Who’s the Queen of the Catwalk? Ranking the World’s Most Hottest Supermodels of All Time
They’ve ruled the runway, hijacked the spotlight, and turned magazine covers into thrones — but when it comes to the hottest supermodel of all time, only one can wear the crown. Say “supermodel” and you might picture flawless faces and perfect noses. Nuh-uh. These women are the drama, the scandals, and the legends that keep the fashion world spinning. And we’re about to stir the pot: we’ve ranked them! Yes, the legends you worship might not be as high as you think, and a few modern muses just might outshine the old guard. Consider this the ultimate supermodel showdown — with plenty of surprises, a little scandal, and one jaw-dropping #1.
50. Ashley Graham
Starting strong with Ashley Graham, the model who made curves not just accepted but coveted. Discovered in a Nebraska mall at 12, she rose from Midwest charm to international power player.
Her 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover didn’t just break the internet — it broke the beauty barrier. For the first time, a plus-size model fronted the franchise, and fashion’s old guard had to keep up.
Today, Graham juggles modeling, business, and motherhood with unapologetic flair. From Vogue covers to her Pretty Big Deal podcast, she’s proof you don’t need sample sizes to serve supermodel energy!
49. Daria Werbowy
Elusive, ethereal, and effortlessly cool — Daria Werbowy was the 2000s’ mystery girl everyone wanted but few could catch. Born in Poland and raised in Canada, she was scouted at 14.
She became the face of Lancôme at twenty and fronted campaigns for Prada, Balenciaga, and Céline, her quiet magnetism redefining what it meant to be striking without trying.
Then, at her peak, she walked away — trading catwalk chaos for sailing, painting, and privacy. In an industry that overshares, Daria became the supermodel who vanished with style.
48. Yasmeen Ghauri
In the early ’90s, Yasmeen Ghauri was the exotic beauty designers couldn’t stop booking! Born in Montreal to a Pakistani father and German mother, she entered modeling despite family disapproval.
Her fluid walk and sculpted features ruled the Versace, Chanel, and Valentino runways, while photographers adored her regal composure — elegance personified in an age of flash and frenzy.
By 1997, she quietly retired at her peak. Real power is knowing when to exit. To this day, Yasmeen’s mystique outshines most models’ entire résumés.
47. Shalom Harlow
Call her a just model, but once you see her walk… oh, she was performance art in motion! Born in Ontario, she could turn a simple turn on the runway into cinematic poetry.
After debuting in the early ’90s, she became Alexander McQueen’s living canvas — famously spray-painted by robotic arms during his 1999 show, cementing her legend in fashion folklore.
Her mix of grace and unpredictability made her a designer favorite, from Versace to Dior. In a sea of mannequins, Shalom made emotion fashionable — and unforgettable.
46. Naomi Sims
Before Naomi Campbell, there was Naomi Sims — the original trailblazer. Born in Mississippi in 1948, she became the first Black American supermodel to grace major fashion campaigns.
Rejected by agencies for her skin tone, she went directly to photographers, landing a New York Times cover that changed everything. By the early ’70s, she was one of the highest-paid models in the world!
Sims later built a beauty empire catering to Black women — proving her brilliance wasn’t just in front of the camera. Our girl didn’t just open doors. Well, she definitely kicked the walls down!
45. Carmen Dell’Orefice
Carmen Dell’Orefice started modeling at 13 and landed her first Vogue cover at 15 — in 1947! Yes, you read that right. She was strutting before most of us were walking!
And you know what’s even more interesting? You’d think it’s her silver hair. Sure, that’s one! But the fact that she’s 94 years old and still rocking the runway? Queen! That also makes her the oldest living and working supermodel of all time. Meanwhile, our backs are hurting now.
From Balenciaga to Gaultier, Carmen proved style doesn’t have an expiration date. She made longevity itself the most luxurious thing she could have.
44. Padma Lakshmi
Born in Chennai, India, and discovered in Spain, Padma Lakshmi modeled for designers like Armani, Versace, and Ralph Lauren before becoming one of television’s most commanding personalities.
