The world of fashion has seen many models pass by but not all of them were as popular as the ‘Big Six’. We are talking about six faces that were on the most important covers and were worshipped by the millennial generation. This happened during a decade that was a transition, not only between two centuries but between two eras: the 90s.
The Big Six: Who are they and why are they so important?
From 1990 and on the fashion scenery changed. Models were not only on the runways but became celebrities, hence, the term ‘supermodel’. In other words, these new models were competing with actresses for attention and were actively involved in the media. They would have their own TV shows, get movie roles, launch their fitness videos, and party at the hottest clubs.
It all started when the photographer Peter Lindbergh took a picture that would become the cover of British Vogue. It read ‘The 1990s What next?’ and featured five young models:
- Linda Evangelista
- Naomi Campbell
- Cindy Crawford
- Christy Turlington
- Tatjana Patitz
For the first time, models were photographed naturally, with a humanist approach that was uncommon in those days. They were not covered up with make-up or wearing fancy outfits. On the contrary, this was the beginning of an era, which was to be led by a new generation of models.
The group from the Vogue cover is known as the ‘original supermodels’. However, they soon became the ‘Big Six’ when Claudia Schiffer replaced Patitz, and a young Kate Moss joined the group.
Christy Turlington
Many consider Turlington to be the best model of all time. This is the opinion of James Scully, a casting agent who praised the model’s facial features as ‘too perfect’. Christy Turlington’s first photo session was for the department store chain ‘Emporium Capwell’ after which she got many job propositions. Soon after this, she became one of the top models of the 90s. She has modelled for elite brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Donna Karan.
Linda Evangelista
Born in Canada, Linda was discovered at the age of 16. Her career took off when a hairstylist advised her to get a short gamin haircut. This look went great with Evangelista’s angelical face and became famous as ‘The Linda’.
In 1991, her success went to such an extent that a modelling house paid her $20,000 to walk in their haute couture exhibition. In the next video, you’ll see some of the best of Linda’s walks.
Claudia Schiffer
The German model was one of the most iconic faces of the 90s. She was discovered at a nightclub in Düsseldorf when she was only 17. She soon moved to New York where she started working for Elite magazine and has appeared on nearly 1,000 covers throughout her career.
Besides, she did advertisement campaigns for some of the top brands. This includes Bulgari, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Fendi, Escada, Chanel, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld, Chloé, and many more.
Naomi Campbell
Campbell was not only one of the most beautiful women of the 90s: she also made history. She was one of the most sought-after models of her generation, together with Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. The three of them were known as ‘the Trinity’.
Naomi Campbell was the first black model to appear on the covers of Time, British Vogue, and French Vogue. She was also the first black woman to be on the cover of the September issue of American Vogue, which is considered the most important of the year.
Kate Moss
The youngest of the six, Kate Moss reached her peak of fame in the mid-90s. She was discovered by Sarah Daukas in an airport when she was only 14 years old.
Her work with the Calvin Klein brand made her an icon of the fashion world. Although she didn’t have the Amazonia-shaped body of the other five, she walked the most prestigious runways in the world with renowned designers like Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Karl Lagerfeld.
Cindy Crawford
Originally from Chicago, Cindy Crawford moved to New York in 1986. She signed a contract with Elite and soon her career took off. By 1998 she was already on the cover of over 500 magazines and was one of the top supermodels of her generation. She walked the runways for brands like Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana.
Conclusion
These women defined the style of an era. With her differences and peculiarities, they made it to the world’s greatest runways. Their faces were on the covers of the most renowned fashion magazines and were the faces of a unique generation. With these women as role models, the Millennial generation made it to the new century.