Words By Lucie Birney
This list represents the models who I feel are the top five most iconic models of all time. These are people who have added something to the modeling world and who aren’t just fresh faces that sizzle and die out after a single season.
Kate Moss, the no-brainer when talking about top models, and for good reason. There seems to be a universal, unspoken law in the fashion industry that no matter what, Kate dominates. She brought the boyish skin and bones aesthetic to fashion in the 90s, which still prevails as most common body type on the runway. Not to mention her exceptional style, making anything she wears become an instant trend (i.e. skinny jeans, ugg boots, etc.) This year she turned forty and was featured on the cover of playboy for its 60th anniversary. Through thick and thin with her personal life and with the industry, Kate still reigns.
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Naomi Campbell, the quintessential supermodel of the 90s. Her sassy personality, long legs, and exotic allure made her stand out as a model. Naomi has a killer walk, showing admirable confidence and sass, often receiving the title “The Queen of the Catwalk.” In an industry with strong racial discrimination, Naomi’s outstanding influence in fashion has helped non-Caucasian models become accepted, and it has also brought light to companies’ racial prejudices. She was the first black model on the cover of British Vogue, French Vogue, TIME and American Vogue.
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Magdalena Frackowiak was discovered in Poland at 16 and started appearing on international runways in 2006. She has a face that you’re instantly drawn to: hazel eyes, full lips, dark blonde hair, and intensely prominent cheekbones and jawline all in the perfect combination. Her superb bone structure and lanky body make her unique look the epitome of a model in today’s high fashion. She has a strong walk that oozes confidence, but with a nonchalant and intense attitude at the same time.
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Sasha Pivovarova was originally an art student who never intended to be a model, but then her boyfriend sent her pictures to IMG. Two weeks later Sasha signed a 3-year contract with Prada and opened their Fall 2005 show. Backstage, she is mostly seen with a sketchbook in hand filled with amazing drawings. Her signature heart-shaped face and blue eyes that give the “death stare” make her a favorite for numerous photographers, and a popular model in the industry.
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I couldn’t dream of writing a list with amazing models and not include Gemma Ward. This Australian born, baby-faced model started appearing on the runway in 2004 and she became a modeling sensation almost overnight. The near-perfect proportions and symmetry of her face make Gemma look almost unreal or computer-generated. Gemma has stepped back from modeling and acting to be a mom to her first baby, but the fashion community is anxious for her comeback.
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