OG Supermodels You Probably Won't Recognize Today

The late '80s and early '90s were perhaps the most significant eras for the fashion industry, and we're not even talking about style. During this period, some of the biggest supermodels in history entered the game, unbeknownst that they would change the industry forever. Some, like legend Naomi Campbell, haven't changed much. In fact, Campbell's still modeling, and if we didn't know better, we'd never think that she's in her fifth decade of walking runways the world over.

However, some iconic models from the supermodel era have changed. While they might not have evolved much to a keen fashion-history lover, some might require a double take if they haven't actively kept up with them all these years. From those who had unfortunate experiences with plastic surgery to '90s icons who have withdrawn from the public eye, here are some of the women who once ruled magazine covers and catwalks but have noticeably changed in recent years.

American model Cindy Crawford rose to fame in the '80s and became one of the biggest it-girls in fashion by the mid-'90s. From gracing fashion magazine covers to starring in George Michael's iconic "Freedom! '90" music video, Crawford didn't slow down until the 2000s. In 1998, Crawford married businessman Rande Gerber, and together, the couple shares two children. Of course, those who keep an eye out for fashion probably know that Crawford's daughter, Kaia Gerber, inherited her style and followed in her mother's footsteps. 

However, just because Crawford slowed down and focused on her family life doesn't mean she isn't enjoying modeling. "Being a model is, in some ways, like being an athlete. It's a skill, and you get better at it. But, as with an athlete, your physical being changes," she told W Magazine in 2022. "I'm aware that I don't look the same as I did when I was 25, but I bring experience and confidence in front of the camera that I didn't have then. And I still like what I do. I never thought I'd be working the way that I am at this stage." More than three decades after her breakthrough, Crawford looks stunning, but her style has changed. Case in point: The model is now more into timeless silhouettes than the edgy ensembles of the '90s.

Just like Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington is a name that everyone knew in the '80s and '90s fashion industry. Over the years, the American model has worked with major brands like Maybelline and Calvin Klein. As with most supermodels of the era, Turlington slowed down in the 2000s to focus on her private life. In 2003, she married actor Edward Burns, and together, the couple have two children.

Speaking to Harper's Bazaar, Turlington admitted that while she hasn't quit modeling entirely, she's very picky with the jobs she accepts now. "I can do a day here and there," the model said this April. "But then, two days, I'm like, 'Too much. It's too much.'" Now, Turlington is more focused on her well-being, and for her, that means a yoga-filled life. "I practice yoga almost every day. I kind of schedule my life around it to be honest," she told Oprah Daily in 2022. "I don't want to treat it as something that I have to squeeze in. It's really important, and so having it be the centerpiece of my day is how I try to approach it." 

When she isn't doing yoga, Turlington enjoys spending time with her husband (with whom she still goes on weekly dates) and walking their dogs. Thanks to her approach to health and self-care, Turlington has an ageless air about her. Moreover, the model has always adored glamorous fashion, and nothing has changed — Turlington is all about classic pieces today just as she was in her heyday.

Danish model Helena Christensen rose to fame in the '90s, and she quickly became one of the most popular supermodels. Designer Gianni Versace even said she had "the most beautiful body in the world" (via Vogue). In fact, many folks surely still remember her from Chris Isaak's iconic "Wicked Games" music video. "I think the 'Wicked Game' video is the most poignant beauty moment for me in my career; a very special memory where visual aesthetics and beauty in a natural form were merged," she told Harper's Bazaar in 2024. Together with actor Norman Reedus, whom she dated in the late '90s, Christensen has one son.

Today, the model is still working, but she has, over the years, also dabbled in launching beauty products and focusing on being behind the lens. "Being a photographer alongside modeling has given me another perspective as well, in terms of seeing beauty from all angles," the model added to Harper's Bazaar. However, one thing hasn't changed: She's still taking care of herself. "I was always into natural beauty, feeling healthy and good from within," she explained. "This has always been my foundational approach to beauty — it's about more than just the exterior." 

Christensen was certainly one of those iconic supermodels who looked great in unique and intricate fashion, and even though her style is simpler and more classic today, she still loves going for a funky look every now and then. Frankly, with looking that good, we can't really blame her!

Canadian model Linda Evangelista signed with Elite in 1981, and by the '90s, she was one of the biggest names in the industry. While she worked with numerous brands, Versace and Revlon remain some of her most memorable campaigns. In 2006, Evangelista, whose career had slowed down, welcomed a son.

