Supermodels From 7 17 Updated

As of the 2017 Forbes rankings, the following models held the top positions based on earnings and industry influence:  Rank  Nationality Kendall Jenner United States Gisele Bündchen Chrissy Teigen United States Adriana Lima Gigi Hadid United States Rosie Huntington-Whiteley United Kingdom Source: Forbes 2017 list on Wikipedia.  Iconic "Big Six" Legends 

• A specific date (July 2017, or July 17th)?
• A model agency code?
• A chapter/verse numbering system?

Term first used; artists' models who often sat for long hours. Henry Stacy Marks' subjects 1930s-1950s The birth of the modern fashion model Lisa Fonssagrives Wilhelmina Cooper 1980s-1990s The "Big Five" era; models became global celebrities. Naomi Campbell Cindy Crawford Linda Evangelista 2010s-2020s The rise of social media and "Instagram models". Kendall Jenner Gisele Bündchen Adriana Lima Current (2026) Focus on digital influence, sustainability, and AI integration Alex Consani Kaia Gerber The Digital Shift The industry is now embracing tools like MediaPilot supermodels from 7 17 updated

• Gisele Bündchen: With her stunning looks and outgoing personality, Gisele Bündchen became one of the most successful models of the 2000s. She appeared on the covers of top fashion magazines, walked the runways for designers like Victoria's Secret and Versace, and became a household name.
• Tyra Banks: Tyra Banks was one of the most successful models of the 1990s and 2000s. She was known for her charming personality, stunning looks, and successful modeling career, which included appearances on the covers of top fashion magazines and a stint as the host of America's Next Top Model.
• Karlie Kloss: With her stunning looks and quirky personality, Karlie Kloss became one of the most in-demand models of the 2010s. She appeared on the covers of top fashion magazines, walked the runways for designers like Victoria's Secret and Chanel, and became a household name.

In July 2017, the supermodel was considered an endangered species. The previous decade had been cruel. The rise of the "Insta-girl" and the celebrity influencer had seemingly gutted the old guard. Casting directors wanted followers, not runway walks. Agencies were scouting TikTok dancers, not tall, ethereal gazelles. As of the 2017 Forbes rankings, the following

Part II: The Trinity of the 2020s (2020–2023)

As the pandemic locked down the world, the fashion industry pivoted to digital. The "Zoom show" killed the physical runway, but it gave birth to the hyper-model. Three figures emerged from this crucible as the undisputed heirs to the throne: A specific date (July 2017, or July 17th)

Nine years later, standing at the midpoint of this tumultuous decade, we are witnessing a renaissance. But it is not a revival of the 1990s. It is a hybrid beast—part icon, part activist, part AI-proof brand. From the twilight of the "Big Six" to the dominance of the "Quadruple Threat," the supermodel from 2017 to 2026 has not just survived; she has re-engineered the physics of fame.

• Diversity is not a trend: Pre-2017, diversity was a headline. Post-2020 (George Floyd & subsequent industry pledges), it is a baseline. Agencies now actively scout disabled models (e.g., Ellie Goldstein for Gucci), hijabi models (e.g., Halima Aden transitioned to politics), and age-inclusive models (e.g., Maye Musk at 75).
• Unionization: The "Model Alliance" gained serious traction post-2017, fighting for sexual harassment protections and fair pay for digital usage of images.

Part I: The 1970s – The Birth of the Modern Supermodel

Before the 70s, models were largely anonymous mannequins. The 70s changed everything. This was the era of the " liberated" woman, Halston, Studio 54, and the first time models became bigger than the magazines they appeared in.