The Unforgettable Angels of the 1990s: A Look Back at Victoria's Secret's Most Iconic Models

In the early 1990s, Victoria's Secret was on the rise, and with it, a new generation of models who would become household names. This decade saw the emergence of some of the most iconic and enduring Victoria's Secret models of all time, including Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Elle Macpherson. These women, along with many others, helped shape the brand's identity and paved the way for future generations of models. This article takes a look back at the 1990s and the models who made Victoria's Secret a household name.

The 1990s was a pivotal time for Victoria's Secret, with the brand expanding its reach and influence globally. In 1990, the company launched its first annual fashion show, which would become a staple of the fashion calendar and a platform for the world's top models to strut their stuff. The decade saw the rise of supermodels, with many of them, including those from Victoria's Secret, dominating the catwalks and magazine covers.

Cindy Crawford, one of the most recognizable faces of the 1990s, was a staple of the Victoria's Secret brand. She first appeared on the cover of the company's catalog in 1990 and went on to become a regular feature of the brand's advertising campaigns. "I was one of the first models to really take Victoria's Secret seriously," Crawford said in a 2019 interview with Vogue. "I remember being in the catalog and feeling like, 'Oh my god, this is huge!' It was a big deal for me, and I think it was a big deal for the brand too."

Naomi Campbell, another supermodel of the 1990s, also had a close relationship with Victoria's Secret. She first appeared in the company's catalog in 1991 and went on to become one of the brand's most sought-after models. Campbell's experience with Victoria's Secret was a defining moment in her career. "It was my first major campaign, and it was a huge deal for me," she said in a 2018 interview with Harper's Bazaar. "I remember feeling like, 'Wow, this is it. This is what I've been working towards.'"

Elle Macpherson, known for her incredible physique and Australian charm, was another model who became synonymous with Victoria's Secret in the 1990s. She first appeared in the company's catalog in 1992 and went on to become a brand ambassador. Macpherson's partnership with Victoria's Secret was a significant one, with the company featuring her in numerous advertising campaigns and runway shows.

The Rise of the Supermodel

The 1990s saw the rise of the supermodel, with models like Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Elle Macpherson dominating the fashion world. These women were more than just pretty faces; they were talented, hardworking, and incredibly popular. They were the face of major fashion brands, and their influence extended far beyond the catwalk.

The supermodel era was also marked by a new level of attention and scrutiny. Models were no longer just relegated to the back pages of fashion magazines; they were front and center, with their personal lives and careers under intense media scrutiny. This was particularly true for the women of Victoria's Secret, who were constantly in the public eye.

One of the defining characteristics of the 1990s supermodel was their size. Unlike today, when models come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, the supermodels of the 1990s were almost exclusively slim and tall. This was partly due to the industry's beauty standards, but also because of the physical demands of modeling. "When I first started modeling, I was 5'10" and 120 pounds," Crawford said in a 2019 interview with The New York Times. "I was one of the first models to really take off, and I think it was because I was so thin and had a very specific body type."

Victoria's Secret's Impact on the Fashion Industry

Victoria's Secret's impact on the fashion industry cannot be overstated. The brand helped launch the careers of countless models, including many who went on to become supermodels. The company's annual fashion show, which debuted in 1995, became a staple of the fashion calendar, with top models and designers participating each year.

Victoria's Secret's influence also extended beyond the runway. The brand's advertising campaigns were some of the most iconic and influential of the 1990s, with models like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell becoming household names. The company's catalogs were also a staple of many homes, with their bright colors and gorgeous photography.

The Enduring Legacy of Victoria's Secret Models

The models of Victoria's Secret in the 1990s left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. They helped shape the brand's identity and paved the way for future generations of models. Their influence can still be seen today, with many of them continuing to work in the industry in various capacities.

For many of the models of Victoria's Secret in the 1990s, their time with the brand was a defining moment in their careers. It provided them with exposure, recognition, and the opportunity to work with top designers and photographers. "Working with Victoria's Secret was a game-changer for me," Campbell said in a 2018 interview with Harper's Bazaar. "It was one of the most important jobs I've ever had, and it really helped me establish myself as a model."

The Impact of Social Media

The rise of social media has changed the way we consume fashion and interact with models. Today, models are expected to have a strong online presence, with millions of followers and a constant stream of content. This has created a new level of scrutiny and pressure for models, who are expected to maintain a certain level of physical fitness and online activity.

Despite these changes, the models of Victoria's Secret in the 1990s remain an enduring part of the brand's history and legacy. Their influence can still be seen today, with many of them continuing to work in the industry and inspire new generations of models.

In conclusion, the 1990s were a pivotal time for Victoria's Secret, with the brand emerging as a major player in the fashion industry. The models of the time, including Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Elle Macpherson, played a significant role in shaping the brand's identity and paving the way for future generations of models. Their influence can still be seen today, with many of them continuing to work in the industry and inspire new generations of models.