The Supermodels and Peter Lindbergh, George Michael and Versace

It was 1990 when Peter Lindbergh shot one of the most iconic Vogue covers. The same year gorgeous faces appeared in Freedom 90 video by George Michael. When Gianni Versace took these women out on the runway, with Freedom playing in the background, the supermodels were created.

The supermodels ruled the world sometime between 1990 and 1997. Though the term still exists and is overused, this era belongs to the 90s. That’s the legacy of Peter Lindbergh. He was responsible for making Linda Evangelista one of the most profitable faces, by suggesting her to cut her hair. Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz and Cindy Crawford became household names. Soon, they were joined by Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, Stephanie Seymour, Carla Bruni, Helena Christensen, Nadja Auermann. Modeling became the most desirable career.

The original supermodels were a group of strong, extremely beautiful women, but every generation before and after had its beauties. Being in the right place, at the right time, meeting people who wanted to bring fashion and art together, was a huge advantage. Not everything was perfect, far from it. But when you look at George Micheal’s videos, Peter Lindbergh’s photos or ads by Gianni Versace, it sure seemed that way.

“The most important part of fashion photography, for me, is not the models; it’s not the clothes. It’s that you are responsible for defining what a woman today is. That, I think, is my job.” Peter Lindbergh

What’s even more interesting is that these three men stayed friends with supermodels. Even more, they were remembered as generous, intelligent and simply nice. As for the supermodels, they are still working, and all of them created something more. Christy Turlington turned into one of the most charitable celebrities. Helena Christensen is a photographer, while Kate Moss runs her own empire. Almost with no social media presence.

Fashionistas probably know that famous editorial featuring just trinity girls was also shot by late Lindbergh. The trinity consisted of Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, and Linda Evangelista. Getting all three women into your show meant more media attention. From nameless beauties in the magazines to A list status and name recognition, supermodels open a door to younger generations. That is their legacy.

Of course, all these people had successful careers but we will step back in time and pause here. Before all the illusions came crashing down and just when the world seemed like a better place.