
Kate Moss, born 16.01.1974 in a working-class family in Croydon, London, England, was discovered at the age of 14 in 1988 by Sarah Doukas, the founder of the Storm Model Management agency. The discovery happened at JFK Airport in New York City while Kate was returning from a family vacation in the Bahamas. Doukas noticed Moss’s unique look, which stood in stark contrast to the then-dominant supermodel aesthetic of tall, curvy, and glamorous figures like Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer.
Sante D’Orazio, Kate Moss resting in a Bathtub, Glen Cove NY, for Italian Vogue 2995
Her meteoric rise to fame began with her first campaigns, among them the Calvin Klein campaign in the 1990s, which would define a whole era: Minimalistic and raw aesthetics. The CK ads, especially those with actor Mark Wahlberg, became legendary. Moss has appeared on the covers of over 300 magazines, including multiple editions of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and W. She has been a muse for major designers like Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, and Marc Jacobs.
Roxanne Lowit, Kate Moss Backstage at Vivienne Westwood, Paris 1993
Her look ushered in the “heroin chic” trend, clashing with the polished and perfect image of the supermodels at the time. She transcended traditional modeling, becoming a symbol of modern fashion and inspiring countless trends.
But not only her good looks led to worldwide fame, her lifestyle added to her It-Girl image as well.
Arthur Elgort, Kate Moss Resting in Nepla, for British Vogue 1993
Kate Moss became synonymous with London’s hedonistic party circuit, frequenting spots like The Groucho Club and The Met Bar. She fully embraced the motto “life is a party” oftentimes with her famous friends, Sadie Frost, Naomi Campbell and socialites of the Primrose Hill Set. Her high-profile relationships with “bad boys” like Johnny Depp and Pete Doherty fueled her wild child reputation.
Ellen von Unwerth, Kate Moss and David Bowie for Q-Magazine, 2003
In 2005, Moss faced controversy when photos emerged of her allegedly using cocaine, leading to many brands temporarily distancing themselves from her, but she made a remarkable comeback. She regained her reputation, strengthened her career and proved once again her resilient nature by signing contracts with Dior and Louis Vuitton.
Arthur Elgort, Kate Moss and Elephant II, Nepal for British Vogue 1993
Moss rarely gives interviews, fueling speculation and fascination about her private life. Leaving a lot of stories and rumours about her party antics.
Roxanne Lowit, Kate Moss in Yellow Ensemble
Unwerth, Kate Moss taking a Bath
Moss has been a mother for many years now, which softened her public image. She retrieved from the public eye for some time, with now slowly making her comeback as current party images of her occur again. This underlines Moss’s ability to embody elegance on the runway while embracing rebellion in her personal life.
Younger stars like Cara Delevingne and Adwoa Aboah credit Moss for blending the worlds of high fashion and wild living.
Some might say she is the “Original IT-Girl”
Sante D’Orazio, Kate Moss on a Bike, Glen Cove, NY, for Italian Vogue, December 1995