Her scar — from a childhood car accident — became her signature, flipping the industry’s obsession with “perfection” on its head. Beauty with brains and backbone — the best combination.
Now an author, activist, and Emmy-nominated host of Top Chef, Padma blends intellect and glamour seamlessly — the rare model who shaped culture as much as she graced it.
43. Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams’ story is a great example of Hollywood redemption. Crowned Miss America in 1983 — and famously stripped of her title in 1984 — who would’ve thought she could bounce back and become one of the most respected entertainers alive?
Her modeling career began before the Penthouse magazine scandal, and her poise made her irresistible to fashion houses even after. By the ’90s, she’d conquered film, television, and music charts.
Williams’ grace under pressure turned her into a symbol of resilience. Only a few of her peers could match her dedication to rebuilding one’s self-image after the controversies.
42. Raquel Welch
No, honey. Your friend didn’t start Instagram thirst traps. There was Raquel Welch. The One Million Years B.C. star made animal-skin bikinis and smoldering glances her signature long before “bombshell” was even a term.
While best known for her acting, Welch’s modeling work in the 1960s cemented her as a crossover beauty — Hollywood’s most photogenic export to fashion magazines.
Welch’s image became shorthand for strength in beauty — a woman who could command attention without apology, setting the tone for every power model that followed. Oh, don’t be surprised, she was also Ryan Gosling’s ultimate crush!
41. Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Bardot was France’s ultimate export: part kitten, part chaos. Discovered as a teenager, she became a 1950s sensation with her pout, her hair, and her devil-may-care rebellion.
Her mix of innocence and provocation rewired the concept of femininity, inspiring everyone from Jean-Paul Gaultier to Kate Moss. In Paris, the name Brigitte Bardot is not only admired. Girl, it’s worshipped upon!
Though she retired from modeling in her 30s, her influence never faded. Bardot remains the blueprint for the effortless French siren: sultry, scandalous, and forever untouchable.
40. Winnie Harlow
Coming in at number 40! Discovered on America’s Next Top Model in 2014, Winnie Harlow transformed her vitiligo into her trademark, forcing the industry to finally confront its obsession with “perfection.”
Born Chantelle Brown-Young in Toronto, she’s walked for Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Victoria’s Secret, proving that authenticity can be more powerful than conformity.
Her confidence made her a global ambassador for inclusion, turning campaigns into cultural moments. Fashion needed a reality check — and Winnie delivered it in heels.
39. Duckie Thot
Nyadak “Duckie” Thot, born in Melbourne to South Sudanese parents, went from Australia’s Next Top Model to Balmain muse in record time — modern royalty with runway-ready cheekbones.
Her commanding walk and sculptural beauty landed her gigs with Fenty, Moschino, and Pirelli. She embodies futuristic glamour — if you want to imagine Naomi Campbell as a sci-fi goddess, just look at Duckie.
Every appearance feels like an event. Duckie’s the kind of model editors whisper about backstage — poised, untouchable, and fully aware she’s redefining what power looks like.
38. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley might be the most composed bombshell the UK ever exported. Raised on a Devon farm, she traded wellies for stilettos and walked straight into the Victoria’s Secret spotlight.
Her Burberry campaign with Mario Testino catapulted her to household name status, followed by roles in Transformers and a high-profile romance with Jason Statham that solidified her A-list status.
She’s now the founder of Rose Inc., a clean-beauty and skincare brand born from her passion for behind-the-scenes artistry. Rosie turned her career into a business blueprint — all glow, no gimmicks.
37. Irina Shayk
Discovered in a small Russian town, Irina Shayk turned a beauty school contest into global superstardom. Her striking bone structure and commanding gaze set her apart long before the fame followed.
Her 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover put her on the map — and her walk for Versace, Givenchy, and Mugler confirmed her as a certified runway predator.
Off the catwalk, her relationships with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bradley Cooper kept tabloids buzzing, but Shayk’s real power has always been control — she plays the game, never the gossip.
36. Gigi Hadid
Here’s where the competition gets serious! Gigi Hadid — born into Beverly Hills glamour and raised on ambition — turned her early Baby Guess campaigns into a full-blown modeling empire.
