The term “supermodel” is among the most overused in fashion today. Originally, they were three: Linda, Christy and Naomi. Now the word is loosely applied to almost any model of note.
But to wear the ‘super’ moniker legitimately today, a model needs to break through the clutter of faces and attain real fame.
Manhasset, N.Y.-based Marketing Evaluations Inc. has provided “familiarity” percentages for fashion’s most high-profile models in its database.
Additionally, many of these ladies have been in the headlines due to scandals or product launches, or they’ve been tapped as spokesmodels for designers and retailers. Impressive, considering the average age works out to be 34 years old.
All of these women have achieved sustained fame — even though some have bid adieu to the runway.
Here are the top 10 supermodels ranked by familiarity, according to Marketing Evaluations Inc.
1. TYRA BANKS
Percentage of respondents who said they are familiar with this name: 78
She couldn’t have timed this one better. Having just ended a successful seventh installment of “America’s Next Top Model” last week, Tyra Banks’ familiarity ranks highest among the celebrity models. The 33-year-old Banks told WWD in October that she has five television shows in active development, along with a feature film being produced with Wendy Finerman. Her favorite runway moment was during an Anne Klein fashion show. “I was given a full-length black crocheted dress to wear. I remember slinking down the runway like a cat and getting a huge ovation. My mom was so proud.”
2. CINDY CRAWFORD
Percentage: 77
Beginning as a runway model in the Eighties, Cindy Crawford, 40, made a name for herself with a Playboy spread and a six-year gig as host for MTV’s “House of Style.” She has raked in contracts with companies such as Revlon, Kay Jewelers and Pepsi, and has appeared on countless magazine covers and in calendars and fitness videos. In May, WWD reported that Crawford signed on with IMG to represent her in all areas of fashion and marketing. Her latest priorities include Cindy Crawford Home and her Meaningful Beauty skin care line.
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3. CHRISTIE BRINKLEY
Percentage: 73
What a year Christie Brinkley has had. The model endured a public breakup with her husband, Peter Cook, but, amid the turmoil, she has managed to emerge with what appears to be an even wider smile on that famous face, inking a deal with Kellwood’s Sag Harbor brand and getting rehired by Cover Girl to front Advanced Radiance Age-Defying foundation. WWD reported in April that Cover Girl was the same brand that helped launch the 53-year-old’s career nearly 30 years ago.
4. NAOMI CAMPBELL
Percentage: 67
No matter that this notorious bad girl has had several bouts with the law and a highly publicized drug addiction, Naomi Campbell is still coming out swinging — so to speak. She is currently appearing in Louis Vuitton’s fall print ad campaign. She also appeared in several other campaigns for Victoria’s Secret, Rocawear, H&M and Valentino, to name a few. The 36-year-old is also quite charitable: She has contributed to several organizations and also created “Fashion for Relief,” which raised more than $1 million for Hurricane Katrina victims last year.
5. KATE MOSS
Percentage: 56
As one of the most well-known names in the industry, Kate Moss’ impressive list of contracts goes on and on: Think Louis Vuitton, Rimmel, Agent Provocateur, Bulgari, Burberry … The 32-year-old model was the subject of public scrutiny for years, after she emerged in the fashion world with one of the slimmest figures on the runway. Nowadays, Moss’ image is still trim, but healthier. This week, Grazia magazine named her the “Best Dressed” celebrity for the second year running. She has a daughter, Lila Grace, with former boyfriend Jefferson Hack. Moss is currently engaged to rocker Pete Doherty.
6. ELLE MACPHERSON
Percentage: 51
On Monday, Elizabeth Hospodoar, divisional merchandise manager of intimate apparel and hosiery at Bloomingdale’s, told WWD that one of the key items doing well this season was Elle Macpherson Intimates. The model-turned-designer also will launch a new line in January, called “Boudoir by Elle Macpherson Intimates.” Priced slightly higher than her mainline collection, it was inspired by strippers, Elle Macpherson told WWD. The 43-year-old Aussie is also the face for Erase Those Fine Lines, an antiaging serum from ModelCo.
7. HEIDI KLUM
Percentage: 46
In October, Heidi Klum told WWD, “Signing with Victoria’s Secret was a big break in my career. I got a ton of visibility from the campaigns, which they started using me in right away, and walking in the fashion show. Right around the same time, getting the cover of [the] Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and all the press that surrounded it, that helped raise my profile, as well.” The 33-year-old “Project Runway” host currently has another show in the works, titled “Germany’s Next Top Model.” She’s also designed an exclusive jewelry collection for QVC, called the Heidi Klum Collection for Mouawad.
8. RACHEL HUNTER
Percentage: 45
New Zealander Rachel Hunter created quite a stir last year, when she was reportedly paid $1.8 million to appear in a topless-only photo spread for Playboy. The 37-year-old began modeling in her teens and rose to stardom after posing as a Sports Illustrated model in 1989. Glasgow-based Ultimo caused tabloid mayhem in the U.K. in 2005 when Hunter, who is also Rod Stewart’s ex-wife, replaced Penny Lancaster, Stewart’s fiancée, as the face of the brand. Helena Christensen is now the spokeswoman.
GISELE BUNDCHEN
9. Percentage: 29
This 26-year-old Brazilian beauty was discovered at the age of 14 in a shopping mall in Brazil. And this year, Forbes magazine named her the highest-paid model in the modeling industry. Bündchen was a participant in the retailer’s $12 million show on Dec. 5. She also has deals with Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, Bulgari, Valentino and Vogue Eyewear, among many others. She flirted with Hollywood this year, as well, playing the role of Serena in “The Devil Wears Prada.” She is the second-most featured face on magazine covers in the world, just behind Princess Diana.
10. CHRISTY TURLINGTON
Percentage: 28
WWD reported in August that Turlington has signed up once again with Maybelline, the cosmetics company that she’d been with throughout the Nineties. She is the spokeswoman for Instant Age Rewind Cream Foundation and also will lend her lips to advertising for Superstay lip color. The
37-year-old hails from California and is well-known for her numerous campaigns with Calvin Klein. She recently launched her own company of skin care products, called Sundari, and has her own yoga clothing line, Nuala, which is a joint venture with Puma.
Source: Marketing evaluations inc., the q scores company; the survey was completed by a nationally representative sample of 1,800 respondents