The Elusive Reign: Unpacking the Title of "First Supermodel"
The term "supermodel" conjures images of glamorous women gracing magazine covers, walking the runways of haute couture, and commanding astronomical salaries. But when we ask, "Who was *really* the first supermodel?" the answer isn't as straightforward as pointing to a single iconic face. The very definition of "supermodel" has evolved, making the title of "first" a subject of ongoing debate among fashion historians and enthusiasts alike.
The Rise of the "Super": What Changed?
For decades, models were largely anonymous faces, hired for their ability to showcase clothing. They were artisans of presentation, but their personal lives and earnings remained largely out of the public eye. The shift began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period when a select group of women transcended the usual boundaries of the fashion world. These weren't just models; they were household names, celebrities in their own right, commanding fees that rivaled those of movie stars. They became brand ambassadors, entrepreneurs, and cultural icons.
Defining the "Supermodel" Criteria
To understand the debate, we need to consider what makes a "supermodel." Key characteristics often include:
- Global Recognition: Being a name recognized far beyond the fashion industry.
- High Earnings: Commanding salaries and endorsement deals in the millions.
- Media Presence: Frequent appearances in magazines, television, and even film.
- Brand Power: The ability to sell products simply by their association.
- Personal Branding: Developing a public persona and often venturing into other businesses.
The Early Contenders: Paving the Way
While the 90s are often cited as the heyday of the supermodel, several women in earlier decades laid the groundwork for this phenomenon. Their influence and groundbreaking careers set the stage.
Dorian Leigh: The "First" Face of Advertising?
Many point to Dorian Leigh as a strong contender for the title of the first supermodel. In the 1940s and 1950s, Leigh was incredibly successful. She appeared on the cover of *Harper's Bazaar* multiple times and was a prominent figure in advertising. She was one of the first models to earn a substantial income from her work, reportedly making over $100 a day at a time when this was a significant sum.
Her influence extended to her personal life becoming somewhat public, a rarity for models at the time. She was also known for her striking beauty and distinctive style, which captured the public's imagination.
Suzy Parker: The Glamour and the Earnings
Another name frequently mentioned is Suzy Parker. Active in the 1950s and 1960s, Parker was one of the highest-paid models of her era. She was known for her versatility, able to embody both high fashion and more accessible looks. Her earnings were significant, and she was a recognizable face through her numerous editorial and advertising campaigns. Parker's career was marked by a level of stardom that hinted at the supermodel era to come.
Jean Shrimpton: The "Face of the Sixties"
In the 1960s, Jean Shrimpton became a global sensation. Dubbed the "Face of the Sixties," she was celebrated for her natural beauty and captivating presence. Shrimpton's fame transcended the fashion world, making her a cultural icon. Her attendance at events and her personal life were often subjects of media attention, a characteristic that would become synonymous with supermodels.
The 90s Supermodels: The Era Solidified
While the earlier women certainly paved the way, the 1990s saw the explosion of the supermodel phenomenon. The group known as the "Trinity" or the "Big Six" became undeniably the most famous models in the world.
The "Big Six": Icons of the 90s
This era brought forth a cadre of models who personified the supermodel ideal:
- Naomi Campbell: Known for her fierce runway walk and captivating presence, Campbell was one of the first Black models to achieve widespread international fame.
- Linda Evangelista: Famously quoted as saying, "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day," Evangelista epitomized the supermodel's earning power and influence.
- Christy Turlington: Renowned for her classic beauty and grace, Turlington was a staple on the covers of major fashion magazines.
- Cindy Crawford: With her distinctive mole and relatable charisma, Crawford became one of the most recognizable faces in the world, extending her brand beyond modeling.
- Claudia Schiffer: The German model's resemblance to Brigitte Bardot made her an instant sensation, and she achieved a level of global fame rarely seen.
- Tatjana Patitz: Though perhaps less of a household name than some of her contemporaries, Patitz was instrumental in defining the look of the era and appeared in iconic music videos.
These women weren't just models; they were celebrities who appeared on talk shows, in movies, and as the faces of major global brands. Their collective impact solidified the modern understanding of what a "supermodel" is.
"The term 'supermodel' wasn't truly coined until the late 1980s, but the qualities that defined them—fame, fortune, and influence—were being cultivated by models long before that."
Why the Persistent Debate?
The debate over the "first" supermodel continues because the criteria themselves are fluid. If we emphasize the *term* "supermodel," then the 80s and 90s women are the clear answer. However, if we focus on the *essence* of being a highly paid, widely recognized, and influential model, then names like Dorian Leigh, Suzy Parker, and Jean Shrimpton become incredibly strong contenders. They were the pioneers who demonstrated the potential for models to achieve a level of stardom and financial success previously unheard of.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did models become so famous in the 1990s?
The 1990s saw a perfect storm of factors. Increased media coverage, the rise of MTV and music videos (which featured models prominently), and designers and photographers actively promoting their favorite models as personalities all contributed to their celebrity status. The fashion industry itself began to leverage the fame of these models for marketing, turning them into brand names.
Why is Dorian Leigh considered a strong contender for the first supermodel?
Dorian Leigh was one of the first models to command significant earnings and achieve widespread recognition through advertising and magazine covers in the 1940s and 50s. Her career demonstrated that a model could achieve financial success and a degree of public awareness that was groundbreaking for the time, setting a precedent for future generations.
Were there famous models before the 1990s who achieved similar fame?
Absolutely. While the term "supermodel" became popularized in the 90s, women like Twiggy in the 1960s, and Cheryl Tiegs and Lauren Hutton in the 1970s and 80s, were incredibly famous, earned substantial incomes, and were widely recognized. They paved the way for the supermodel era by demonstrating the commercial power of modeling.
Why is the debate about the "first" supermodel important?
The debate is important because it acknowledges the historical evolution of a profession and its cultural impact. It highlights the contributions of women who, in different eras, redefined what it meant to be a model and pushed the boundaries of their industry, laying the groundwork for the global icons we recognize today.
