They were the beautiful faces that defined a generation. A handful of models with perfect bodies that graced the cover of British Vogue in the late Eighties giving rise to the cult of the supermodel.



Supermodels were the start of celebrity-dominated culture. Instantly recognisable by their first names - Christy, Linda, Claudia, Naomi, Cindy and Kate – they encapsulated the spirit of the age, inspiring women to dress up, be independent and take control.

These paragons of perfection were more than just manipulated mannequins posing for a photographer. With their long limbs, ultra feminine figures and sensational looks they were glamour incarnate. But they were also real people with opinions, emotions and passions.

“The supermodel changed the image of the model from walking coat-hanger to superwoman, says fashion photographer, Cathy Hassan: “This new breed of confident, sassy model wasn’t afraid to speak out on issues of the day and use their personality as well as their amazing good looks to secure work.” The supermodels ability to turn a good fashion show into a sensational one that guaranteed column inches around the globe meant they could command huge fees.

There is no better example than Linda Evangelista’s now famous comment: “I don’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day” to demonstrate the earning power of the big six.

These super-salaried models carried off the fantastical couture of the catwalk with ease and grace. They sold an image and a lifestyle that made millions of women around the world reach for their purses. So great was their endorsement of a product that fashion designers and businesses clambered to sign them up and for a time, at least, money was no object.

But by the end of the Nineties designers began to tire of playing second fiddle to their muses. A supermodel booked for a show could set a designer back around £35k and there was a general feeling they were getting a little too big to their boots.

Fast-forward to the present day and only two models from Vogue’s legendary 1989 fashion shoot remain in the business. Naomi Campbell is still regularly seen on the catwalks and out and about in the fashion capitals while Kate Moss brings a brand of notoriety with her name that makes her as popular as ever.

“Supermodels are a dying breed, says photographer Cathy Hassan: “While models like Lily Cole, Anouck Lepere, Trish Goff, Liya Kebede and Gisele Bundchen are very much in demand, they do not command the massive fees of the supermodel heyday.

“These days designers are more likely to choose a celebrity to head up their campaigns. A good example is film star Scarlett Johansson who has signed up to Louis Vuitton, Madonna is the face of Hennes while singer Lily Allen is designing a range of clothes for high street brand, New Look.”

By GAYNOR PENGELLY

They prance down the catwalk with style and an attitude. They get paid to wear the latest designer fashions. It seems that everyone wants to look like the latest supermodel who makes her living prancing down a runway. It sounds like a recipe for bliss, but have you considered the downsides of looking like a supermodel?

Not even supermodels always look like supermodels.

If you stop to consider the primping, pampering, and preparation that go into preparing a supermodel for the runway, you’ll realize that not even a supermodel can live up to her spectacular looks. In print publications, supermodels are usually airbrushed and digitally enhanced to appear flawless. You might be quite disappointed to see how your favorite supermodel looks in person.

You may be taken less seriously in life.

If you happen to have supermodel looks, people may assume you lack brain power and deny you the chance to show your intelligence. If you want to be perceived as a serious intellect or if you’re out to change the world with your thoughts and ideas, you may be taken more seriously if your looks are a bit less striking.

Men may be intimidated by you.

In more than one interview, supermodels have stated how hard it is for them to get a date. Many men feel intimidated or threatened by tall, thin, gorgeous women and won’t approach them. You may get your share of cat calls and many looks of appreciation, but it may not be easy to find a good partner.

You may attract the wrong kind of man.

Have you noticed how high the divorce rate is among supermodels? Unfortunately, a supermodel is going to attract a certain type of man who values beauty and, possibly, has a low self esteem. This type of man needs a beautiful woman on his arm to feel important. To continue to boost his self esteem, he’ll likely be on the prowl for the next supermodel beauty to parade around once the initial magic wears off.

You’ll never find clothing to fit.

Let’s face it. Clothing wasn’t designed for 5’10”, size 4, supermodel types. You’re going to have to search far and wide for clothing to accommodate your rather atypical figure type.

You’ll probably never develop your most important assets.

If you’ve always depended on your supermodel looks to get by, you may not have developed more important attributes of your personality. Those who are born with less than perfect looks often go to great efforts to develop their sense of humor, creativity, and ability to relate to people. As a girl with supermodel looks, you may not project an engaging personality that transcends appearances.

It’s only short term.

Supermodels like women everywhere, eventually grown old and lose some of their luster. It can be difficult to adjust to wrinkles and saggy skin when you’ve depended on being beautiful your entire life. Have you ever stopped to consider the rather short shelf life of a supermodel?

As you can see, there are drawbacks to looking like a supermodel. Why not accept your own unique form of beauty and show the world what you have to offer.