Top 20 Female Supermodels of All Time: Iconic Faces That Changed Fashion

The Rise and Influence of Supermodels

If you've ever wondered what it takes to become a supermodel, you're not alone. These women are more than just pretty faces—they’re powerhouses who shaped trends, started movements, and even changed how we see beauty. The word “supermodel” exploded in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but the roots go all the way back to the runway battles of the ‘60s. What sets a supermodel apart from a regular model? For starters, they don’t just wear fashion—they sell a fantasy and create a brand. Think of them as rock stars, but for clothes. By the time they hit the spotlight, these pros had worked with the big names—Versace, Chanel, Calvin Klein, you name it. And if you still think modeling is all about posing and pouting, look again; these women built empires, advocated for change, and proved you can turn fame into lasting influence far off the catwalk.

Walking through history, you can’t ignore the ‘90s supermodel era. Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington weren’t just working together—they had a pact not to get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day! Sounds wild, right? But when you’re on every billboard, cover, and primetime TV slot, brands pay up. But let’s not just stick to the obvious. The list of the top 20 female supermodels covers women from all continents and cultures, embracing unique features, personalities, and stories. From Twiggy’s wide-eyed innocence in swinging London to Gisele Bündchen’s sun-kissed Brazilian energy, each icon brought something special to the table. Ever noticed how names like Alek Wek pushed beauty standards by embracing her South Sudanese roots? Or how Kate Moss made “heroin chic” a thing (for better or worse), challenging fashion’s usual glitz for something raw and edgy? Fashion’s never really been just about the clothes—supermodels literally wore new ideas on their sleeves.

Dig deeper, and the impact keeps growing. Tyra Banks didn’t just rock Victoria’s Secret—she broke barriers for Black models, then flipped the switch, launching America’s Next Top Model and mentoring the next generation. Same goes for Liu Wen, the first East Asian supermodel to truly break through internationally, smashing old stereotypes with every campaign. And it’s not all glitz; some supermodels turned tragedy into inspiration. Look at Adriana Lima, who grew up in humble beginnings in Brazil and later became the longest-serving Victoria’s Secret Angel. Or Ashley Graham, who championed plus-size beauty and convinced the industry to make room for real shapes (she literally called out brands on social media if they tried to Photoshop her curves away). With a mix of hustle, timing, and pure mystique, these women keep raising the bar for what’s possible—inside fashion and way beyond it.

Here’s a snapshot of some supermodel milestones to sketch out their global takeover:

Every supermodel on this list didn’t just win the genetic lottery—they worked relentlessly, took risks, and made sure their names wouldn’t fade after their last walk. If you want in, studying their stories is like having a backstage pass to how the fashion machine really works.

The Top 20 Female Supermodels: Changing the Game

If you’re itching for the definitive list, here’s your fix—the top 20 female supermodels of all time. Now, “top” means different things for everyone: Some broke records, some redefined beauty, some became media moguls, and some did all that and more. But every name here left a mark you can’t erase. Let’s break down what made them special—and toss in some useful facts and trivia you can drop at your next get-together:

• Naomi Campbell – She’s the “Queen of the Catwalk,” known for not just her walk, but her fearless take-no-prisoners style. She was the first Black model to appear on the covers of French and Russian Vogue, and she’s still strutting runways in her 50s.
• Cindy Crawford – That mole made her instantly recognizable, but it was her business sense that made her a legend. Cindy turned talk show appearances and workout videos into a multi-million dollar brand before “influencer” was a word.
• Kate Moss – At just 5’7”, Kate shattered the tall-glamazon rule and proved “cool” can be just as powerful as “pretty.” Her partnership with Calvin Klein redefined ‘90s style.
• Claudia Schiffer – This German beauty hit an estimated 1,000 magazine covers. Versace, Chanel, and L’Oréal all clamored for her “ice queen” look.
• Linda Evangelista – Who else can say, “I don’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day,” and mean it? She’s known for reinventing herself constantly—short hair, dark hair, platinum bob, you name it.
• Iman – Born in Somalia, Iman’s elegance inspired designers and, after modeling, she created her own cosmetics line for women of color. She’s also Mrs. David Bowie, which just adds to her legend status.
• Gisele Bündchen – Known for her “horse walk,” Gisele dominated the early 2000s and stayed at the top for more than a decade. In 2015, Forbes named her the world’s highest-paid model for the 8th year running.
• Tyra Banks – From Sports Illustrated to the creator of “America’s Next Top Model,” Tyra blends charisma with brains and opened the door for so many models of color.
• Christy Turlington – Known for those sculpted features and poetic eyes, she later became a humanitarian, focusing on maternal health around the world.
• Heidi Klum – She wasn’t just a Victoria’s Secret Angel; she became a TV mogul, hosting “Project Runway” and later “America’s Got Talent.” Heidi’s all about hustle.
• Beverly Johnson – The first African-American woman to grace the cover of American Vogue (1974). Today, she’s still fighting for inclusion in beauty standards.
• Elle Macpherson – “The Body.” Need we say more? She made a name for herself in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and built a health and beauty empire post-modeling.
• Alek Wek – With deep Sudanese roots, Alek’s unique look inspired thousands of young Black girls to see themselves in high fashion for the first time.
• Adriana Lima – Victoria’s Secret’s longest-serving Angel. Her story is one of resilience—she started with nothing in Brazil and became a global name by 18.
• Joan Smalls – This Puerto Rican powerhouse broke ground as Estée Lauder’s first Latina face. She champions diversity and is a Vogue regular.
• Liu Wen – As China’s fashion ambassador, Liu Wen made it as the first East Asian model to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway and front global campaigns for Calvin Klein and Estée Lauder.
• Gigi Hadid – Bridging social media stardom and high fashion, Gigi’s fresh face and relentless work ethic made her a regular on every major runway since 2015.
• Karlie Kloss – She’s not just a model—she’s a tech entrepreneur, founding coding camps for girls. Karlie also dominated Dior and Victoria’s Secret with her signature long-legged stride.
• Ashley Graham – She’s redefining the idea of sexy, pushing brands to showcase true body diversity. Ashley’s viral Ted Talk and her social media call-outs get people talking.
• Jourdan Dunn – The first Black model to walk the Prada runway in over a decade. Dunn’s honesty about motherhood and industry issues makes her a fan favorite.

