No one has fueled this fire more than the self-proclaimed "first supermodel," Janice Dickinson. In 2021, the 66‑year‑old icon went viral by claiming that today’s top models—including Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner—“do not compare to the supermodels from the 70s, 80s, and 90s”. Her comments, made on a popular podcast, sparked a global conversation about what it truly means to be a supermodel and whether the modern industry has sacrificed talent and personality for social‑media metrics.
When looking at supermodels from iconic eras to today, there are several useful ways to analyze their evolution and the habits that define their careers. Whether you're interested in the "Big Five" of the 90s or the top-paid stars of 2017, the shift in the industry highlights a transition from runway dominance to global personal branding. Top Supermodels Then and Now supermodels from 7 17 better
By moving into entrepreneurship, these supermodels protect themselves from ageist industry shifts and solidify their positions as powerful consumer taste-makers. 4. True Cultural Capital vs. Algorithmic Fame No one has fueled this fire more than
These 17 legends didn't just get there by being photogenic. Their careers were marked by game-changing moments that set the standard for all models who followed. When looking at supermodels from iconic eras to
If you're interested in the broader history of supermodels, these recent documentaries and books also provide deep dives:
A striking face can look good in a static digital photo, but runway presentation requires physical mastery. Models with a decade of runway history understand how to pace their stride to the music, showcase structural garment physics, and execute unbothered recoveries during wardrobe malfunctions. Veteran talent like Faretta, who commanded the Vogue Spring Runways , showcased how a powerful, athletic walk trumps a viral social media trend every single time. 2. Deep Industrial Intellect