The 100 Greatest Supermodels: 1980-2019

Author:
Ansel Pereira
Updated date:
Jun 13, 2022

I have been an online writer for over six years. I am passionate about books, philosophy, music, and the music industry.

Getting into the modeling industry is by no means an easy task. Over the years a number of beautiful young women have tried their luck at modeling. However, only few have succeeded at becoming successful models. The oomph factor and personality of supermodels determines their contracts, endorsements, campaigns and recognition associated with their modeling careers. Hectic schedules form an integral part of a supermodel’s life. The number of fashion assignments established female models undertake all year long is astonishing. Fashion models have to get accustomed to working with individuals with varied temperaments in the fashion industry.

The list below showcases a diverse collection of supermodels of the '80s '90s, 2000s, and 2010s. If you have a view, opinion, or suggestion, let us know in the comments section.

Top 10 Supermodels: 1980-2019

Adriana Lima
Linda Evangelista
Laetitia Casta
Gisele Bundchen
Claudia Schiffer
Naomi Campbell
Kate Moss
Cindy Crawford
Heidi Klum
Stephanie Seymour

Best Modeling Agencies

The number of modeling agencies since the '80s has been significant. Some of the most popular supermodels have emerged through the ranks of modeling agencies doing a varied body of work for fashion houses, fashion designers and brands. Models groomed by leading modeling agencies at a young age have gone onto to become highly successful supermodels in their modeling careers. Some of the popular modeling agencies responsible for spotting and nurturing talent are mentioned below.

Elite Model Management
Storm Management
One Management
DNA Models
Next Model Management
Ford Models
Women Management
Model Management
IMG Models
Marilyn Agency

#11—20

11. Karen Mulder

12. Elle Macpherson

13. Gia Carangi

14. Milla Jovovich

15. Tatjana Patitz

16. Christie Brinkley

17. Karolina Kurkova

18. Miranda Kerr

19. Candice Swanepoel

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Supermodels in the 1980s and 1990s

The '80s was a decade that gave new meaning to glitz and glamour in the fashion world. A number of independent designers emerged from different parts of the world bringing an aesthetic sense to global fashion. The '80s is also remembered as the decade that paved the way for supermodels. The supermodel trend got big in the '80s and garnered a lot more attention in years to follow. While the modeling industry has evolved significantly since the '80s, what remains true is the passion and dedication among supermodels. With so many beautiful women walking the ramp for designers, it takes something special to emerge a supermodel.

Supermodels in the '90s gave sensuality a brand new meaning to fashion bringing a whole new degree of oomph and sophistication. While the lifestyle of supermodels has often been taken to the whipping post revealing the dark side of their success, what’s not often glorified is the effort and struggle it has taken models to reach the top. It takes a lot of discipline and dedication to remain committed professionally towards modeling assignments. Striking a balance with personal life and professional life is never easy for supermodels.

#21—40

21. Iman

22. Hilary Rhoda

23. Bar Refaeli

24. Emily Ratajkowski

25. Abbey Lee Kershaw

26. Marisa Miller

27. Karlie Kloss

28. Gigi Hadid

29. Tyra Banks

30. Doutzen Kross

31. Kristen McMenamy

32. Yasmeen Ghauri

33. Natasha Poly

34. Natalia Vodianova

35. Christy Turlington

36. Liya Kebede

37. Niki Taylor

38. Chanel Iman

39. Jourdan Dunn

40. Isabeli Fontana

Tyra Banks
David Shankbone - Own work, CC BY 3.0

What Does It Take To Be a Supermodel?

Over the years a number of supermodels have been exemplary with their personal lives and professional commitments and have become role models for young girls aspiring to become fashion models. Supermodels are often required to travel to different parts of the world for fashion shows and photo shoots. Without high energy levels it is not possible to reach the rank of a supermodel. Since the '90s a number of supermodels with distinctive features have emerged from far corners of the globe.

A large number of runaway models in the '90s went onto achieve tremendous success as supermodels. Few models have achieved tremendous success doing photo shoots for fashion magazines, appearing in music videos, and doing ad campaigns for leading brands. A number of models have achieved a great deal of fame being on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and Vogue. Models featured in Sports Illustrated and Vogue issues have earned iconic status among fans in the fashion world.

#41—60

41. Hailey Baldwin

42. Coco Rocha

43. Joan Smalls

44. Kelly Emberg

45. Yasmin Le Bon

46. Anja Rubik

47. Caroline Trentini

48. Selita Eubanks

49. Lindsey Wixon

50. Agyness Deyn

51. Eva Herzigova

52. Kate Upton

53. Ann Beatriz Barros

54. Tatiana Sorokko

55. Sasha Pivovarova

56. Carol Alt

57. Kendall Jenner

58. Behati Prinsloo

59. Raquel Zimmerman

60. Molly Sims

Gisele Bundchen
Lili Ferraz, CC BY-SA 3.0

Supermodels in the 2000s and 2010s

Fashion models of the 2000s took their craft to a whole new level with their mesmerizing catwalk on the ramp. Striking a pose while maintaining poise is what sets apart a supermodel from the rest. Since the 2010s a new crop of young models has given newfound meaning to the word ‘supermodel’. Models have created a roar on internet-based photo sharing services, Instagram in particular.

The current crop of top models has a huge following on social media networks. The new league of supermodels referred to as Instagirls has not gone down too well with supermodels of the past; however, it’s the need and demand of the present generation that has propelled a new generic term associated with beauty and fashion.

#61—80

61. Lara Stone

62. Kathy Ireland

63. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

64. Bella Hadid

65. Alek Wek

66. Crystal Renn

67. Daria Werbowy

68. Jessica Stam

69. Nadja Auermann

70. Freja Beha Erichsen

71. Bridget Hall

72. Liu Wen

73. Helena Christensen

74. Shalom Harlow

75. Karen Elson

76. Angela Lindvall

77. Irina Shayk

78. Lily Donaldson

79. Gemma Ward

80. Selita Ebanks

Walking the ramp for designers and doing photo shoots and ad campaigns throughout the year is tiring. However, for supermodels there is no such thing as a long break. Top models have to keep fit with a healthy diet and their exercise routine at the gym. Supermodels may opt for different types of workouts depending on need and requirement, and advice of dieticians, nutritionists or personal trainers.

Supermodels have to bring along the right attitude to connect with fashion houses, fashion designers, fashion photographers, and brands. While a drop-dead gorgeous face and figure goes a long way in the modeling world, it’s the attitude that determines varied assignments a supermodel gets. In the fashion world attitude is everything…the right attitude.