What Happened to the Iconic 1980s Supermodels?

From the 'Holy Trinity' to 'The Body', a look at the original generation of supermodels and where they are now.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The 1980s ushered in the era of the supermodel, with figures like Christie Brinkley, Christy Turlington, Elle Macpherson, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Linda Evangelista becoming global cultural icons. While some remain familiar faces in the industry, these trailblazers have taken diverse paths, from launching businesses to advocating for social causes, as they navigate life after their supermodel heyday.

Why it matters

The 1980s supermodels defined beauty standards and style trends for decades, and their influence is still felt in the fashion world today. Their stories offer a glimpse into the changing landscape of the modeling industry and how these women have evolved, both personally and professionally, since their rise to fame.

The details

Christie Brinkley, the face of CoverGirl for 25 years, is still working and recently graced the cover of Sports Illustrated in her 60s. Christy Turlington, known for her Calvin Klein fragrance contract and iconic appearance in George Michael's 'Freedom! '90' music video, is now the founder of a maternal health organization and Lancôme's newest Global Ambassador. Elle Macpherson, dubbed 'The Body', has transitioned from modeling to acting and entrepreneurship, while Naomi Campbell has used her platform to speak out against discrimination in the industry. Cindy Crawford's children, Kaia and Presley Gerber, have followed in her footsteps, and Linda Evangelista has embraced self-acceptance after a cosmetic procedure left her with facial disfigurement.

  • In 1974, Christie Brinkley was discovered in Paris while studying art.
  • In the late 1980s, Christy Turlington graced the cover of British Vogue at just 17 years old.
  • In 1986, Naomi Campbell made her front cover debut on British Elle at the age of 15.
  • In 1986, Cindy Crawford first appeared on the cover of Vogue at the age of 20.
  • In 2023, Christy Turlington's daughter, Grace, made her runway debut.

The players

Christie Brinkley

A defining face of the 1980s fashion scene, known for her radiant, athletic image and 25-year tenure as the face of CoverGirl.

Christy Turlington

Famously discovered as a teen, she shot to fame in the late 1980s thanks to her lucrative fragrance contract with Calvin Klein and her appearance in George Michael's 'Freedom! '90' music video.

Elle Macpherson

Australian-born model, nicknamed 'The Body', who became one of the most in-demand models of all time, appearing on multiple Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers and in almost every issue of Elle magazine during the 1980s.

Naomi Campbell

Trailblazing model who made history as the first black woman to appear on the cover of Vogue France and Time, and remains one of the most recognizable faces in fashion today.

Cindy Crawford

Discovered at 16, she became a hit due to her stunning looks and signature mole, transcending fashion to become a pop culture icon.

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What they’re saying

“I'm too young not to be working. I love my job.”

— Christie Brinkley (The Times)

“Being in my sixties has been a transition from being 'The Body' to embodying something far more meaningful, with greater purpose.”

— Elle Macpherson (HELLO!)

“I would see it coming so I was going to find a way to go around it, go over it, get through it. And that's what I did.”

— Naomi Campbell (Sky News)

“I'm going to enjoy this moment. My dream is to be a grandmother.”

— Linda Evangelista (Grazia)

The takeaway

The stories of the 1980s supermodels highlight the evolving nature of the fashion industry and the diverse paths these trailblazers have taken, from embracing new business ventures to advocating for social causes. Their enduring influence serves as a testament to the power of these iconic figures and the lasting impact they've had on beauty standards, style, and popular culture.