In 2022, Evangelista opened up about receiving botched plastic surgery. The model revealed that CoolSculpting, which has been promoted as an alternative to liposuction, caused her permanent deformation. "I loved being up on the catwalk. Now I dread running into someone I know," she revealed to People in 2022. "I can't live like this anymore, in hiding and shame." Having gone through this, the model became more open about her insecurities, admitting that the model everyone knew in the '90s was now gone. "Why do we feel the need to do these things [to our bodies]? I always knew I would age," Evangelista admitted. 

Due to this plastic surgery, Evangelista withdrew from the spotlight for a while. However, the model has since returned, and even though her fashion choices aren't as revealing as they used to be, there's no denying that they're still supermodel-appropriate.

Claudia Schiffer rose to fame in the '90s thanks to jobs with Guess and Chanel. Since then, the German model has graced the covers of numerous magazines, and she quickly became Karl Lagerfeld's muse. "It was Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel that launched my career. I first started working for the house back in the late '80s and that collaboration continued for over 30 years," she told Vogue in 2021. However, by the time the 2000s rolled around, Schiffer's career had slowed down, and she began to focus more on her family life.

In 2002, the model married filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, and together, the two have three children. However, even though she took a step back from modeling then, Schiffer had her runway comeback for Versace last year. "Today, there is no aging out. Models are working well into their 40s and beyond. It points to a culture shift and a more rounded vision of womanhood," she revealed. Over the years, Schiffer has remained loyal to her signature look — blond locks and feminine dresses included. Even though it's been more than three decades since her breakthrough, Schiffer is still giving off that '90s supermodel vibe every day.

She doesn't need any introduction, but alas, Tyra Banks is as an iconic model from the '90s and early aughts. However, to younger readers, she's probably better known as the creator and host of "America's Next Top Model." From acting to hosting, Banks' career has been filled with a variety of projects, but being one of the most well-known American models remains at the top of the list.

While most of the models that peaked in the '90s slowed down in the 2000s, Banks continued working by exploring different fields. However, in the mid-2010s, Banks focused on her private life when her son, York, was born via surrogacy. The model has also been teaching personal branding at Stanford University, and she admits that retirement isn't in the near future for her. "I look forward to retiring one day," she told the financial literacy outlet Money in 2018. "What I'm trying to do now is the portfolio. Businesses, the television shows. Things that are in the moment, capturing pop culture. ... That's very important to me: Creating things that live beyond me." 

What's more, Banks has always embraced her curves, and she became a major trailblazer in making the fashion industry more size-inclusive. While she was always stylish, we would go as far as to say that Banks' current fashion choices are even braver and more unapologetic than her supermodel looks. It certainly seems like she's only grown more and more confident with each passing year.

German model Heidi Klum's fame skyrocketed after she graced the cover of the 1998 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. However, the model admitted that entering the industry wasn't easy. "Nobody in Paris and Milan wanted me. I was too happy for them, never super-thin," she told Glamour earlier this year. "I was even labeled as too fat. It was the time of 'heroin chic.' I didn't fit in there." Fully aware of the dark side of modeling, Klum didn't give up, and since her breakthrough, she's been known as a Victoria's Secret Angel and the host of "Germany's Next Topmodel" — the German version of Tyra Banks' famous reality competition.

Even though Klum never really stopped modeling, in the 2010s, she became more known for her famous Halloween parties and the fact that she married musician Tom Kaulitz, who's 16 years younger than her. Klum admitted that the public's opinions on her relationship are irrelevant to her. "I have a tough skin. I can cut out the noise when I go home, close the door and have a barbecue with the kids," she admitted to the Daily Mail in 2024. From her previous relationships, Klum has three children. 

Even though Klum's career has changed, one thing has remained constant: her confidence. "I think you have to remain authentic," she added to Glamour. "I'm a woman who likes to be feminine, who is sometimes loud and colorful. And there are women who aren't like that. ... Everyone should be who they are and who they want to be." Today, Klum looks incredible, and her fashion is daring and eye-catching, as a supermodel's should be. Those who keep up with the star know that her love for glitter and sparkle is as strong as ever.

British model Kate Moss brought one of the biggest changes to the fashion industry in the '90s. At just 5 feet, 7 inches tall, Kate was traditionally too short to be a successful model, but her striking visage brought a breath of fresh air to an industry that's constantly looking for new faces. In the '90s, she was part of the "heroin chic" trend, which glorified grungy fashion and aesthetics.

