It may seem inconceivable that a model could struggle with insecurity, yet that has been my experience. The first time I heard the term supermodel, it resonated within me as a source of strength. By embracing this idea and allowing myself to take on an almost superhuman persona, I was able to surpass the limits I had imposed on myself and achieve far more than I could have imagined. This inner transformation is an integral part of modeling, a profession that goes far beyond appearance.
This is precisely why, thirty years later, I remain deeply passionate about the fashion industry. Fashion and beauty, in their purest expression, can become tools of empowerment, almost like armor. They allow models to define themselves, redefine themselves, or highlight a particular attribute. Very often, we also need guidance, whether from a mentor, a model agency, or the creative environment offered by model agencies, to find our path and persevere beyond doubt.
Early in my career, Karl Lagerfeld gave me valuable advice: stay true to yourself and trust your instincts rather than trying to match others’ expectations. This idea echoes Oscar Wilde’s famous quote: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Until my first magazine cover, I lived with the fear that everything could stop at any moment. Yet, by proving to myself that I could succeed in a world sometimes distant from my instinctive nature, I developed a resilience and confidence far deeper than before.
In this reflection, the notion of being an icon occupies a central place. Being iconic cannot be decreed in an instant: time is essential. Unlike mere fame, often fleeting, an icon reveals itself through the lasting impact of an image, a person, or a movement. It is this timeless dimension that distinguishes certain figures in modeling and marks fashion history.
The power of an image was particularly evident in my collaboration with German photographer and director Ellen Von Unwerth. She saw a part of Brigitte Bardot in me and, with humor and freedom, guided me into this role. Together, we created an aesthetic that became emblematic of Guess Jeans campaigns, where moments that might have seemed voyeuristic transformed into strong, beautiful, and inspiring images.
I consider this period a true golden age for fashion. Before the digital era, photoshoots lasted weeks, and models, supported by their model agencies, were at the heart of the brands. Visionary designers like Gianni Versace redefined fashion shows, turning each presentation into a media performance where fashion, music, and art converged to create an impact far beyond the industry.
Finally, celebrating history remains essential. When Donatella Versace brought together Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, and Carla Bruni for the finale of the Spring-Summer 2018 show in Milan, she paid tribute to Gianni’s legacy while creating a moment full of emotion. In this particular case, I make an exception: the moment itself was truly iconic.
