Namoi Campbell, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, and Linda Evangelista
Typically known as “The Big Five” but I couldn’t not include Kate Moss.
90’s Fashion was about looking effortlessly chic. Leather belts, quality denim, button ups, and baby tees. Oh, and don’t forget your blazer! Celebrity streetwear, and streetwear in general, became the art of doing, what I like to call, just enough. The perfectly fitted and worn pair of Levis jeans was the epitome of streetwear.
For the most part movie premiers were braless with spaghetti straps and stilettos. I’m pretty sure the term “little black dress” didn’t even exist before 1990. Hair was sleek and straight or in an “I didn’t even try updo”.
However runways in the 90’s were a little bit of everything, with six women standing out in particular.
Let’s Dive In
Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss
One of the most iconic fashion duos for the last twenty years. They were, and are supermodels in the truest sense of the word.
Let’s Start With Kate
The queen of the little black dress!
The South London born model, as controversial as it might be, sprouted the term “heroin chic” with her grungy streetwear look. Famous British photographer Corinne Day launched her career with an editorial series for ‘The Face’ in 1990.
After taking a year long break from her career in 2005 she came back and won ‘Model of the Year’ at the British Fashion Awards in 2006.
Kate’s Streetwear Looks
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Naomi Campbell
Also Born in London, Naomi came into the fashion scene in the 1980’s, but it was her 90’s catwalk that solidified her as an icon.
She studied dance and theater in Rome and London which lead her to being in a Bob Marley music video and acting in several children’s TV shows. At 15 she was scouted and signed with synchro modeling agency.
Naomi is pictured here walking the runway in 1991, in a Gianni Versace gown printed with iconography by Andy Warhol. Icon on icon, by an icon of an icon, I love it.
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Naomi Campbell 1996 Victoria Secret fashion show.
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1997 video music awards.
Naomi for Chanel spring/summer 1993 in Paris
Cindy Crawford
Cindy, born in Illinois, began modeling in Chicago at the age of 16. She moved to New York in 1987 and signed with Elite New York modeling agency. Soon after she appeared in several ad campaigns, music videos, and even feature films. She walked for just about every top designer you can think of, and even did a Playboy shoot in 1988 shot by Herb Ritts.
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In 1991 Cindy wore this ICONIC plunging red Versace dress to the 63rd Academy Awards.
This look had such an influence on fashion at the time that it is said to have cemented her place as a top supermodel of the 90’s.
The Pepsi Ad
There is no mentioning Cindy Crawford without the iconic Pepsi ad coming to mind. Rocking classic 90’s streetwear, Cindy wow’d in this 1992 commercial.
1992 Micheal Kors
1992 Versace- Getty Images
Christy Turlington
Christy was horseback riding in Miami when a photographer spotted her, and submitted her photos to a local modeling agency. She began modeling at age 14, and later signed with Ford Models.
At 18 she moved to New York to begin her professional career.
Although she had much successes prior to her million dollar contract with Calvin Klein in 1989, this was known as her big break.
Christy was the face of Calvin Klein from 1989-2007.
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In Giani Versaces 1991 runway show Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, and Naomi Campbell walked the runway together.
This is known by many as the “debut of the supermodel”
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Chanel spring runway 1993, Christy struts in a little black bikini with peal straps. One of her most iconic moments.
Claudia Schiffer
Claudia and Guess Jeans
Ellen von Unwerth
Claudia Schiffer and Ellen von Unwerth had a magical chemistry.
The pair met in Paris when Claudia was 17 and they were both just starting out. Ellen shot Claudia in her own clothes that day, and Guess Jeans liked what they saw.
Shortly after she was the face of the debut perfume for Guess, flying around the country on a press tour
Ellen Von Unwerth for Guess Jeans
Shot by Ellen Von Unwerth 1989
Claudia Schiffer for guess 30th anniversary, also shot by Ellen.
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Claudia is pictured here with Karl Lagerfeld for their haut couture show in 1992.
You may recognize this dress from the 2023 Met Gala honoring Karl Lagerfeld.
Serving as one of the co-chairs in 2023, Dua Lipa wore this iconic dress on the met steps.
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Linda Evangelista
Linda, born in Canada, always had an interest in fashion. She enrolled in a modeling school at age 12 which lead her to entering a beauty contest in 1978. The contest got her recognition from Elite Model Management, who eventually signed her.
She became the new face of Versace in 1989.
And the face of Revlon in 1990
In 1988 Peter Lindbergh, a top photographer of the time, convinced Linda to cut her hair. Initially the industry snubbed her for this decision, but eventually it became her marker.
She sparked a global trend and began changing her cut and color drastically to fit the “role” of what she was modeling.
She was coined “the chameleon” for her ability to transform for the camera.
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Chanel Autumn-Winter 1991-1992 fashion show.
Linda Evangelista, New York City, Vogue Italia, June, 1990
