signing with City Models in Paris. She quickly rose to prominence, working with renowned designers such as Christian Dior, Givenchy, Chanel, and Versace.

By the 1990s, Bruni was among the highest-paid fashion models, earning an estimated $7.5 million annually. Her sultry voice and sophisticated style made her a favorite in haute couture. In 2003, she transitioned to music, releasing her debut album, “Quelqu’un m’a dit,” which became an instant hit in France and internationally. Bruni’s multifaceted career and enduring elegance have solidified her status as a fashion icon. (vogue.com)

17. Beverly Peele

Beverly Peele’s striking features and unique runway walk turned heads during fashion weeks. Born in Los Angeles, California, she began modeling in 1987 at age 12 and landed her first magazine cover, Mademoiselle, in 1989. (en.wikipedia.org)

Peele’s exotic looks and distinctive “ball-bearing swivel of her hips” earned her acclaim, with The New York Times highlighting her captivating presence. She became a muse to designers like Gianni Versace and Anna Sui, and featured in notable Estee Lauder campaigns. Peele’s success paved the way for greater diversity in the fashion industry. (en.wikipedia.org)

18. Nadja Auermann

Nadja Auermann, born on March 19, 1971, in West Berlin, Germany, was discovered in 1989 while working as a waitress in a Berlin café. She quickly rose to prominence in the early 1990s, becoming one of the most sought-after models of the decade.

Auermann’s striking platinum blonde hair and long legs—measuring 45 inches—earned her a place in the Guinness Book of Records. She was a favorite of designers like Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and Gianni Versace, influencing runway trends worldwide. Her ethereal presence and angular beauty made her a standout figure in 1990s fashion. (catwalkyourself.com)

19. Veronica Webb

Veronica Webb made history as the first African-American to have a major cosmetics contract with Revlon. Born on February 25, 1965, in Detroit, Michigan, she began her modeling career in New York City after studying design at the Parsons School of Design.

Webb’s vibrant personality and unique look led her to appear on the covers of Vogue, Essence, and Elle magazines, and she walked the runway for designers like Chanel and Versace. In 1992, she became the face of Revlon’s ColorStyle line, marking a significant milestone in the fashion industry. (thehistorymakers.org)

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)