Are There Any Supermodels Left Anymore?
A "supermodel" is a fashion model that has achieved celebrity status. Think of today's top models: Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber, Gigi, and Bella Hadid. What do they all have in common? Nepotism. With models today earning their ranks from their famous parents, many people believe we have seen the end of the supermodel. To achieve that status, you can’t just be famous. You have to earn it, and many of these models have not.
t is no argument that supermodels in the ‘90s and early 2000s had an indisputable energy, especially on the runway. They captivated audiences with their sultry, confident, and eccentric walks. They were on the cover of all the magazines, headlining in tabloids, and attending the wildest parties. Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Cindy Crawford were all household names, becoming even bigger than the designers they walked for.
Image courtesy: Harpers Bazar Australia
In late 2022, Vogue released a docuseries on Youtube titled ‘Supreme Models.’ During episode 5, they detail the rise of supermodels in the ’80s and ’90s. These models, especially Black women, became so popular, leading to envy from different designers. “You got designers who were angry because they felt that they were financing the supermodels' rise to success,” says model Veronica Webb. “And then the models would get all this press afterward, sometimes not even mentioning the designer.”
Thus began the Alien Invasion. “...when that bloc fell down, and scouts started going into Eastern Europe, that's when everything changed.” said former model and fashion advocate Bethann Hardison. Miuccia Prada, Italian designer and founder of both Prada and Miu Miu, was one of the first to look into Eastern Europe for new models, feeling tired of the current ones. The ‘white-out’ began when all models started looking the same. All white, all thin, and all walked with no personality on the runway. Coined “The Prade Effect,” the trend progressed throughout the modeling world, and many designers followed. “Right now, it's not about the personalities; it's about fashion,” said designer Calvin Klein.
Image Courtesy: Times Live
The modeling world has changed in the past 15 years, as runways have diversified in race, gender, and size, becoming more inclusive. But unfortunately, the trend of no personality on the runway has maintained the same. The current models do not compare with the beloved supermodels of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Off the runway, the supermodel era slowly declined as the media's attention favored actors and musicians; the tabloids and magazine covers soon reflected that.
However, a new title, ‘Ubermodel,’ was created solely for Brazilian bombshell Gisele Bundchen. It signifies her presence in the fashion world because she was more than just a supermodel. She was the highest-paid model for 14 straight years from 20002 to 2017, appeared on more than 1,200 magazine covers, and walked in over 600 shows. In 2017, Bundchen was dethroned by reality TV star/Model Kendall Jenner as the highest-paid model, which she has remained since then.
Just like Kendall, many of the models that become mainstream are the ones that have famous parents. As we know, the modeling world loves consistency, so what is better than duplicating their favorite models? Kaia Gerber, who some say is a replica of her supermodel mother, Cindy Crawford, and Lila Moss, the daughter of Kate Moss. New generation, same genes.
And with this new generation came a different way that models present themselves, through a social presence. Previously, the allure of the supermodel was that the public knew nothing about them or what they cared for. Now, in the era of social media, models are more vocal. Model Bella Hadid, recently regarded as the supermodel of this generation, uses her social media presence to spread awareness of different things that she advocates for.
Maybe supermodels don't exist under the traditional meaning of the word, as most achieved celebrity prior, but they still exist. Although considerably recognized through their online following and family connections, this new modeling era has improved as there is now more room for models of different backgrounds and sizes to succeed and secure the title.
Strike Out,
Morgann Rhule
Boca Raton
Morgann (yes with 2 n’s) is a content writer for Strike Magazine. Her best friends describe her as a shopaholic bookworm who gives the best advice. Born in Jamaica, she wears it proudly with a beaded red, green and gold necklace she never takes off. You can reach her on insta @morgannrhule or email morgannrhule@gmail.com
