The term ‘Supermodel’ | Fashion School
The fashion community today has evolved since the rise of the 90s supermodel. We have many top models, but they’re not necessarily supermodels. Naomi Campbell famously said that Gisele Bundchen was the last true supermodel. But what is a supermodel? Some of us think that all it takes is for a model to be in high demand. Whilst that is true, this is a multifaceted answer. Let’s discuss this so that you can learn more.
In essence, a supermodel is a model that is far busier than your average model. In business terms, think about the difference between a manager and a senior manager. Supermodels and models work in the exact same way. Agents’ goals are to push their clients into supermodel status, as this is where the big contracts lie. Let’s begin with salaries.
Salaries
Salaries work differently in fashion as a model than in an office job. Models get paid per show and campaign they star in. For example, some runway models will be paid £500 to walk a show. These models tend to be new and are just breaking into the industry. As with every new joiner, it’s the experience that counts. Once you gain popularity in the industry and have an established walk, you will command a higher salary.
Supermodels in the 90s as Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell were known to charge five-figure salaries per show. You may be shocked to hear this, but it’s true. Supermodels like Naomi and Linda are known to sell out collections. Celebrities will want to wear these items on the red carpets, garnering further traction for the designer. Supermodel Frankie Raydar was offered more money to cancel appearances for other brands.
Campaigns
Campaigns come in two shapes and sizes. There are beauty campaigns and fashion campaigns. Beauty campaigns such as L’oreal and Cover Girl used supermodels to sell more products. Historically, brands would use conventionally attractive women to star in beauty campaigns. Fashion campaigns were highly driven by a model’s ability to top the industry. Supermodels would frequently walk in a fashion show and star in that season’s ad campaign. For example, Gisele Bundchen opened the Christian Dior 2003 spring-summer show and starred in the fashion campaign.
Runway
Runways or the catwalk is a large arena for models to boost themselves into supermodel status. Supermodels must wear the clothes and not the other way around. They should create a sense of theatre when modelling and commanding the stage with their presence. Examples of these models include Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Yasmeen Ghauri, Carmen Kass and Natasha Poly.
The runway serves as the space for a creative director to showcase their designs for the up-and-coming season. As the fashion industry has changed, there aren’t many shows that focus on choosing girls with strong walks. Therefore, it easy to notice the girls that stand out. Another way to note the girls with the strongest walks is by how busy they are during fashion week.
First comes New York, then London, then Milan, and lastly, we wrap up the season with Paris. By the time Paris comes around, supermodels are crying. They barely receive any sleep and have to travel around the globe constantly. Supermodels walk in every show. If not, they are often offered large amounts of money to turn down catwalks. Think about Frankie Raydar again.
Muse
Creative directors don’t always look at the past for inspiration. Supermodels are primary sources of inspiration for designers. For example, during the early 2000s, supermodel Amber Valletta was a muse for Versace, as were the four supermodels in the 90s for Gianni Versace.
#Education – the term 'Supermodel'. A Supermodel is a model who is, as we would put it in today's terms, 'booked and busy'. Popular supermodels include Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Carla Bruni, Gisele Bundchen and Tyra Banks to name a few. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/InvEqdYNR0
— SSEDITORIAL RUNWAY (@sseditorialmag) January 9, 2022
A supermodel is like a chameleon. Linda Evangelista was nicknamed the chameleon because she could transform into anything and still carry grace and beauty. Designers are tortured with the need to reinvent the meaning of fashion and seasonal attire. A supermodel walks into the studio, and everything fits or makes sense. If a designer has never done punk before, they’ll try the look on Carmen. We’re not sure if we should do Couture? Bring in Coco Rocha to play around.
Muses are there to inspire everyone. A supermodel is a muse that books the show, the beauty campaign and the fashion campaign. Similarly, the supermodel may accompany the designer to the Met Ball.
Today’s Supermodel
Models are no longer discovered via flea markets or on school trips. You can be scouted on social media or walk into a casting call yourself. Also, the original 90s supermodels are now parents. Naturally grown net worths and having a well-connected parent can launch girls into the spotlight without working for it.
They command high salaries because they already have an audience. They may even decline shows because they star in highly publicised campaigns, so they don’t need the money. Kendall Jenner famously said that she cherry-picks her runway shows every season. Technically, a supermodel must command both runway and print. Comparatively, if a model gets paid well and stars in campaigns, the model may qualify for supermodel status.
