By Rami Mansi
During Paris Fashion Week, 2022 “Model of the Year” Bella Hadid returned to the runway after a two-year hiatus. Hadid’s presence has sparked discourse in the modeling world, questioning her definitive status as a supermodel. Despite those who claim she isn’t, Hadid is the new generation’s true supermodel.
The formula of becoming a supermodel has always stayed the same, yet the definition of who can be a supermodel changes as if it were the latest trend. Supermodels are models who have achieved fame due to their modeling achievements, accolades, and their runway walks.
Noami Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Shiffer, and Cindy Crawford are just some of the handful of 90s models who have established themselves as supermodels. The “supermodel” title in our contemporary era is a rare title to achieve, especially looking back at the peak supermodels of the 90s.
Comparing 90s supermodels to modern-day models makes the ordeal of defining the new modern-day class of supermodels difficult, with only a select few reaching the star-studded status. One aspect that has forever remained unmoving in terms of reaching supermodel status is the runway walk. To be super, your walk must be super.
Examining one of the most unique walks in fashion history, Shalom Harlow demonstrates what models in today’s industry lack: personality. With sharp facial features, a graceful presence, and the ability to mesmerize the audience, Harlow is revered as one of the modeling industry’s most profound models. Hadid also exemplifies these features through her renowned walk, fashion both on and off the job, and versatile appearance built for haute couture. This was most famously seen through Coperni’s spring 2023 show, where Hadid was chosen to wear a dress that was sprayed directly onto her body, going from spray-on material into wearable textile.
This personality on the runway is something that has slowly been making its way back into the scene, as seen with models such as Adut Akech, and Yasmin Wijnaldum. But on the topic of new models, an aspect of modeling that these new models are changing is diversity and safety.
Although modeling in the 90s sounds glamorous, it was an incredibly dangerous field. Illicit drug addictions were used to keep eating habits at bay and models of color were increasingly discriminated against.
In the new age of modeling, diversity is a top priority in modeling campaigns. Having people of color, models with disabilities, and other minority identities on full display walking the runway is of the utmost importance. Models like Hadid and her sister and Gigi Hadid are proud activists: they stand up for justice and use their platforms to spread awareness.
Donating one million dollars to Palestinian charities, being present at various protests for Black Lives Matter and Palestine, and using their platforms boasting a combined 137 million followers on Instagram to raise awareness for their respective causes, the Hadid sisters are active voices of change. This has previously been unheard of, as the definition of models has changed from a living mannequin to a being capable of using their spotlight to enact positive change within society.
With these traits and large platforms, many fashion onlookers focus on Bella’s start in modeling and claim that she is a “nepo baby”–using her family’s wealth and connections to get a start. Being the daughter of former model Yolanda Hadid, Bella had a starting push for her modeling career.
Although many believe that Bella’s nepo baby status is what established her successful career, she built her career by truly channeling the essence of the 90s supermodel and understanding and claiming the new definition of what it means to be a successful model. This is the new definition of a supermodel: a model who not only is graceful on the runway, but also keeps and demonstrates their personality and morals off the stage.
There is, of course, the coveted title of “Ubermodel,” a model who has exceeded the supermodel status, currently held by Giselle Bündchen. To be an Ubermodel is to exceed all precedents against you and hold your own accord within modeling.
Supermodeling is not for the weak. It is physically taxing, emotionally draining, and mentally tiresome. But winning Model of the Year, taking a two-year hiatus, and still being as good as the day you left, proves Bella is truly a supermodel.