Supermodel era

Definition

The supermodel era refers to the period in the late 1980s and 1990s when a select group of models achieved global fame and cultural significance, transcending traditional fashion boundaries. These supermodels became household names, influencing fashion trends, beauty standards, and media representation, often becoming icons in their own right through endorsements and high-profile collaborations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The supermodel era saw figures like Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Linda Evangelista dominate the fashion scene, appearing on magazine covers and in high-profile advertising campaigns.
2. Supermodels were not just models; they often became celebrities, leveraging their fame to branch into acting, music, and other ventures.
3. The concept of the supermodel changed how brands marketed products, as having a well-known model could significantly increase a product's visibility and desirability.
4. This era emphasized diversity among models, as seen with icons like Iman and Tyra Banks breaking barriers within the fashion industry.
5. The supermodel era also marked a shift in the portrayal of beauty, as these models helped redefine standards by showcasing various body types and ethnic backgrounds.

Review Questions

• How did the rise of supermodels in the late 20th century change the fashion industry?
  • The rise of supermodels transformed the fashion industry by creating a new marketing dynamic where individual models became influential brands themselves. Their presence on runways and in advertisements drew significant attention to designers and products, shifting focus from the clothing to the personalities wearing them. This shift allowed models to command higher salaries and become integral to branding strategies, redefining the relationship between fashion and celebrity.
• In what ways did supermodels influence societal beauty standards during their peak popularity?
  • Supermodels influenced societal beauty standards by embodying idealized yet diverse representations of femininity and attractiveness. Their visibility in media helped shape public perceptions of beauty, pushing boundaries around skin color, body type, and style. As they gained prominence in advertising campaigns and on magazine covers, they created a more inclusive narrative about beauty that resonated with audiences worldwide, challenging previous norms.
• Evaluate the impact of the supermodel era on the evolution of celebrity culture and its intersection with fashion.
  • The supermodel era significantly impacted celebrity culture by establishing models as multi-faceted celebrities rather than just runway or print figures. This transition blurred the lines between fashion and entertainment, as supermodels began engaging in various media ventures, including television shows and films. The intersection of fashion and celebrity culture also led to an increased focus on personal branding, with models using their platforms to influence social issues, thus transforming how fashion was perceived both within and outside the industry.

Related terms

Victoria's Secret Angels: A group of top models associated with the Victoria's Secret lingerie brand who gained fame in the 1990s and 2000s for their runway shows and promotional campaigns.

Fashion Week: An event held biannually in major cities where designers showcase their new collections and where supermodels often play a key role on the runway.

Celebrity Culture: A social phenomenon where individuals gain fame primarily through media exposure and public appearances, impacting trends in various industries including fashion.