When you think about supermodels, icons such as Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Twiggy spring to mind, and the common denominator is that at their peak, they each brought more to fashion.
There are many unwritten rules in the fashion world. From the height standard of 5’10, yet we’ve seen stars such as Lady Gaga (5’2″), Amina Blu (5’1″), and the late Twiffy (5’6″) take runways by storm. Or, strict weight restrictions, as per the 60s, right up to the late 2000s, models were expected to be stick-thin.
However, the industry is changing, slowly but surely. As proven by the famous walk of Jill Kortleve at the Fendi catwalk in Milan, 2020. This was history in the making, as she turned heads as the first ‘plus-sized woman’ to walk a runway. Changing the conversation of beauty standards in fashion to a much healthier one.
There’s no denying that the fashion industry is a brutal one for those modelling, and outside of that, it can be just as cutthroat. Whether you’re a buyer, a seller, an agent, or a designer. There’s not necessarily one area of fashion that isn’t tough to crack into. Despite those odds, the fashion world has an incredible range of creativity and liberation, which allows people to tap into exciting and innovative aspects of the world. Going above and beyond to create otherworldly realms within the simple cut of a garment.
For many young adults, fashion is a gateway to self-expression. And we know that, because we’ve seen many greats before us use it for that exact reason. Whether it’s the late David Bowie, a powerhouse of all things fashion, using queer art as a means to express his flamboyant personality. Or, Lady Gaga, a connoisseur of all things gothic and vintage. Throughout her career, Gaga has stunned in several jaw-dropping looks. Whether it be the iconic meat dress, or the time she cosplayed as her drag king alter ego at the 2011 MTV VMAs.
Fashion is the blueprint for a lot of people, and there is so much that young people can learn from it. If you’re currently looking into ways to break into modelling, we dive into some of the biggest names in high fashion. And essential tips on how to make it.
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The Models Who Own Runways
Whether you’re into the fashion world or not, the industry has made it pretty clear who is at the top of the game and who isn’t. As mentioned, names such as Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Twiggy, to name a few, have each been coined as legends of the fashion world. Dominating catwalks with their own unique and individualistic take on the runway. Or for their extravagant looks.
Since then, it’s been hard to pinpoint who exactly is matching them, as the new and best faces of fashion runways. However, there are some, such as Nyakier Buong, a 24-year old model, with Canadian, South-Sudanese descent. Bebe Parnell, a 19-year-old, Black British model and Bebe Parnell, another 24-year-old model. Many of the younger generation are sweeping up titles as the best up-and-coming supermodels today.
The Models Who Do It All
One of the biggest advocates for the next generation of supermodels, controversially speaking, is Tyra Banks. Throughout the early 2000s, she ran a reality TV show and competition titled America’s Next Top Model. This was a programme dedicated to growing the next generation of supermodels. And while the show had many problems, it would go on to raise superstars such as Leila Goldkhul, Winnie Harlow, and Fatima Siad, to name a few.
Before the show, Banks was a successful supermodel herself. Appearing on the front covers of notable magazines such as Vogue, Bazaar and others. Since then, she has become a high-profile public figure. Appearing in movies, running and hosting TV shows, and launching her own cosmetics brand. Despite her controversies, Banks is a household name in the fashion world. And a standout because she was and is more than a model.
Her career is a testimony to the power of overachieving. Not allowing yourself to be put in a box. Opening doors for multiple skills and thus creating large revenue.
Why Is It Important to Be Multifaceted in Fashion?
Some of the most famous multi-disciplinary models today include Kendall Jenner, Alex Cosani and Precious Lee. Although some of them aren’t supermodels of our generation, they’re known globally for being successful models, in addition to having other streams of revenue. Such as being business owners, reality TV stars, entertainment public figures, activists, actors and so forth.
Sometimes, being a successful model isn’t about being the best in that area alone. It’s about how you can maximise in that area, on top of owning several other skills.
What Notes Can Young Aspiring Models Take?
Technically speaking, there is no ‘just’ about being a model alone. That career is a high standard, and intense emotional and physical labour that is enough success on its own. However, if you want to stand there amongst the greats, then you need to think outside of the box. However, do so in a way that’s authentic to your true self. The legends of catwalks, magazine frontcovers and high fashion aren’t labelled that because they’re a copy and paste of one another. They made it because they tapped into something within themselves that allowed them to create greatness with innovation.
If you see there’s a gap in the market of fashion, don’t take your time to seize on it. Because this industry is fast-paced. Of course, take your time to develop your craft. Rome wasn’t built in a day. But believe in your innovation. Take inspiration from the work that’s been done before. And challenge yourself by learning further, adaptable skills in the fashion world, which puts you as a standout.
If you enjoyed reading this, and are keen to discover more about the fashion world, or how to get into it. You can check out our other fashion pieces here.
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Laviea Thomas is a journalist at Inside Success who writes about film, music and politics.
Outside of that, she is an experienced freelance journalist with bylines in NME, The Quietus, Metal Hammer and more.
Over the years, Laviea has been an active panellist discussing fundamental conversations in the music industry, such as diversity and inclusion, and the importance of grassroots venues. She has been a panel guest for Kerrang! Focus Wales Festival, Future Yard and more.
