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The most stunning photos of 1990s supermodels
As their photographs are still used as a major source of influence on Instagram, and as Apple TV+ airs a documentary series celebrating them, Numéro takes a look back at the most beautiful images of supermodels, these charismatic models in the 1990s.
By Violaine Schütz.
Published on 4 August 2025. Updated on 11 August 2025.
Legend has it they wouldn’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day. At least, that’s what model Linda Evangelista once said. In the 1990s, supermodels captivated the world and they still do today. The term refers to a group of gorgeous, famous, and highly sought-after top models. They emerged in the 1980s before reaching their peak in the following decade. These icons only needed their first names to be recognised.
From George Michael’s music videos to Peter Lindbergh’s photographs
Celebrated as much as actresses at the time, they became as legendary as the brands for which they walked the runway or posed. At the 1991 Versace show, they redefined fashion’s rules. The distinction between runway models and editorial models would no longer exist.
Supermodels excelled at everything. While each shone in her own way, they were even more powerful together. Magazine covers, Gianni Versace’s shows, George Michael’s music videos, Peter Lindbergh’s, Patrick Demarchelier’s, and Herb Ritts’s photoshoots, campaigns for the most prestigious houses… Their sisterly image amplified their aura.
The Supermodels: Timeless icons of pop culture
Like in a superhero movie or a rock band, they were three in the beginning – Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell. Photographer Steven Meisel affectionately called them The Trinity. Then, the statuesque Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, and the late Tatjana Patitz joined the group. The groups operated under the alias The Big Five or The Big Six.
Although the term “supermodel” first appeared in the 19th century, the expression spread through the media in the 1990s. Back then, it included other top models like Gisele Bündchen, Carla Bruni, Helena Christensen, Iman, Stephanie Seymour, Yasmeen Ghauri. But also Karen Mulder, Kristen McMenamy, Tyra Banks, Elle Macpherson, Laetitia Casta, Eva Herzigová, Yasmin Le Bon, Amber Valletta, Shalom Harlow and Nadja Auermann.
Today, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Kaia Gerber follow in their footsteps in terms of media exposure. Although they now have another showcase beyond television, catwalks, and magazines – social media.
A documentary series on Apple TV+ with Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford
In 2025, their photos are still everywhere. They represent major sources of influence on Instagram or in fashion campaigns. The latest commercial from Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand Rhode is proof of that. Since September 2023, Apple TV+ has also been streaming The Supermodel, a high-profile documentary series. Co-produced by Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington Burns amont others, the show traces back the stellar careers and lives of Naomi, Cindy, Linda and Christy.
The documentary is driven by a soundtrack featuring iconic hits from the 1980s and 1990s, with George Michael leading the way. It alternates between interviews with the models themselves and with fashion insiders — journalists, designers, photographers, and modelling agents. There’s also footages from the backstages of catwalks and photo shoots. Viewers hear insightful testimony from Fabien Baron, Grace Coddington, John Galliano, Marc Jacobs, Kim Jones, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Arthur Elgort, Edward Enninful, David Fincher, Donatella Versace, Vivienne Westwood, Suzy Menkes and Tim Blanks, among others.
Powerful figures
The documentary highlights the distinctive features that contributed to the success of supermodels – a short haircut, a mole. It also traces back their sharp business acumen, philanthropy, and friendship. Oscillating between emotional moments and female-empowerment sequences, the series seeks to define the very essence of a supermodel. Yet, it does not shy away from the darker chapters of their personnel stories.
For instance, it addresses the racism Naomi Campbell faced early in her career and her battle with drug addiction. It also focuses on the times when top models were treated as mere objects. “I really felt like I wasn’t seen as someone who had a say in her own destiny,” Cindy Crawford declares as she recalls the moment a hairstylist cut her hair without her consent. Powerful, yet understated, the first two episodes previewed by Numéro succeed in contextualizing the rise of these wonder women and showing how they forever changed the face of fashion…
The Super Models (2023) by Roger Ross Williams and Larissa Bills, available now on Apple TV+.
The most stunning photos of 1990s supermodels