In her 20s, she was already headlining fashion weeks for Chanel, Fendi, and Tom Ford while co-designing for Maybelline and Reebok. Her work ethic rivals her fame — and that’s saying she wasn’t just another famous last name!
Balancing motherhood, brand deals, and runway domination, Gigi wanted more than just maintaining relevance — she’s dictating it. Every season, the industry seemed to adjust itself around her orbit.
35. Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid brings mood to modeling — that perfectly brooding energy that launched a thousand smoky eyes. Signed at just 16, she’s the darker counterpoint to Gigi’s California sunshine.
Her runway dominance began in 2016 with Givenchy, Fendi, and Versace, where her precision walk became legendary. Add Dior Beauty ambassadorship, and suddenly, Bella was fashion’s favorite fixation.
But in 2023, she stepped back to treat her chronic Lyme disease, sharing her recovery publicly. Even off the runway, Bella’s style — sculptural, moody, impossibly cool — remains the unofficial uniform of downtown It-girls everywhere.
34. Candice Swanepoel
The Victoria’s Secret era produced many angels, but none floated quite like Candice Swanepoel. Born in Mooi River, South Africa, she was discovered at a flea market at the age of 15! (Quick question: when are we getting discovered while we’re doing our groceries? Heh.)
Her golden-era runway walk defined the 2010s: fluid, fierce, and famously photographed. By the time Forbes ranked her among the highest-paid models, she was already an icon in motion.
Today, she runs Tropic of C, her sustainable swimwear brand, blending her signature sensuality with business smarts. Candice remains the blueprint for beauty that works and works hard.
33. Jourdan Dunn
Jourdan Dunn broke barriers before most models booked a second gig. Discovered in a Primark at 16, the London native became the first Black British model to walk for Prada in over a decade.
Her swagger made her a mainstay at Balmain, Burberry, and Jean Paul Gaultier. Editors adored her cool composure; Twitter adored her candor. Jourdan’s never been afraid to speak her truth.
Between campaigns and motherhood, she’s evolved into both muse and mentor — the kind of runway royalty who makes the next generation believe they belong there, too.
32. Adut Akech
Few stories rival Adut Akech’s rise. Born in a South Sudanese refugee camp and raised in Adelaide, she made her debut for Saint Laurent at 17 — a star before she knew it.
Chanel, Valentino, and Alexander McQueen quickly followed, drawn to her luminous presence and elegant stride. This woman doesn’t walk the runway. Hell, she floats through it!
Named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Adut’s influence extends far beyond fashion. She represents what modeling should look like in the 21st century: beauty, resilience, and purpose can coexist on one runway!
31. Liu Wen
Traveling to China, Liu Wen is the blueprint for international crossover success. Discovered in Beijing after a modeling contest, she rose fast and never slowed down!
She became the first Chinese model to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and the first East Asian spokesmodel for Estée Lauder — both major fashion milestones.
Don’t be deceived. She’s soft-spoken, but she’s fierce! Liu combines grace with quiet power. Every step she takes reminds the industry that global beauty isn’t a trend — it’s the future.
30. Alessandra Ambrosio
Brazil’s gift to the runway, entering the top 30, Alessandra Ambrosio brought a sun-kissed glow and impossible poise to every catwalk she touched. Discovered at 12, she was already a national sensation before high-school graduation.
Her 14-year run as a Victoria’s Secret Angel made her one of the brand’s defining faces, while campaigns for Dior, Armani, and Dolce & Gabbana solidified her elite status.
After hanging up her Angel wings in 2017, she is now more focused on being a mother and entrepreneur, but here’s the catch… she still appears on red carpets looking like she’s en route to the afterparty she owns!
29. Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks didn’t just break into modeling — she stormed it. She became the first Black woman on both Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and GQ covers. If you’re discovered at just the age of 15 in Los Angeles, then you’d know you have a bright future ahead!
Her eight-year stint as a Victoria’s Secret Angel was equal parts supermodel and showrunner training. Then came America’s Next Top Model, where she taught the world to “smize”, literally smiling with your eyes!