This isn’t just a roll call—you’re looking at innovators and groundbreakers. From magazine covers to activism, these women aren’t just there for the glitz. They’ve been quietly revolutionizing how we talk about beauty, success, and what it means to lead. Need proof that fashion can change the world? Start here.

Here’s a quick look at headlining facts about the supermodel world you maybe never heard:

• Linda Evangelista holds the record for the most Vogue Italia covers—over 40!
• Gisele Bündchen reportedly made $500 million in modeling and business deals, according to Forbes.
• Iman’s makeup line started because nothing suited her skin—the ultimate “if you want it, build it” moment.
• Karlie Kloss’s coding scholarship has helped thousands of girls learn STEM skills.
• Jourdan Dunn is open about living with sickle cell anemia, making her an advocate both in and out of fashion.

Every single supermodel on this list reminds us—success in fashion isn’t just about being born with the look. It’s what you do with your spotlight that really counts.

Tips, Lessons, and What the Supermodel Era Teaches Us

Ever think about what these supermodels can teach us—even if the runway’s not your thing? For starters, the fashion world doesn’t stand still. Adaptability is key. If you look at legends like Naomi or Cindy, both stepped away and then came roaring back—sometimes better than ever—just by knowing when to reinvent their brand. Now, let’s talk lessons from the catwalk. Confidence is everything. So many of these women faced doubts or never “fit” the standard when they started. Kate Moss was told she was too short, Iman’s look was mislabeled as “too exotic,” and Alek Wek received pushback for her skin tone. Still, they all pushed forward, creating a lane where there wasn’t one before.

One thing the top supermodels have in common is serious hustle off-camera, too. After their modeling days, so many built new careers—some launched beauty or fashion brands, others went into TV production, philanthropy, or tech. Tyra Banks went back to college for business at Harvard. Christy Turlington set up a nonprofit focused on maternal health. Supermodels aren’t just fun for fashion trivia—they show us there are tons of ways to move forward after chapter one ends.

Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “How does anyone get started?” The casting bar for supermodels is famously high (no pun intended—though 5’10” is pretty standard!). But the real key is personality and persistence. Networking, resilience, and knowing how to handle rejection come with the territory. Fun fact: Heidi Klum was famously rejected by folders of agencies before winning her spot as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. If you take anything away from the journeys of these women, let it be this: Don’t let one “no” keep you from chasing your “yes.”

Here are a few tips, whether you’re thinking about chasing the modeling dream or just want to summon a little supermodel mojo for everyday life:

• Confidence is non-negotiable. Practice your walk, your talk, and your sense of self.
• Stay adaptable. Every era, every job, every campaign demands something new.
• Find your signature. Whether it’s Gisele’s walk or Cindy’s mole—your “thing” makes you memorable.
• Network, but stay authentic. The best connections are built on real relationships, not just business cards.
• Embrace your roots and differences. Individuality is an asset in modern fashion—just look at Alek Wek or Joan Smalls.
• Remember power isn’t just on the runway. Use your influence, however big or small, for something that matters to you.

Curious about the supermodel age and pay gap? Models start young—usually around 16 to 18—though some, like Lauren Hutton, proved you can begin later (she even did a major campaign in her 70s). The gender pay gap isn’t as wide as in other industries—many female supermodels outearn their male counterparts, a rare exception in entertainment.

Let’s drop some final trivia. The so-called Era of the Supermodel officially peaked with the 1990 “Freedom! '90” music video by George Michael—yes, those are the faces singing in the bathtub and slinking down the hall. And about that catwalk strut? Naomi credits learning to walk by practicing in her mom’s kitchen, using pots and pans for rhythm. If you watch old clips, every walk has flavor and story—totally different from anyone else’s. Same with the poses—they’re statements, not just stances.

End of the day, the story of the top 20 supermodels is the story of courage, innovation, and never letting anyone define your limits. Whether you dream of the runway or just admire it from afar, they show us what’s possible when you step up and change the game in your own style.