The 10 Most Influential Fashion Models

Time magazine has just released a special list with their picks of the 100 All-Time Fashion Icons since 1923. The list doesn't have an order and organizes itself into subsections with 45 Designers & Brands, 10 Models, 20 Muses, 13 Photographers, and 12 Editors & Stylists. Many of the obvious influential fashion icons have the honor to be on the list like Coco Chanel, Manolo Blahnik, Jackie O, etc. But some surprises stood out for me. The first was Mary Kate & Ashley. I know the two twin sisters are amazing fashion designers, as well as influencing fashion with their "boho chic" look, but I feel like they're still very young into the business. I believe they are the youngest to appear on the list. I'm just not that convinced they've really earned icon status yet. Tommy Hilfiger on the other hand, was not on the list and he is definitely a fashion icon. His preppy, and loud name brand logo was very influential in the nineties. It's very odd to me he didn't make the top 100. Also an obvious miss was Tyra Banks. She's the creator of America's Next Top Model, which branched out all over the world bringing in tons of new models for the fashion world. Not to mention, Tyra's epic modeling career including the title of first African American woman to grace a Victoria Secret catalog. Anyways, lets take a look at what Time magazine suggests as the 10 Most Influential Fashion Models since 1923.

Gisele Bündchen

The infinitely beautiful Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen has been modeling since the late ninties. The 31 year old is often listed as the highest paid fashion model in the world, with an estimated networth of $570 million. And who can forget Gisele as a Victoria Secret model? The angel had a record breaking $25 million contract with the company.

But, the famed beauty is also in the spotlight for her romantic relationships. She dated the equally beautiful Leonado DiCaprio for 5 years, but she ended up getting married to New Englad Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in 2009. Last year in 2011, Gisele was on the cover of eight Vogue magazines, more than any other model or celebrity that year.

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell entered the modeling world at a young age of 15, and now at 41, she's still rocking the runway. An outspoken opponant of racial bias in fashion, Naomi herself broke many racial barriers with her beauty. She was the first African American to appear on the cover of French Vogue in 1988. And in 1991, she publicly revealed to Time, "I may be considered one of the top models in the world, but in no way do I make the same money as any of them.

Still, Naomi has landed the cover of Vogue numerous times and walked every major designer's runway. She's an influence and icon to any African American, as she shows that despite the proven racial bias in fashion, it's still possible to make it to the world of high fashion photoshoots, magazine covers, and international runways.

Linda Evangelista

Linda Evangalista was on every magazine cover in the early nineties with her mod hair cut, naturally perfect face, and powerful eyes. Above is Linda in 1989 on the left and 1991 on the right. She was a long time muse of photographer Steven Meisel, who is also on the top 100 Fashion Icons list. The now 41 year old model has been the face of Donna Karan in 1990, Ralph Lauren in 1997, Christian Dior Cosmetics in 1998, MaxMara and Jones New York in 1998. "I love, love, love fashion so much,” she told The Telegraph in 2005. “That’s why I became a model in the first place."

Beverly Johnson

Beverly Johnson was the African American fashion model of the 1970s. The first ever African American to grace the cover of Vogue in 1974 and French Elle in 1975. Her first appearances on mainstream magazines made a complete difference in the fashion world, as publications began seeking out African American models to appear on magazine covers and runways.  Now Beverly is 59 and starring in a reality show called "Beverly's Full House" on the Oprah Winfrey Network. The show focuses on her relationship with her daughter Anasa Sims, who is a former plus size model.

Kate Moss

Kate Moss, the model who brought grunge and "heroin chic" into the modeling industry, and ended the supermodel era of the late eighties. She's appeared on every major magazine cover and has modeled in every top campaign including Gucci, Dolche and Gabbana, and Chanel. In 2007, she earned an estimated $9 million. She also released an exclusive collection designed by herself with the store Topshop.

But Kate is also known for a scandalous two stints in rehab, once for "exhaustion" in 1998 and the other for cocaine in 1995. A tabloid released photos of Kate snorting a white powder earlier that year and following the photos circulation, H&M, Chanel, and Burberry dropped Kate from their ad campaigns. Since the scandal, Kate has grown and continues to be a familiar face on magazine stands. She has a daughter and recently married Jamie Hince, a guitarist for the Kills.

Twiggy

Twiggy, muse to Andy Warhol, and the "Face of 1966," according to the Daily Express. An English model, she brought the British mod look with short hair, big eyes, and long legs to the U.S. In 1967, an editorial in Vogue described her as an "extravaganza that makes the look of the sixties." Twiggy went on to branch herself into music, television, and movies. She has an HSN fashion line called the Twiggy London collection. Twiggy, now 62 and recently released "Romantically Yours,"her first album in 12 years.

Jean Shrimpton

Another sixties superstar, Jean Shrimpton, is considered one of the world's first supermodels. Her big eyes, long lashes, and lush brown hair was on every magazine cover possible. Named "Model of the Year" by Glamour in 1963, Jean continued modeling until she was about thirty. She quit fashion and retired from fame. In 2011, she told the Guardian, "Fashion is full of dark, troubled people," she says. "It's a high-pressured environment that takes its toll and burns people out. Only the shrewd survive – Andy Warhol, for example, and David Bailey."

Cindy Crawford

Cindy Crawford was on every magazine cover in the 1980s and 90s, with her trademark mole. Fashion designer Michael Kors describes her influence, "Cindy changed the perception of the ‘sexy American girl’ from classic blue eyed blonde to a more sultry brunette with brains, charm, and professionalism to spare." She has posed for Playboy twice, launched two furniture lines, and has two children.

Iman

Iman was borin in Somalia and discovered by a visiting American photographer. She moved to the US in 1976 to begin her modeling career, landing a Vogue cover a year later. Iman modeled for many prominent high fashion designers such as Versace, Donna Karan, and Yves Saint-Laurent. In 1994, she started her own makeup company catering to ethnic skin tones. In 2010, her company earned $25 million a year. After the success of her makeup business, in 2007 Iman launched her own clothing line with HSN. In 2010, Iman received the prestigious Fashion Icon lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum, the supermodel mama, needs no introduction. She is a Victoria Secret legend, cover model, and the host and producer of Project Runway, which has given many new fashion designers the chance at opening their own brand. Heidi has received several Emmy nominations for the show.  In 2008, Forbes estimated her income at $18 million. She has three beautiful children with her recently separated husband, Seal.

How have these models influenced you? Any models missing from the list?