Tyra’s greatest creation, though, might be herself — a one-woman fashion economy fueled by charisma, chaos, and good business sense. Never underestimate a woman with cheekbones and a spreadsheet.
28. Karolína Kurková
Karolína Kurková was already a Vogue cover girl before finishing high school. Just like Tyra Banks, the Czech powerhouse debuted at 15 and quickly became one of Victoria’s Secret’s brightest stars.
Designers adored the proportions of her body and face. She was also a refreshing contrast to the brooding trends of early-2000s fashion. Her resume includes Balmain, Valentino, and the ultimate fashion flex: 25 Vogue covers!
Named the world’s “most beautiful woman” by E! News in 2008, Kurková made modeling look joyful again — refusing to get stuck on what was trending. If being broody is beauty, so is being different.
27. Miranda Kerr
Miranda Kerr brought a dose of Aussie sunshine to high fashion’s sleek minimalism. She was only 13 when she was discovered, and later on made history as the first Australian to become a Victoria’s Secret Angel.
Her girl-next-door charm and sharp business instincts made her a marketing dream, landing campaigns with Balenciaga, Prada, and Reebok. But Kerr’s empire didn’t stop at photoshoots.
She founded KORA Organics in 2009, pioneering the clean-beauty wave before it was trending. With that signature megawatt smile, Miranda proved that wholesome and powerful aren’t opposites — they’re brand strategy.
26. Laetitia Casta
France has produced many beauties, but Laetitia Casta remains one of its most enduring exports. Like Tyra Banks and Karolína Kurková, she was discovered at the age of 15 in Corsica. Then, she became a 1990s sensation, known for her curves reviving classic femininity.
She modeled for Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Jean Paul Gaultier, later becoming a muse for Victoria’s Secret and Guess. In 1999, she was immortalized as the official symbol of Marianne — the face of France itself!
Casta later transitioned into acting, earning critical praise for films like Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life. While she’s a fashion legend, she’s also a national treasure to France.
25. Liya Kebede
Liya Kebede’s story reads like a runway fairy tale. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she was discovered by a French film director, then whisked off to Paris — and into history.
By 2003, she became the first Black model to represent Estée Lauder, breaking barriers while walking for Gucci, Chanel, and Balenciaga. Her effortless grace made her a global muse.
Off the runway, Liya champions maternal health through her Lemlem Foundation, proving her influence isn’t only for display; it demanded action. Few models have blended purpose and prestige so seamlessly.
24. Milla Jovovich
While some models act; Milla Jovovich conquers genres. Born in Kyiv and raised in California, she shot to fame at 15 with Revlon’s Most Unforgettable Women in the World campaign.
Her Vogue covers and Fifth Element debut launched a dual career as fashion’s favorite action star. Not everyone can be this flexible! By the time Resident Evil exploded, she became one of the 1990s’ highest-earning models.
Whether it was Dior or Versace, Milla blurred the line between supermodel and superstar. Her career stands as one of the few true model-to-actress success stories.
23. Heidi Klum
Germany’s greatest fashion contribution didn’t arrive quietly. Heidi Klum burst onto the scene as a Sports Illustrated cover girl and became a Victoria’s Secret Angel before the Y2K glitter even settled.
Her charisma turned her into television gold, hosting Project Runway and later America’s Got Talent. “Auf Wiedersehen” became part of every fashion fan’s vocabulary.
Off-camera, she’s world-famous for her Halloween parties and jaw-dropping costumes, each year outdoing the last! Between fashion, television, and spectacle, few made reinvention look this fun. No wonder she’s an inspiration.
22. Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima was the heartbeat of Victoria’s Secret for nearly two decades — 19 years, to be exact. Born in Salvador, Brazil, she signed with Elite at 15 and never looked back.
Her piercing blue-green eyes became a brand trademark, while campaigns for Maybelline, Versace, and Givenchy cemented her as the ultimate high-glamour chameleon.
