Supermodel

Supermodel is a fashion model who has achieved international fame and broad influence beyond typical editorial work. The term denotes not only looks but also sustained prominence in runway shows, magazine covers, and major advertising campaigns. While many successful models enjoy high status, a supermodel is generally understood to be at a higher level of recognition and celebrity.

The label came into wide use in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a core group of women who defined the era’s fashion image. Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington are often cited as archetypal supermodels, known for global campaigns, long-running collaborations with designers, and repeated covers across magazines.

Career pattern: Supermodels are typically represented by major agencies and appear on runways in the four fashion capitals, as well as in high-profile editorials and campaigns. They may serve as brand ambassadors, face fragrance or cosmetics lines, and sometimes pursue business ventures in design, acting, or philanthropy. Their visibility can influence trends and public discussions about beauty standards.

Contemporary note: the term remains in use, but the industry also recognizes models who gain fame through media exposure, social platforms, or transmedia projects. Many established supermodels have diversified into entrepreneurship or advocacy, reflecting broader changes in how modeling success is defined.