A Look Back At The Most Iconic Supermodels Of The ‘90s

By Aditi Rana

The ‘90s were all about supermodels owning the runway! This decade gave us the iconic “Big Six” who were everywhere: Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, and Christy Turlington. They basically turned modelling into a pop culture sensation.
Fast forward to today, and the It girls like Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner are keeping the glam alive, mixing fashion with their own personal brands. It’s not just about the trends (though ‘90s vibes are totally back), but about making a lasting impact.
So, let’s dive into the legends who ruled the ‘90s on national and international platforms.

Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford is a true fashion and pop culture legend, known for her iconic beauty mark and dominance on the runway. She strutted her stuff for major brands like Hervé Léger, Donna Karan, and Versace, and became the face of big names like Valentino, Revlon, and Pepsi. Her unforgettable 1992 Pepsi ad was so iconic that she recreated it in August 2023! Beyond the runway, Crawford was a staple on MTV’s House of Style, hosting the show from 1989 to 1995. She tied the knot with former model Rande Gerber in 1998, and they have two kids together. While her daughter Kaia Gerber is now the one lighting up the runway, Cindy still makes the occasional high-profile appearance.

Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty; Courtesy Pepsi

Yasmeen Ghauri
Yasmeen Ghauri defied her parents and jumped into the modelling world after getting discovered at 17 while working at McDonald’s. She slayed runways for Dior, Chanel, and Jean Paul Gaultier with her legendary hip-swivelling walk. Yasmeen also made history as the first South Asian Victoria’s Secret Angel and rocked the cover of Vogue. In 1997, she took a break from the spotlight to focus on her personal life. Now married to Ralph Bernstein, she’s enjoying life with their two kids.

Photo: Versace 1993

Claudia Schiffer
Claudia Schiffer got her big break at 17 when she was spotted in a German nightclub, but it was her 1989 shoot with Ellen Von Unwerth that really launched her career. She became the face of Guess and made her runway debut with Chanel in 1990, where she slayed as the Chanel bride in some of their most iconic looks. Claudia also strutted her stuff for Versace, Valentino, and has rocked over 1,000 magazine covers.
These days, she’s still fronting campaigns for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Guess. Claudia tied the knot with film director Matthew Vaughn in 2002, and they have three kids together.

Photo: Claudia Schiffer on the runway at the 1994 Versace show. Ken Towner/ANL/Shutterstock

Tyra Banks
Before hosting America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks was totally owning the runway. In the ’90s, she walked for all the major fashion houses like Dior, Donna Karan, and Thierry Mugler. She was everywhere—from Covergirl campaigns to being an original Victoria’s Secret Angel. Tyra also made history in 1996 as the first Black model to snag solo covers of Sports Illustrated and GQ. In the 2000s, she levelled up to media mogul status, starring in flicks like Life-Size and Coyote Ugly. She also founded Bankable Productions, where she created America’s Next Top Model and The Tyra Banks Show. Tyra shares a son with her ex, Erik Asla.

Photo: Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho Via Getty Images

Christy Turlington
Christy Turlington was one of the elite “Trinity” of supermodels, alongside Evangelista and Campbell. Discovered at just 14 while horseback riding, she quickly became a top cover girl. Christy rocked the covers of nearly every major fashion magazine and starred in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Maybelline, and Versace. She was also a regular on the runway for Ralph Lauren and Dior.
These days, Turlington is still in the fashion game but has also turned her focus to philanthropy. She runs Every Mother Counts, an organization dedicated to improving maternal care worldwide, and directed the documentary No Woman, No Cry. She’s also a mom of two, sharing her life with husband Edward Burns.

Photo: Getty Images

Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell is renowned for her iconic runway walk—so much so that Beyoncé even mentions it in “Get Me Bodied (Extended Remix).” Discovered at 15, Campbell showcased her signature strut for top brands like Versace, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Though she achieved massive success, Campbell faced discrimination and was often one of the few Black models on the runway. Today, she’s a vocal advocate for diversity in fashion, both on and off the runway. Naomi still graces the catwalk and is a proud mom of two.

PHOTO: Valentino Ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 1993