Named “the most valuable Victoria’s Secret Angel,” Lima’s farewell walk in 2018 felt like the end of a supermodel dynasty. She’s seductive, sincere, and impossible to forget!
21. Gisele Bündchen
If supermodels had a Mount Rushmore, Gisele Bündchen would be front and center! Born in Horizontina, Brazil, she was discovered at 14 eating a Big Mac during a school trip. Yes, really!
Her “horse walk” — that signature bounce — redefined early-2000s modeling. At her peak, she earned $45 million annually and appeared on over 1,200 magazine covers! And by 2007, she was the world’s highest-paid model. Chanel, Versace, and Louis Vuitton couldn’t get enough.
She’s also an environmental activist, author, and wellness advocate. Two decades later, Gisele remains fashion’s ultimate success story — a balance of beauty, business, and longevity no one’s yet matched.
20. Kimora Lee Simmons
Bouncing up to number 20, we see Kimora Lee Simmons went from teenage couture to boardroom power. At just 13, she walked for Chanel under Karl Lagerfeld, her six-foot frame and regal presence mesmerizing the Paris elite.
By her 20s, she was a household name, both as a model and as the creative force behind Baby Phat, the streetwear label that defined early-2000s urban fashion.
She later earned an MBA and relaunched Baby Phat in 2019, bridging nostalgia and new-generation style. Kimora represents the rare model who built her own fashion empire — from the inside out.
19. Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett may be remembered for her iconic Charlie’s Angels hair, but long before television fame, she was fashion’s golden girl — a living poster of 1970s California perfection.
Her “Red Swimsuit” poster sold over 12 million copies, making her one of the most recognizable faces — and smiles — in pop culture history. That mane alone deserved royalties.
Farrah’s effortless beauty inspired countless covers and designers, defining an era where modeling blurred seamlessly into Hollywood fame. She didn’t just capture the camera. Gosh, she hypnotized us with it!
18. Twiggy
Before filters were normalized, there was Twiggy — the original doe-eyed, pixie-haired face of the 1960s. Born Lesley Lawson in London, she became the emblem of youth culture before turning twenty.
Her big lashes and boyish frame defined “mod” fashion, and suddenly, the waif look was everywhere — from Vogue covers to Carnaby Street. She was the first model you could recognize by silhouette alone.
Twiggy later conquered acting and singing, proving her charm wasn’t limited to photographs. Decades on, she’s still referenced in every conversation about reinvention.
17. Lauren Hutton
Lauren Hutton’s gap-toothed grin broke modeling’s obsession with perfect smile. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, she worked as a Playboy Bunny before Vogue made her their most frequent cover girl of the 1970s.
Her contract with Revlon — worth an unprecedented $250,000 a year — made her one of the industry’s first true millionaires. Beauty, finally, had character.
She later transitioned into acting and advocacy, remaining a champion for aging gracefully. In an industry terrified of time, Hutton proved longevity can be its own revolution. And Taylor Swift’s just right, “I love the gap between your teeth”. We do, we really do!
16. Elle Macpherson
“The Body.” That’s all it took — two words, one legend. Elle Macpherson earned the nickname from TIME in 1989 after appearing on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers an astonishing five times.
Her athletic physique and megawatt smile made her the face of 1980s vitality. Designers like Ralph Lauren and Azzedine Alaïa adored her balance of health and high fashion.
Macpherson parlayed fame into business success with Elle Macpherson Intimates, one of the most successful lingerie brands of its time, and wellness ventures, proving she was more than a moniker!
15. Beverly Johnson
When Beverly Johnson landed the cover of Vogue in August 1974, she became the first Black woman to ever appear on the magazine’s front page. For some, it was just a milestone. But in reality, that revolutionized the fashion industry!
Born in Buffalo, New York, Johnson studied criminology before trading textbooks for runways. Designers like Halston and Calvin Klein couldn’t resist her poise, elegance, and unflinching confidence.
With over 500 magazine covers to her name, she changed who got to be seen as beautiful. Every model of color today walks a path she paved in heels.
14. Christy Turlington
Christy Turlington didn’t walk the runway — she glided, like a woman who knew something everyone else didn’t. Discovered in California at 14, she became one of the original “Big Six” supermodels.
