An Attainable Standard....

When someone brings up the topic of Supermodel’s the first things that is likely to be heard is criticism, and even an insult. Most people, who share these views, would not follow the fashion industry and understand the work that goes on behind the scenes. Rather it is more preferable for some people to insult these young women than give them praise for something that is considerably unattainable to them.

By giving a fashion figure the title of Supermodel, they must be doing something right... Right? Why do we not praise them then?

This is true; they are doing great things for their work which happens to be promoting an image that people may strive for. In many cases when it is a young adolescents or women that looks up to these figures (like me) you do not see all the negative problems with the models body or style, but rather the lack of imperfection. The ridiculous standards of that supermodels present, may be out of reach for most of these women, but I can positively say this does not hinder their attempts to achieve perfection.

An Endearing Time

The work of a Supermodel is always relating to their star as a sex symbol or global celebrity. They are still high fashion models but with more advantages. Many are used in a ways that sell their beauty and fame in order to endorse any particular product, magazine or other advertisements. With their Supermodel ‘title’ they are able to influence those who look up to them.

So, in fact they are promoting themselves.

A great example takes us back to the 1960’s where the dominant standout was Twiggy. She was known back then and to this day for her big eyes, her short boy cut hair and twig-like waif figure. Her popularity grew to be known worldwide and she was named “the face of 1966”, by a British Newspaper. She was an idol in so many young women’s eyes that now she was able to influence them in a way that turned out to be unhealthy, unrealistic, and something that will always be known of in the sixties.

"Whether you're thin, fat, small, dark, blond, redhead, you wanna be something else," said the world's first boldface supermodel, Twiggy. "I wanted a fairy godmother to make me look like Marilyn Monroe. I had no boobs, no hips, and I wanted it desperately."

The media attention, photo shoots and magazines targeted at females were selling her beauty, style and trends. The ultra mini look was first made popular when Twiggy modelled it, starting the trend many girls soon followed around the world.



Since the 60’s the Mod look has come back and graced our runways of the 21st century. Giving inspiration for the new generation of females to be part of fashion history that will always be known.
Giving thanks to Twiggy, a Supermodel in many ways.







It only took the look of one young woman, to keep a style alive over 40 years later.

Influential supermodels, The New or the Old

It may be easier to understand the influence of a supermodel by looking at these Supermodels from the past and the ones that are in the spot light today. Supermodels that were influencing young women back in the 60’s were influential in a way where they were looked. This new generation has different views and lifestyles, both of these affect how we deal with fashion and body image. Like the 60’s young women look up to these Supermodels and compare themselves to them. The new Supermodel’s of this generation do not seem to be as big and popularised as they once were. The thing is, they are still around and still leaving their mark on societies views.

Supermodels that have stood out in the fashion world and made it to the “super standard” include:

                                                                          Twiggy

                                                                   Cindy Crawford

                                                                    Eva Herzigova

 

Christy Turlington

Kate Moss

 

                                                                  Naomi Campbell

Claudia Schiffer

                                                                      Elle Macperson

                                                                Heidi Klum

                                                                   Tyra Banks

The new generation of supermodels in the 2000’s seems to have faded. This has had an effect in the way models transform into Supermodel, and now there seems to be a greater number of supermodels.

                                                               Alessandra Ambrosio

Gisele Bundchen

Adriana Lima

Abbey Lee Kershaw

Miranda Kerr

Chanel Iman

Understanding Supermodels

 Supermodels have been around for many decades now and have influenced the way we perceive style, body image and what is supposed to be the female perspective. These women though are most likely only known for being Supermodels, but before they were Supermodels they were most likely to be like anyone else growing up: School, house parties, formals and possibly even working the typical part time job.

 Though before we get into the topic of supermodels there is one thing that should be known. This is why do we call them “Supermodels”?

Well here’s a little fact, the term Supermodel only became popular during the 1980.These women are the most famous fashion models, most desired and highest paid fashion models. Though for them to get to this point they would often have been involved in haute couture and commercial work for the biggest brand names and magazines.[1] Think of Chanel, Prada, Givenchy and my favourite Louis Vuitton! They would have appeared in magazines, on the covers or editorials, for reputable magazines such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle and so many more. The work they receive is reliant upon recognition as they lend their fame and looks to the product to help with its promotion.

 You have to wonder how a model rises up in the fashion world and gets the title Supermodel. See now you can understand it just happens once they reach this high level of fame, where their names are seen in tabloids around the world.

“Name recognition is the single largest indicator that someone is a supermodel." 

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[1] The Lilith Ezine 2010, Super Models and fashion Models Viewed 2/08/2010,http://www.lilith-ezine.com/articles/fashion/Supermodels.html