Today, Kate doesn't model much, but her daughter, Lila Moss, is slowly walking in her footsteps. Most recently, the mother-daughter duo could be seen at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show comeback this October. Known for her natural beauty and seemingly un-styled hair, Kate's approach to fashion and beauty hasn't changed over the years. "The British beauty aesthetic and culture is about celebrating and embracing your individuality — it's what makes someone unique," she told Harper's Bazaar in 2023. "That's why I love Jane Birkin and Julie Christie — they are iconic natural British beauties."

Kate was never one to embrace bright colors or over-the-top looks. Instead, the model has always gravitated toward simplicity. Nowadays, her style is still very similar to the '90s basics she popularized — pulling must-have pieces together with her own touches — but this time around, they tend to include a dose of glamour and sophistication.

Melania Trump isn't the only model-turned-first lady. In the late '80s and early '90s, Italian model Carla Bruni was finding her place in the fashion industry thanks to brands like Guess, Chanel, and Versace. By the 2000s, she was a supermodel who decided to slowly shift her career toward music, which unfortunately didn't last. In 2008, Bruni married French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Bruni has a son from a previous relationship, and in 2011, she gave birth to her and Sarkozy's daughter.

When asked about her career changes, Bruni admitted that she was privileged to explore what she likes. "I have had many occasions to try new things, to meet new people, I could change my job and have an evolution," she told The Talks in 2021. "It's fun to have a change of jobs in life, a new opportunity. Even though Bruni doesn't model much anymore, she reclaimed some of her old glory this year by walking in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. 

Even though Bruni was born in Italy, she spent the majority of her life in France — and it shows in her style. No matter what she decides to wear, she dons it with classic French effortlessness.

In the '80s, no model was as fierce and fit as Elle Macpherson, the Australian beauty who was also known as "The Body." In fact, her Sports Illustrated covers are so iconic that she's the only person who's graced them a whopping five times — namely in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1994, and 2006. "I realized early on that I was never going to have the waif-thin fashion body. I was six-foot tall, 36 hips, 36 bust and broad shoulders from swimming all my life," she told Vogue in 2019. "I just needed to embrace my uniqueness." However, like most iconic supermodels, by the time we entered the 2000s, Macpherson's career in the fashion industry had slowed down, so she leaned into acting and hosting — with medium success.

Today, the mother of two mostly stays out of the spotlight. However, just because she's slowed down doesn't mean she still isn't one of the best in the game. This year, 16 years after her last runway appearance, Macpherson proved it by walking in the Melbourne Fashion Festival. Considering that Macpherson is Australian, it's not surprising that her approach to fashion maintained a casualness and simplicity that's difficult to fake. However, just because she loves comfort doesn't mean Macpherson forgot how to dress for big events — after all, she was living and breathing style during a period many might consider the peak of fashion.

German model Nadja Auermann — who was once recognized by Guinness World Records as the model with the longest legs — is another name anyone who followed fashion in the '90s adored. Brands like Prada and Dolce & Gabbana made the model a staple, and just like that, she became one of the most well-known German supermodels — alongside Claudia Schiffer and Heidi Klum, of course.

Even though Auermann could have continued her career in the spotlight after modeling, the star seemingly prefers a more private life. Today, she has four children — her first born in 1997 and her last in 2013. Even though she occasionally attends industry events, Auermann seems to prefer leaving the fashion industry behind. However, just because she said goodbye to the life of a supermodel doesn't mean she's said goodbye to fabulous clothes. On the rare occasions we do see Auermann, she's always dressed to the nines.

Even though Kimora Lee Simmons is known for so much more than her modeling days, there's no denying that her impact on the industry was huge. "I was a mixed-race girl with a Korean-Japanese mother and an African-American father, and none of the other kids at my school were like me," she told People in 2009. As one of late designer Karl Lagerfeld's muses, Simmons kicked off her career thanks to an exclusive contract with Chanel. However, by the end of the '90s, she swapped modeling with fashion designing. Fast forward to today, and the mother of five is known as an incredible businesswoman who helped shape Y2K's iconic fashions, which are still being styled today.

"I judge success in terms of impact and legacy," Simmons told Coveteur in 2021. "So when people tell me I've inspired them to get out of an abusive relationship, or start a business or be a single mom, to me, that is success. The more you realize your passion and are true to your authentic self, the more rewards will come — those riches will be yours." Considering that Simmons shifted from modeling to designing, it's not surprising that her current fashion choices are as stunning as ever.

Now, if you're curious about modern supermodels, check out Bella Hadid's most outdated outfits.