Grayson West
The 1980s was a time when a group of women redefined what it meant to be a model—the supermodels. They were the ultimate celebrities, with their faces plastered on magazine covers and their names whispered with the same reverence as rockstars. We’re talking record-breaking contracts, campaigns that turned into cultural touchstones, and enough confidence to make even the most seasoned fashionista weak in the knees. Here, we present to you the 25 supermodels who ruled the 80s!
Iman
Discovered by a photographer while taking a political science course, Iman’s exotic looks and regal presence made her a muse for legendary designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Halston. Beyond the runway, she captivated audiences with her wisdom and intelligence, becoming a spokesperson for embracing diversity in the fashion world. Her 1992 marriage to rockstar David Bowie only cemented her status as a total rockstar wife (and style icon, of course!).
Brooke Shields
This one’s a household name. Brooke Shields started in this field at a tender age, and by the time she was a teenager, she was already a controversial figure thanks to a provocative Calvin Klein jeans campaign. Despite the shock, Shields used her platform to advocate for body positivity and paved the way for a new era of outspoken models.
Christie Brinkley
With her infectious smile and California-girl looks, Christie Brinkley was the face of American glamour in the 1980s. She graced the covers of countless magazines, from Sports Illustrated to Vogue, and even landed a role in the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies. Brinkley’s enduring appeal went beyond her looks—her bubbly personality and athleticism made her a relatable role model for young women.
Elle Macpherson
Nicknamed “The Body” for a reason, Elle Macpherson took the world by storm with her statuesque physique and endless legs that seemed to go on for miles. She was the muse for photographer Helmut Newton, known for his provocative and glamorous imagery, and landed a record five consecutive Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers. Macpherson wasn’t just a pretty face – she was a savvy businesswoman, launching her lingerie line that redefined sensuality for a new generation.
Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford’s beauty mark became her signature trademark, and her infectious smile and down-to-earth personality made her a favorite with designers and audiences alike. From rocking Versace on the ramp to captivating viewers in Pepsi commercials, Crawford’s career was a whirlwind of edgy style, iconic campaigns, and unforgettable moments.
Lauren Hutton
Forget the age limit in modeling! Lauren Hutton defied expectations with her gap-toothed grin and mature elegance, becoming the face of an iconic Calvin Klein Eternity campaign at 41. Hutton challenged the industry’s narrow definition of beauty and proved that confidence and individuality are timeless assets.
Janice Dickinson
Janice Dickinson’s fiery personality and tell-it-like-it-is attitude made her a controversial figure, but there’s no denying her impact on the runway scene. The woman was a runway regular for legendary labels such as Valentino and Oscar de la Renta. Later, the supermodel became a reality TV personality, keeping her name in the spotlight for decades.
Stephanie Seymour
With her blonde mane and captivating features, Stephanie Seymour embodied the glamorous rock and roll spirit of the 1980s. She appeared in music videos for Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith, walked the runways for powerhouses like Chanel and Christian Dior, and became a muse for photographer Richard Avedon. Seymour’s career was a whirlwind of jet-setting, high fashion, and a touch of rock and roll rebellion.
Tatjana Patitz
The epitome of calm confidence, Tatjana Patitz brought a sophisticated edge to the world of ramp walking. The supermodel was a favorite of photographers like Peter Lindbergh and Helmut Newton, known for their edgy and artistic style. Patitz wasn’t afraid to push boundaries and challenge prevailing beauty standards, setting the stage for greater diversity in representation on the ramp.
Carol Alt
With her athletic physique and infectious energy, Carol Alt was the queen of fitness modeling in the 80s. Gracing the cover of Elle magazine in a skimpy bikini, she sparked a national conversation about body image and health. Alt launched her fitness videos and became a spokesperson for a healthy and active lifestyle.
Lisa Ho
Nicknamed “China Doll” for her delicate features and Asian heritage, Lisa Ho shattered racial barriers in the modeling industry. Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel chose her as his muse, a significant accomplishment considering the European dominance of high fashion at the time. Ho’s success opened doors for other Asian models and proved that charm transcends ethnicity.
Paulina Porizkova
This Czechoslovakian-born charmer became a sensation with her exotic looks and undeniable presence. She landed a record-breaking 25 consecutive Vogue covers and was the face of Estée Lauder cosmetics. Porizkova’s success transcended the fashion industry– she appeared in music videos, starred in movies, and used her platform to advocate for social and political causes.
