Vogue’s four September issue cover stars—Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington—have truly earned their supermodel titles. On and off the runway, the foursome have continued to deliver stellar fashion moments over the course of their impressive catwalk careers. In fact, since the ’90s, the four models have consistently nailed model-off-duty style—long before it was even a term. In honour of this, Vogue is taking a look back at some of the four cover star’s earliest (and best) ensembles.
When their modeling careers skyrocketed in the 1980s, the four became celebrities in their own right. Their distinctive senses of style played a huge role in cementing their A-list status. When they weren’t walking the runways for top labels such as Versace or Armani, you’d often spot them jet-setting and partying together in New York or Europe. In the ’90s, the paparazzi really started to document their off-duty style. And while the era was all about minimalism, thanks to designers such as Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, the four models dominated the scene with a strong sense of individual style.
Cindy, for instance, was all about edgy-chic: You’d rarely spot the model without one of her signature leather coats. Christy was more clean and refined—with a strong penchant for two-piece suits. Then there was Naomi, who veered more feminine with her slinky party dresses. Linda, meanwhile, embodied Old Hollywood glamour—often in a classic LBD and tons of pearl jewelry. When they did join forces and step out as a group, it was magic.
The four supers essentially made model style a thing, and their influence on today’s crop of runway stars is apparent. When off-duty now, you’ll often find top models such as Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber (Cindy’s daughter!), or Hailey Bieber rocking outfits that feel wholeheartedly them. Their sense of style is part of their brand. The idea that models weren’t mannequins or vessels for designers began back in the 1990s. Three decades later, it’s what makes the names Cindy, Linda, Christy, and Naomi as relevant as ever.
Below, more of the four cover star’s best model-off-duty moments.
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Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista during Yasmin Lebon’s Birthday Party - October 29, 1990, at Falls Restaurant in New York City.
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(L-R) Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Christy Turlington attend Night of 100 Stars Gala on October 29, 1989, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
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Naomi Campbell Arriving from New York City - September 23, 1991, at LAX Airport in Los Angeles.
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Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington
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Christy Turlington attends the 1992 Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala in New York City.
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Cindy Crawford attends the Ninth Annual CFDA Awards on February 6, 1990, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
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British fashion model Naomi Campbell wearing a white dress with a fringed waist during an opening night party held at La Palace de Beaute in New York City, 21 June, 1990. The party celebrated a club performance by Debbie Gibson.
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Linda Evangelista
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Linda Evangelista
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Cindy Crawford
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Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell
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Cindy Crawford during Tribute To Vaclav Havel at Cathedral of St. John The Divine in New York City.
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Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford attend the Third Annual Revlon’s Unforgettable Women Contest - Winner Annoucement on August 19, 1991, at Lincoln Center in New York City.
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Christy Turlington with Karl Lagerfeld at a Chanel fashion show in Paris in 1992.
This story was originally published on Vogue.com.
