Buzz
Quick Take: A model might face arrest for using cocaine, but a supermodel? They land on the cover of People for the same reason.
The Breakdown:
Like beauty, the title of 'supermodel' is subjective. Perhaps one day, a Model Sanctioning Body will establish formal guidelines for who qualifies as a supermodel—but until then, we’re left to interpret. The key difference between regular models and supermodels is usually not wealth, but rather their level of fame: A supermodel is someone whose renown reaches beyond the fashion industry. In other words, you don’t need to be a fashion aficionado to recognize that Cindy Crawford is undeniably beautiful.
Janice Dickinson, the three-time-divorced alum of Surreal Life and author of the literary masterpiece Everything About Me Is Fake . . . And I'm Perfect, is credited with coining the term supermodel in 1979. She claims the title of the world’s first supermodel. However, we argue that anyone who appeared on Surreal Life shouldn’t hold the title of ‘super’ anything. A more fitting candidate for the first supermodel might be Suzy Parker. Born in 1932, the 5'10" Parker helped define the era of tall female models, starred in numerous ad campaigns, and appeared alongside Fred Astaire in the movie Funny Face. Though her acting career didn’t quite shine, failing to act your way out of a paper bag is part of la vita supermodel.
Nadja Auermann: Known for having the world's longest legs (measuring 45"), Auermann has graced many magazine covers, starred in a few German films, and even launched her own fragrance. However, 1) everyone seems to have their own perfume these days, and 2) few outside of Germany can pronounce her last name. Verdict: model.
Naomi Campbell: Instantly recognizable, Campbell has earned $50 million modeling, was named one of People's 50 Most Beautiful People in 1991, co-wrote a novel, and sold a million copies of her debut album, Babywoman. (Though it flopped in the U.S., a single from it became a massive hit in Japan.) Plus, she once dated Usher. Verdict: supermodel.
Helena Christensen: This former Miss Denmark made an unforgettable mark with her role in Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game music video. She also dated Leonardo DiCaprio (although, honestly, at this point who hasn’t?) and appeared on countless fashion magazine covers. However, she never quite turned the fame from Wicked Game into widespread recognition. Nothing personal, Helena, but we say: model.
Tyson Beckford: A former gang member who left his past behind to become the face of Calvin Klein, Beckford is the highest-paid male model in history. He also appeared in Zoolander and the 2003 Oscar-nominated film Biker Boyz. Wait, you say Biker Boyz wasn’t Oscar-nominated? Well, regardless, the verdict remains: supermodel.
This excerpt is taken from the What's the Difference? book by mental_floss
