Not that they were the first to be termed ‘supermodels’. That cover was shot more than a quarter of a century ago, yet ask most people to name a supermodel, and chances are at least one member of this quintet will roll instantly off the tongue. Cindy Crawford and Tatjana Patitz, the smiling, can-do faces of athletic vigour on each side of the pond. Christy Turlington, with her calm doe-eyed gaze and impossibly perfect features that looked carved from soapstone. Linda Evangelista: chameleon-like with her ever-changing hair colour, yet always unmistakable, and admired for the gumption of saying she wouldn’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day.

Naomi Campbell: assertive, playful yet exquisite, the obvious icon not only for young black women, but for those who coveted her haughty ‘I’m worth it’ chutzpah. The original gang, a bit like the Spice Girls, had someone for everyone. The ‘supermodel’ has come full circle – quite literally in the case of these returning stars, whose stock has never been higher than now. If you weren’t old enough the first time round, you’ll definitely remember a certain Instagram-breaking moment last September – a similarly Amazonian line-up of Cindy, Claudia, Naomi, Carla and Helena, reunited on the Versace SS18 catwalk. It was the image that kicked off the era of supermodel mania. Even those of us who fancied ourselves too lofty for supermodel daydreams were entranced by Peter Lindbergh’s black and white photo, elevated from the realm of fashion and approaching something closer to cinema.

If you were old enough to reach a newsagent counter in 1990, you’ll remember that cover: Naomi, Linda, Tatjana, Christy and Cindy, high-glam action figures clustered together, gazing at us on the front of January Vogue. Introduction by Autumn Whitefield-Madrano As the original supers stalk back into the spotlight, here's our edit of the best models of all time. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.Ĭindy’s in a major Omega campaign, Naomi’s back on the catwalk and Donatella broke the internet with her reunion of the ‘famous five’ for the Versace SS18 show. Marie Claire is supported by its audience.

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