Beverly Johnson
Beverly Johson made history as the first African American model to grace the cover of American Vogue in 1974, paving the way for diversity and inclusion in the style business. In the 1980s, Johnson’s career continued to soar as she became a prominent figure in high couture. Her striking features, impeccable flair, and undeniable charisma captivated audiences worldwide.
Jerry Hall
Recognized for her bright blonde hair and Southern charm, Jerry Hall exemplified the sparkle and allure of the fashion industry. Rising to stardom in the late 1970s, she reached a pinnacle during the 1980s. She was often featured on the covers of prominent periodicals, such as French Vogue, and transformed into a regular on Chanel’s runways.
Cristina Córdula
Before supermodels like Gisele Bündchen became well-known, Cristina Córdula was the initial trendsetter from Brazil, captivating the European fashion scene. Initiating her modeling career in her native country, Córdula achieved international acclaim after dramatically altering her hairstyle, which captured headlines at a Milan fashion show. This bold transformation thrust her into the limelight and secured her roles with famous fashion houses like Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.
Yasmin Le Bon
Throughout the 1980s, Yasmin Le Bon emerged as one of the highest-paid runway professionals. She frequently appeared in fashion magazines and prominently appeared in the music video scene. Her appearances in productions with Michael Jackson and Duran Duran exposed her to a broader audience, amplifying her fame. Le Bon’s adaptability allowed her to appear on the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Harper’s Bazaar, among others.
Karen Alexander
Pioneering new ground in the 1980s, Karen Alexander was among the first Black models to grace the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue and participate in Chanel beauty campaigns. Her poise and grace accentuated the runways where she modeled for fashion giants like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. Capturing the cover of Vogue’s January 1989 issue, photographed by Peter Lindbergh, marked a notable milestone in Alexander’s profession.
Kelly LeBrock
As one of Eileen Ford’s standout models, Kelly LeBrock’s influence spanned fashion and film throughout the ’80s. At just 16, she launched her modeling career with a significant 24-page feature in Vogue. In 1986, her iconic Pantene shampoo commercial, where she famously declared, “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful,” became a cultural sensation. Transitioning to the cinema, LeBrock starred in hits “Weird Science” and “The Woman in Red,” seamlessly integrating her dual professions.
Kim Alexis
Discovered by Elite Model Management at 18, Kim Alexis exemplified the all-American glam of the 1980s with her blonde hair and blue eyes. Besides appearing on various magazine covers, she made a significant impact as the face of Revlon’s Ultima II line, replacing the legendary Lauren Hutton. Frequently photographed by Richard Avedon, Alexis emerged as a preferred choice for iconic fashion images.
Inès de La Fressange
With her aristocratic background and stunning looks, Inès de La Fressange became the perfect inspiration for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. She played a vital role in the brand’s resurgence during the 1980s. In 1983, she made history by signing an exclusive modeling contract with the fashion house, a first in the industry.
Isabella Rossellini
Securing a 14-year contract with Lancôme, Isabella Rossellini’s allure was undeniable, fitting for the daughter of film royalty Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini. Her modeling career complemented her acting, and she starred in the acclaimed movies “Blue Velvet” and “Death Becomes Her.” Reinstated as a brand ambassador for Lancôme at 65, Rossellini broke age barriers in the fashion sector.
Dalma Callado
Starting her journey in Brazil, Dalma Callado moved to France at 19 and quickly emerged as a celebrated figure in the 1980s fashion sector. She inspired countless designers, including Valentino and Gianfranco Ferré, and shined on the catwalks for Chanel, Givenchy, and Versace. Known for her captivating runway presence, Callado adorned numerous magazine covers and starred in prestigious campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent.
Kelly Emberg
Kelly Emberg’s modeling career, initiated in Houston, saw her rise to popularity through her vibrant appearances on the covers of Harper’s BAZAAR and through contracts with top brands like CoverGirl and Calvin Klein. Celebrated for her girl-next-door appeal, Emberg’s journey from high school cheerleader to fashion model is a classic American success story. Her relationship with musician Rod Stewart also kept her in the celebrity spotlight.
Renée Simonsen
Danish beauty Renée Simonsen, after clinching the title of “Face of the Eighties,” rose as a familiar feature on the covers of Vogue and Sports Illustrated. Acclaimed for her Scandinavian looks and magnetic charisma, Simonsen became a sought-after ambassador for legendary cosmetic brands like Clarins and Maybelline.
Farida Khelfa
Discovered in a Parisian nightclub, Farida Khelfa rose from challenging beginnings to become a muse for Azzedine Alaïa and a favorite of Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Louboutin. Throughout the 80s, her distinct style and commanding walk made her a fixture on the haute couture runways and in fashion editorials.
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