Roxanne Lowit, Versace Vixens, 1994
Supermodels of the 90s: Icons Beyond the Runway
The 90s were a golden age for fashion, and at the heart of this era were the supermodels—the famous five who redefined beauty and celebrity: Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, and Claudia Schiffer. These women weren’t just models; they were cultural icons whose influence extended far beyond the runway. Through the lenses of visionary photographers like Roxanne Lowit, Arthur Elgort, Michel Comte, Ellen von Unwerth, and Sante D’Orazio, these supermodels became legends—especially when they were photographed together, creating powerful imagery that defined the era.
Arthur Elgort, Alek Wek, Kirsten Owen, Esther de Jong, Tanga Moreau for Vogue, 1997
The Power of the Big 5
The 90s supermodels reached a level of fame that transcended fashion. But what made Naomi, Cindy, Christy, Linda, and Claudia such household names? In large part, it was their undeniable charisma, versatility, and beauty. These women weren’t just mannequins—they each had distinct personalities that resonated with audiences, allowing them to become more than just faces on magazine covers. Whether it was Naomi’s commanding presence, Cindy’s girl-next-door appeal, or Linda’s chameleon-like ability to transform, each brought something unique to the table.
Their fame was bolstered by a new era of media visibility. The rise of music videos, television interviews, and fashion advertising meant that these models were suddenly everywhere. Their presence wasn’t limited to fashion shows; they became ambassadors of glamour, representing luxury brands, appearing in music videos (who could forget George Michael’s Freedom!), and even making television and film appearances. By the 90s, these supermodels had become the ultimate crossover stars—blurring the lines between fashion, entertainment, and celebrity.
Michel Comte, Supermodels at Palazzo Versace, 1994
Visionary Photographers and Designers
Though their talent and beauty set them apart, the rise of the 90s supermodels can be attributed in large part to the work of photographers and designers who saw their potential and amplified it. Legendary photographers like Roxanne Lowit, Arthur Elgort, Michel Comte, Ellen von Unwerth, and Sante D’Orazio played crucial roles in shaping their public images.
Arthur Elgort was known for bringing a sense of spontaneity and vitality to his fashion photography, capturing supermodels in candid, relaxed moments that made them feel more accessible to the public. Michel Comte, on the other hand, focused on high-octane glamour, making his subjects appear larger-than-life. Ellen von Unwerth’s playful, provocative style tapped into the models’ sensuality and their ability to embrace different personas with a wink and a smile. Roxanne Lowit, known for her behind-the-scenes candids, showed the world the humanity behind the glam, while Sante D’Orazio’s sultry, intimate portraits pushed the boundaries of fashion photography into the realm of art.
In addition to these photographers, iconic designers like Gianni Versace, Karl Lagerfeld, and Calvin Klein played a pivotal role in their rise to fame. These designers saw the potential to use these models as muses, and through their campaigns and runway shows, they helped transform models into global icons.
Ellen von Unwerth, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista, Cannes 1990
The More the Merrier
One of the most compelling aspects of 90s supermodel culture was the frequent group photography. There was something undeniably powerful about seeing these icons together, and photographers often capitalized on that by shooting them in pairs or larger groups. Why? Because when these legendary women appeared together, their collective energy became even more magnetic. The chemistry between them added depth to the photos, creating a sense of camaraderie, competition, and, above all, effortless glamour.
Photographers like Arthur Elgort and Michel Comte understood this dynamic perfectly. Their group shots captured not just individual beauty but the unique power that came from these women interacting with one another—whether it was a playful laugh, a shared glance, or an elegant pose. There’s something electric about seeing supermodels together; the contrasts in their personalities and looks created a visual feast that one model alone simply couldn’t achieve.
When photographed together, these supermodels symbolized the ultimate fantasy: powerful, beautiful, confident women who commanded attention wherever they went. They didn’t just define the fashion of an era—they defined the attitude of the 90s.
Arthur Elgort, Gail Elliott, Yasmin Le Bon, Christy Turlington und Linda Evangelista, New York, 1987
Why We Love to See Them Together: The Timeless Appeal of Group Shots
Even today, the sight of 90s supermodels in a group carries a certain allure. Perhaps it’s because it reminds us of a time when the fashion world was filled with larger-than-life personalities. Or maybe it’s because their images together symbolized more than just beauty—they represented an idealized version of friendship, femininity, and power. In many ways, the group shots of 90s supermodels captured the essence of the era: a celebration of individuality and togetherness, boldness and sophistication, playfulness and power.
At Preiss Fine Arts, we’re thrilled to present these iconic 90s supermodel images together. These photographs highlight not only the individual beauty of each model but also the dynamic energy that emerges when they are seen in groups. This allows us to showcase the powerful camaraderie and influence of these fashion legends, offering a richer, more immersive experience. It’s our way of celebrating the magic that happened when these supermodels came together, providing a glimpse into their collective impact on fashion history.