The names of the models themselves being more well known than some fashion designers was traditionally unheard of. This has not always been the case. Models were traditionally living mannequins, unknown beautiful women that were there to simply wear the clothes and walk. The rise of the model as a celebrity began with the “muse”. These were chosen models that photographers or designers used as their inspiration. Historic examples include Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy in the sixties. These muses were used endlessly becoming “It girls” that every man wanted to date and every woman wanted to look like.
Then came the rise of the supermodels, enter Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer and Gisele Bundchen. The original supermodels of the 1980s became famous because of the high amounts they were paid. Never before had models been paid so much or so highly sought after. The “supermodel” became a key part of popular culture in the eighties and was followed by the rise of famous models like Kate Moss. Kate, became an fashion icon. The idea of a model being able to set the trends through their own style and personal image was revolutionary and has continued to influence fashion itself.
Fast forward to the current day and social media has been at the forefront of ongoing changes in the celebrity model world. Now every model has the ability to be famous. We now know the names of far more models than we have previously. The models are now “famous” and “celebrities” in their own right. The new ability to connect with millions of people at the click of a button has seen the likes of Cara Delevingne become a household name. Models now tweet behind the scenes, Instagram their meals and update us with their every move. This has created a new type of celebrity. Cara, in particular, has been a leader of this revolution, with over 8 million Instagram followers she has become more than just a “face” but a personality and created her own brand using social media to promote herself. This has become an invaluable tool as now every model can be found on the web across a variety of platforms giving us, the everyday fashion loving girl, an insight into the glamorous, exclusive world of the fashion elite. Using social media models like Cara can promote their own campaigns and brand deals providing invaluable instant advertising and a worldwide influence to millions of fans.
The ability to have your name recognised has increased the value of the model. The likes of “newest celebrities models” which include Jourdan Dunn, Coco Rocha, Joan Smalls, Candice Swanepoel and Miranda Kerr, to name a few, have launched themselves to worldwide stardom. Models are now known everywhere with the most famous walking in every fashion week, starring in every new designer campaigns and being paid millions to do so. These models can be seen at movie premieres and are guests on talk shows. Models are now as famous as movie stars and musicians, something that was previously unheard of.
Images:1.http://paigeholloway.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/i-spy-sixties/shrimpton-st…