“The Super Models,” a four–part documentary series starring Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington, hit the ground running on Sept. 20. Streaming on Apple TV+, the show investigates the extensive fashion and media careers of four industry icons.
For fashion and pop culture enthusiasts, “The Super Models” is the perfect amalgamation of impactful moments. Crawford's Pepsi Super Bowl ad, Evangelista's famous "Chameleon" tag, Campbell's iconic runway walk and Turlington's Calvin Klein contract are all given their due attention in the documentary. The series also highlights the 1990 Vogue cover in which all four of the models were featured alongside the late Tatiana Patitiz.
Overlaid atop behind-the-scenes clips of iconic pop culture moments, Campbell, Evangelista, Turlington and Crawford spend much of the series giving viewers insight into their innermost thoughts and feelings. As a result, viewers can see how their strong-mindedness, bold decision-making and relationships in the industry gave the four significant power and fame.
The docuseries also pays impressive attention to crediting photographers and designers, who were key figures in mentoring the models in the early stages of their careers. Crawford spoke about her relationship with photographer Herb Ritts and the role he played in making her feel comfortable with appearing on the Playboy cover — a rarity for a Vogue model.
Evangelista, Turlington and Campbell all praised photographer Steven Meisel, who was a crucial figure in all three of their discoveries, for the comfortable environment he created on his sets. Meisel’s work, along with so many others, proves that being a supermodel is not a one-person task.
The docuseries does not breeze over difficult periods in the supermodels’ lives. Evangelista talks about her abusive relationship with her ex-husband Gérald Marie, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by other models. Campbell reflected on the struggles she faced in an industry dominated by white models, recounting moments when designers didn’t select her for their walks and called her to shoots but didn’t end up shooting with her. The series inspires feelings of empathy and empowerment as audiences are able to watch Campbell bring about change in the industry with her latest work, which aims to spotlight designers from Africa, the Middle East and India.
“The Super Models” aims to cover decades of content in its four episodes. And while the insights it provides into the lives of supermodels are captivating, the series still leaves the audience wanting more depth. Topics such as the impact of the grunge movement and rebellion against conventional beauty standards could have been more thoroughly addressed. But for someone born after the ’90s, the docuseries can help put the fashion industry of today into perspective and emphasize the ever-lasting legacy of these four supermodels.
