Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / MEGA; LTA / Lia Toby / WENN / MEGA; Steven Bergman / AFF-USA.COM / MEGA
From unforgettable runway moments to magazine covers seen around the world, these supermodels helped define fashion for an entire generation. Their beauty, confidence and star power transformed them into global icons whose influence extended far beyond the catwalk. Whether they were setting trends, landing major campaigns, or becoming household names, each left a lasting mark on the industry. Here are 14 iconic supermodels who dominated the fashion world.
Heidi Klum
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Heidi Klum enchanted high fashion and mainstream audiences alike, radiating confidence both on catwalks and television screens. Beyond modeling, she originally hosted the design competition series Project Runway for 16 seasons before later returning to the show.
Naomi Campbell
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Naomi Campbell‘s legendary career blazed trails for diversity and excellence in modeling. After being discovered by a modeling scout at just 15 years old, she quickly rose to prominence, becoming the first Black model to appear on the covers of Time and French Vogue and the first Black model on British Vogue‘s cover since 1966, according to Britannica.
Gisele Bündchen
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Gisele Bündchen redefined modern modeling with her effortless poise and sun-kissed style. She topped Forbes‘ 2015 list of the highest-earning models, with her reported income far ahead of any other model.
Bella Hadid
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Bella Hadid has taken the modeling world by storm with her striking features and fierce, confident attitude. In 2022, she was honored with the coveted Model of the Year prize at the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Awards in London, as reported by CNN.
Emily Ratajkowski
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Emily Ratajkowski is known for her empowering self-expression and bold career choices. Her modeling journey began at age 14, and she was signed by Ford Models. She has since achieved success as a model, writer and actress.
Gigi Hadid
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Gigi Hadid blends classic model grace with fresh, youthful spirit, dominating runways and social media alike. She appeared in three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues, starting with her debut in 2014, according to SI Swimsuit.
Alessandra Ambrosio
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Alessandra Ambrosio‘s warm personality and Brazilian charm have made her a favorite on and off the runway. She first walked the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2000 and went on to walk 19 times, becoming one of the brand’s most enduring Angels.
Adriana Lima
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Adriana Lima‘s intense gaze and athletic physique have won her a devoted global following. During her final Victoria’s Secret runway walk, she was celebrated with a tribute calling her “the greatest Angel of all time” after appearing in 18 shows over two decades, per W Magazine.
Cheryl Tiegs
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Cheryl Tiegs‘s all-American beauty and million-dollar smile lit up magazine covers for decades. Often considered America’s first supermodel, she became the first woman to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue twice, according to SI Swimsuit.
Brooke Shields
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Brooke Shields made headlines early in her career, stunning critics with her classic beauty and captivating presence. At only 14 years old, she became the youngest model ever featured on the cover of Vogue, a milestone that helped launch her modeling stardom.
Cindy Crawford
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Cindy Crawford reigned as a symbol of sophisticated beauty, charm, and approachable glamour. Her memorable 1992 Super Bowl commercial for Pepsi became so iconic that she recreated the ad decades later, as reported by Newsweek.
Iman
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Iman‘s regal beauty and elegance made her a coveted muse for world-class designers. At 18, she was discovered by photographer Peter Beard in Nairobi in 1973, launching a modeling career that flourished throughout the 1970s and 1980s, according to Biography.
Kendall Jenner
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Kendall Jenner is a modern superstar, capturing audiences through reality TV and high-profile runway appearances. After her modeling career launched at age 14, she received the Teen Choice Awards for Favorite Model in 2015 and 2016 and was named Forbes’ highest-paid model in both 2017 and 2018, as reported by Biography.
Kate Moss
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Kate Moss forever changed the face of fashion with her edgy presence and influential personal style. In 1988, she was scouted as a teenager at JFK Airport by Sarah Doukas of Storm Model Management, a chance encounter that launched her modeling career, according to The Business of Fashion.