Her work with Calvin Klein’s Eternity campaign defined 1990s minimalism, and she was a favorite of Versace, Valentino, and Chanel. Her beauty felt eternal — serene, soulful, something only few could ever match.
Turlington later shifted focus to activism, founding Every Mother Counts, also a nonprofit dedicated to maternal health. Her evolution from icon to advocate remains one of fashion’s most graceful transformations.
13. Paulina Porizkova
Paulina Porizkova made the impossible look effortless. Born in Czechoslovakia, raised in Sweden, and modeling by her teens, she became the first woman from Eastern Europe to appear on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue’s cover in 1984.
Her striking symmetry made her a muse for Estée Lauder and the camera’s eternal crush. But decades later, she would reclaim her spotlight in a different way — by challenging fashion’s obsession with youth.
Now an outspoken advocate for aging with authenticity, Paulina remains as fearless as ever. She’s living proof that transparency can be the boldest beauty statement of all.
12. Brooke Shields
When a 14-year-old Brooke Shields leaned against a wall in Calvin Klein jeans and whispered, “Nothing comes between me and my Calvins,” moms and dads of America froze mid-breath! The ad became both scandal and legend.
Before that, she’d already graced Vogue’s cover — the youngest model ever to do so — her gaze equal parts innocence and rebellion. She made blue denim look so dangerous.
As the industry’s obsession with her youth turned invasive, Brooke fought back, earning a Princeton degree and reclaiming her narrative as an adult. Decades later, she stands as proof that exploitation doesn’t last as long as you go against it. We’re proud of you, Brooke!
11. Jerry Hall
Texas-born Jerry Hall towered over 1970s fashion — literally and figuratively. With her six-foot frame and golden hair, she became a magnet for the lenses of Helmut Newton and Norman Parkinson.
Discovered while sunbathing in Saint-Tropez, she soon conquered Paris and became the face of Studio 54-era glamour. Her covers for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar were pure high-society fantasy.
Her long romance with Mick Jagger only amplified her mythos — but Jerry never needed a rockstar to shine. She was already the muse everyone else wanted to be!
10. Kate Moss
Landing firmly at top 10! The year was 1993, and a teenage Kate Moss appeared in Calvin Klein’s stripped-down black-and-white campaign — bare-faced, fragile, almost defiant. In an era of supermodel glam, she whispered something entirely new: realness.
Discovered at JFK Airport at 14, Moss became the anti-supermodel who changed the industry’s pulse overnight. Her 5’7” frame broke runway rules, and her sharp, androgynous beauty became every designer’s obsession.
Whether haunting in a McQueen gown or dancing barefoot at Glastonbury, Moss blurred fashion and lifestyle until they became inseparable. She never thought the spotlight would chase her, but damn… it followed her like her shadow!
9. Grace Jones
Imagine walking into Studio 54 in 1978 and seeing Grace Jones — six feet of sculpted chaos and cheekbones, dressed in Thierry Mugler armor, owning the room like a battle cry. That was her entrance.
Born in Jamaica, raised in New York, she started as a Wilhelmina model before redefining what modeling could be. Her shaved head, angular frame, and bold defiance shattered every standard of beauty.
Posing for the camera was overrated; Jones confronted it! From her music to her catwalks, she made art feel dangerous again. The word “iconic” was invented for moments like hers.
8. Helena Christensen
Helena Christensen made melancholy magnetic. The Danish-Peruvian beauty first stunned on the Miss Universe stage before becoming the haunting face of the 1990s. Soft features, sharp instincts — she could sell perfume just by looking at you.
Her role in Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” video turned her into pop culture’s slow-motion siren — sultry, cinematic, unforgettable. That one gaze defined a decade.
She later shot behind the camera, proving she could create the images others tried to imitate. Few models have captured both sides of the lens so intimately — Helena always knew the power of mystery.
7. Claudia Schiffer
Germany’s Claudia Schiffer looked like she’d stepped out of a Botticelli painting and straight into a Guess? Campaign — which, in 1989, is exactly what she did! Within months, she was the new face of Chanel.
