Naomi Campbell (Photo by magicinfoto on Shutterstock)
The 1990s were a defining decade for the world of fashion, marked by a new breed of supermodels who not only embodied the era’s beauty standards but also revolutionized them. With their striking looks, magnetic presences, and unparalleled talent, these models dominated the runways and magazine covers, becoming cultural icons in their own right. The ’90s beauty ideal was characterized by tall, slender figures with pronounced cheekbones and a timeless elegance that seemed to effortlessly combine sophistication and approachability. From the era’s beloved “Big Six” to other standout names who captured the essence of the decade, the best supermodels of the ’90s set a new standard for beauty that continues to influence the fashion industry today. There are more supermodels that we could’ve squeezed into this top five, but from research across the web, StudyFinds turned to 10 expert opinions to find these best supermodels of the 1990s. Tell us in the comments below which supermodels you used to see flipping through Glamour Magazine.
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Here’s who experts think defined the decade on the runway:
1. Linda Evangelista
Linda Evangelista, celebrated as the “Face of the 20th Century” by the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, epitomized both beauty and intellect during her illustrious career. Renowned for her extraordinary presence on the runway and in high-fashion editorials, Evangelista was a quintessential ’90s supermodel who commanded top dollar for her work. The Canadian model’s career was marked by her iconic statement about not working for less than $10,000 a day, underscoring her prominence and influence. During her peak, she adorned over 800 magazine covers and became a muse to renowned fashion photographer Steven Meisel, as highlighted by Stylight.
Evangelista’s versatility and adaptability in the modeling world were legendary. Known for her ability to transform her look with every shoot, she embraced a wide array of hairstyles and beauty trends. After relocating to New York from her hometown of St. Catharines, Ontario, in 1984, she swiftly ascended to superstardom, ultimately featuring on more than 700 magazine covers and inspiring fashion giants like Steven Meisel, Karl Lagerfeld, and Gianni Versace, according to Who What Wear.
However, Evangelista’s career faced a significant setback due to complications from a cosmetic procedure. In 2021, she experienced severe complications from a fat removal treatment that not only failed to deliver the intended results but also caused permanent disfigurement. The model has since shared her painful journey and the impact of the botched procedure, which has led to multiple unsuccessful corrective surgeries and affected her career, as reported by The Things.
2. Christy Turlington
Christy Turlington, a name synonymous with ’90s supermodel glamour, was first discovered as a teenager and quickly became a prominent figure in fashion. Today says she has more than 500 magazine covers to her name and was a defining face for Calvin Klein for two decades. Beyond her modeling career, Turlington has channeled her efforts into philanthropy and Eastern philosophy. She married actor Edward Burns in 2003, and they have two children.
Turlington’s prominence in the fashion world was cemented alongside other icons like Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell. Known for her striking features and commanding presence, she became a sought-after model for top designers such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Versace. Her achievements extend beyond modeling; Turlington graduated cum laude from NYU’s Gallatin School of Independent Studies and now dedicates her efforts to Every Mother Counts, an organization focused on improving maternal health worldwide, as noted by RUSSH.
James Scully, a renowned casting director, once lauded Turlington as “the greatest model of all time,” emphasizing her unparalleled status in the industry. Her modeling career included collaborations with legendary fashion houses and a distinctive street style marked by casual, tomboyish outfits. Turlington also made headlines with a groundbreaking seven-figure contract with Calvin Klein at just 20. After achieving fame, she pursued higher education in public health and founded the nonprofit Every Mother Counts, highlighting her commitment to both public health and fashion (Stylight).
3. Claudia Schiffer
Claudia Schiffer’s rise to fame began in an unexpected place—a nightclub in Düsseldorf, Germany—where her striking features caught the attention of a model scout. Harper’s Bazaar ranks her highly in the lineup of ’90s models. Why? With her iconic blonde hair, smoky eyes, and full lips, Schiffer was often compared to Brigitte Bardot. Her resemblance to the French star, along with her undeniable presence, led Karl Lagerfeld to make her the face of Chanel, a role she also held for other prestigious brands like Guess. Schiffer’s impact on the fashion industry was monumental, earning her countless magazine covers and a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the most prolific cover models.
Schiffer’s path to international stardom was cemented in Paris, where she quickly became a sensation after moving there at the suggestion of the model scout she met in Düsseldorf. Her success was nearly instantaneous, and she soon caught the eye of Karl Lagerfeld, who chose her as the face of Chanel, a decision that launched her into the upper echelons of fashion. Over the years, Schiffer graced the covers of more than 500 magazines and became the face of campaigns for luxury brands like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Dolce & Gabbana, a career trajectory noted by Marie Claire.
Today, after a career that saw her become one of the most recognizable supermodels of all time, Schiffer has retreated from the spotlight to enjoy a quieter life. Residing in the English countryside of Oxfordshire, she focuses on her family and lives away from the public eye. Despite her past as a global icon, Schiffer’s current life is a far cry from the glamorous runways and photo shoots, as The Things points out.
4. Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell broke barriers in the fashion industry, making history as the first Black model to grace the covers of both American and French Vogue. According to Stylight, her career took off when she made her catwalk debut for Chanel during Paris Fashion Week in 1986. By 1990, Campbell had solidified her place among the “Big Five” supermodels, earning the title of “the reigning mega model of them all” from Interview magazine.
Even as she approached her late 40s, Campbell continued to dominate the fashion world, appearing in the prestigious Pirelli calendar and strutting down runways with the same fierce energy that marked her early career. In the ’90s, her presence was a constant in top fashion magazines and on the catwalks of Milan, New York, and Paris. Her legendary tumble in Vivienne Westwood’s sky-high platforms in 1993 only added to her iconic status, with the moment captured in photos of her laughing as she gracefully recovered, a story mentioned by Who What Wear.
Campbell’s journey to superstardom began at the Italia Conti Stage School, where she was discovered and soon after became the first Black model to appear on the cover of British Vogue in 1966. Her career quickly soared as she walked for the biggest names in fashion, including Versace and Isaac Mizrahi. In 1990, she joined fellow supermodels Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, and Cindy Crawford on an iconic British Vogue cover, and the following year, the four walked arm-in-arm in a memorable Versace show (Today).
5. Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford knew what she wanted early on, relocating to New York City right after high school to pursue her modeling dreams. Signing with the esteemed Elite modeling agency, she quickly became a dominant force in the fashion industry. According to RUSSH, by 1998, Crawford had already graced the covers of over 500 magazines and continued to do so throughout her career. She walked for top designers like Chanel, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Calvin Klein, and today, her legacy lives on as her daughter, Kaia Gerber, emerges as one of the industry’s most sought-after models.
Crawford’s signature beauty mark and undeniable allure made her one of the most iconic supermodels of the ’90s. She was part of the elite “Big Six” squad of supermodels and co-hosted House of Style on MTV, which further solidified her status in pop culture. Over the years, she appeared on countless magazine covers and strutted down runways for the biggest names in fashion, from Christian Dior to DKNY, writes Zeitgeist.
Cindy Crawford’s influence extended far beyond the fashion world, making her a true cultural icon of the 1990s. Her fame transcended modeling, as she became a familiar face in Pepsi commercials and on television screens as the host of House of Style. Her distinctive beauty mark became her trademark, and her image was everywhere, from billboards to advertisements. Now, her daughter Kaia Gerber is following in her footsteps, continuing the Crawford legacy in the fashion industry (Harper’s Bazaar).
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