Her cool blonde perfection made her the ultimate ’90s dream girl: a living cross between Brigitte Bardot and corporate fantasy. Karl Lagerfeld called her his muse, and the world agreed.
More than 1,000 magazine covers later, Schiffer remains fashion’s most composed superstar. While others reinvented, she mastered consistency — the power of never having an off day.
6. Donyale Luna
On a chilly London set in 1966, Donyale Luna stared into the camera with otherworldly calm — long lashes, tilted chin, and that haunting stillness that made Richard Avedon whisper, “Don’t move.”
She became the first Black woman on the cover of British Vogue, her elongated limbs and dreamlike poise so unlike anyone before her that photographers called her “fashion’s Salvador Dalí.”
She later acted in avant-garde films like Fellini Satyricon and Skidoo, floating through scenes like a painting in motion. But her life ended tragically in Rome in 1979 at the age of 33, leaving behind a legacy that was equal parts brilliance and heartbreak — the dream that fashion never forgot.
5. Linda Evangelista
When Linda Evangelista changed her hair color, entire fashion trends shifted. She once quipped, “We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day,” and the world believed her because she was worth every cent!
Born in Ontario, she became a muse for Steven Meisel, Gianni Versace, and Karl Lagerfeld. Her ability to transform — one day platinum, the next raven-haired — made her the ultimate chameleon of the 1990s.
Then came the era-defining Freedom! ’90 video, where she stood alongside Cindy, Naomi, Christy, and Tatjana — the Big Six, immortalized. Evangelista was the fashion’s mood ring.
4. Christie Brinkley
In the late 1970s, Christie Brinkley became the face of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issues — appearing on the cover three years in a row, a record-breaking feat that turned her into a household name.
Her 20-year contract with CoverGirl, one of the longest in cosmetic history, solidified her as America’s beauty ideal — blonde, approachable, and radiant, yet undeniably commanding in print and on camera.
Beyond the pages, Brinkley built longevity that outlasted the bikinis — acting, painting, and still fronting campaigns into her 60s. Decades later, she’s proof that warmth can be a superpower.
3. Naomi Campbell
When Naomi Campbell steps onto a runway, expect the air to change! Her walk — the swing, the rhythm, the precision — every step lands with authority. There’s confidence, and then there’s Naomi Campbell.
Born in London, she was scouted at 15 and by 20 had become the first Black model to grace the cover of French Vogue and TIME. Wild. She did all of that before turning 25!
She’s collaborated with every major designer, mentored younger models, and survived the media storm with trademark fire. No doubts, Naomi ruled the runway, but someone else’s beauty mark was about to rule the world, raising her to a higher place!
2. Cindy Crawford
If Naomi was the runway’s power, one mole… that’s all it took; Cindy Crawford’s beauty mark became one of the most recognizable features in fashion history! This signature turned an Illinois valedictorian into a global phenomenon.
Her 1992 Pepsi commercial became one of the most replayed ads in television history, and her 1990 British Vogue cover with Naomi, Christy, Linda, and Tatjana defined an era. With over 600 magazine covers, she blurred the line between supermodel and celebrity.
Aside from that, Crawford redefined the model brand — encompassing fitness videos, skincare, and philanthropy — long before the term “influencer” existed. For a moment, it feels like she’s untouchable. But there’s one more. Someone who doesn’t need flashbulbs to prove she’s light itself.
1. Iman
Taking the undisputed crown, our number one: Iman! When she first appeared in Vogue in 1976, she looked like she’d descended from another realm — all elegance, height, and composure. Born in Somalia, discovered in Nairobi, she embodied both grace and revolution.
She became muse to Halston, Gianni Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent, who called her his “dream woman.” Not surprised! Designers everywhere lost their collective minds over her regal beauty and commanding presence.
After modeling, she launched Iman Cosmetics, one of the first inclusive makeup lines, transforming beauty for women of color. There’s no debate left, no hierarchy to climb. The Queen of the Catwalk has arrived.
