The year 2017 served as a pivotal "passing of the torch" in the fashion world. It was a year when digital dominance fully solidified the "Instagirl" era while the industry simultaneously began a serious push toward inclusivity and activism. The 2017 Power Players: Then and Now
In July 2017, the hierarchy of modeling was defined by a mix of established legends and a new class of digitally native stars. Ashley Graham
Following the 2017 shift where Kendall Jenner surpassed Gisele Bündchen as the top-earning model, the industry has transitioned toward a "new super" era defined by social media influence. Current breakout talent for the 2026 season includes figures like Ana Beatriz Cortes and Athiec Geng, while the industry continues to reference the 1990s "Big Five" as the benchmark for supermodel status. Read more on the evolution of supermodels in this Strike Magazines analysis.
defined the 1980s and 90s, the current generation is shaped by social media influence, digital innovation, and expanded inclusivity. The Current Landscape (2026)
The modern supermodel is characterized by a "strong modeling and communication skill" set and an "active social media presence," as highlighted in the Supermodel International 2026 qualifications Redefining the Look : New faces like , the second Black model to open for Prada, and Alex Consani
are leading a movement that prioritizes individuality over rigid traditional standards. Industry Standards
: While the "standard" female fashion model height remains around
with a tall, thin physique, the industry is increasingly celebrating Diversity, Strength, and Individuality Career Longevity : Models like Ujjwala Raut
, discovered at age 17 in 1996, have shown that careers can span decades, transitioning from runway stars to mentors and icons. Supermodel Evolution Timeline Key Defining Traits Iconic Figures Late 19th Century
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
, an AI co-pilot that generates product images on various backgrounds and virtual models, reflecting a shift toward high-tech production. Simultaneously, there is a push for sustainability and re-use models to combat overproduction in the fashion world. specific career paths for aspiring models in 2026 or more details on current runway trends
The decade between 2007 and 2017 witnessed a transformative shift in the modeling industry, moving from the dominance of high-fashion "glamazons" to the rise of the social media-driven "Instagirls". The Reigning Veterans (2007–2012)
During the early part of this decade, established icons from the late 90s continued to dominate both the runway and commercial contracts. Gisele Bündchen
: Remained the highest-paid model in the world for the entire decade. In 2007 alone, she earned roughly $33 million. Adriana Lima Alessandra Ambrosio
: As the faces of Victoria's Secret, they defined the "sexy supermodel" archetype through the mid-2010s.
: Despite starting her career in the early 90s, she was the second highest-paid model in 2007 and remained a massive cultural icon throughout the period. The "New Supers" (2007–2014) Around 2007,
identified a new crop of talent that would bridge the gap between traditional modeling and the digital era.
The Apple TV+ docuseries The Super Models , released on September 20, 2023, has maintained a strong reception through 2024 and into 2026. As of April 2026, it remains a defining retrospective for fans of 90s fashion and culture. Critical Consensus
Reviewers from Rotten Tomatoes generally praise the series as a "fascinating" and "entertaining" look at the rise of the iconic "Big Four"—Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington.
Themes of Power & Agency: The series is frequently cited for highlighting how these women shifted the power dynamics of the industry by uniting, moving from "marketable commodities" to powerful businesswomen.
Production Quality: Critics from Variety and The Guardian noted that the show "looks great," though some found the editing occasionally "glossy" and protective of its subjects.
Vulnerability: A major highlight is Linda Evangelista's candidness about her recent struggles and her past abusive relationship with an agent. Criticisms and Updates
While widely watched, some updated reviews from early 2024 to mid-2025 point out several gaps:
While "7 17" does not refer to a specific industry-standard classification of supermodels, it likely references a chronological or thematic "update" regarding the world's most iconic faces, specifically around July 17 (a common date for mid-year fashion industry updates) or the "Big Four" icons featured in the recent 2023–2024 Apple TV+ docuseries. The Evolution of the "Super" Status
The term "supermodel" transitioned from a professional description to a cultural phenomenon in the late 1980s and 1990s. Originally, it defined a model with a worldwide reputation, multi-million dollar contracts, and "household name" status that often eclipsed the designers they represented. The Original Guard: Names like Naomi Campbell , Cindy Crawford , Linda Evangelista , and Christy Turlington
redefined the industry as a collective of "muses and revolutionaries". Their impact was cemented by their ability to maintain relevance decades later, as seen in their recent documentary.
The Transition Period: Following the 90s, the "super" label was sparingly applied until the mid-2010s, when social media transformed how models built their own brands. MODEL EXTRAORDINAIRE - Copa Style Magazine
The landscape of fashion was forever changed by the generation of icons who rose to prominence between July 2007 and July 2017. This decade bridged the gap between the high-glamour editorial era and the dawn of the digital influencer, creating a unique breed of "Social Supermodels." This updated retrospective tracks the careers of the women who defined the catwalks and cameras during this pivotal ten-year window. The Mid-2000s Shift: High Fashion’s New Faces
Starting in July 2007, the industry moved away from the "Brazilian Wave" of the early 2000s toward a more ethereal, avant-garde aesthetic. This period saw the rise of models like Coco Rocha, known for her "Queen of Pose" status, and Agyness Deyn, whose bleached pixie cut and punk-rock attitude defined the late-aughts London scene. These women proved that personality and unique movement were just as valuable as traditional beauty. The Rise of the "Instagirls" (2014–2017)
By the mid-2010s, the criteria for supermodel status underwent a seismic shift. The "updated" definition of a supermodel now included digital reach. In 2014, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid made their high-fashion debuts, bringing massive social media followings that changed how brands selected their faces. This era prioritized relatability and "behind-the-scenes" access, turning the runway into a viral event. Key Icons of the 7/07–7/17 Decade
Karlie Kloss: Debuting in late 2007, Kloss became the quintessential American supermodel. Her "panther walk" and versatility made her a favorite for everyone from Dior to Victoria’s Secret.
Joan Smalls: Breaking barriers in 2010, Smalls became the first Latina face of Estée Lauder. Her dominance on the runway and in global campaigns solidified her as one of the era's most consistent earners.
Cara Delevingne: From 2011 to 2015, Delevingne was inescapable. Her "bold brow" trend and goofy personality humanized the industry, paving the way for models to be multifaceted celebrities.
Adwoa Aboah: Toward the end of this decade (2016-2017), Aboah’s rise signaled a shift toward activism and unconventional beauty, culminating in her iconic British Vogue cover in late 2017. Legacy and Evolution
Looking back at this specific window, the evolution is clear: the industry moved from exclusive mystery to inclusive transparency. The models who started in 2007 had to fight for editorial space, while those emerging by 2017 had to master the art of the personal brand. Today, these women remain the blueprint for modern success, balancing high-fashion prestige with entrepreneurial ventures in tech, beauty, and social justice.
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:
1. Bella Hadid (The Transformer) In 2017, she was the "angry Hadid." By 2022, she was the standard. Through relentless coaching and an uncanny ability to melt into archival looks (from Mugler’s robot suit to Versace’s bondage dress), Bella proved that a model could be manufactured into a genius. Her 2023 "Pole Dance for Saint Laurent" campaign is now taught in fashion schools as the moment movement replaced the static pose.
2. Anok Yai (The Alien) Discovered at a Howard University homecoming, Anok possesses the kind of proportions that haven't been seen since Naomi Campbell. Between 2021 and 2024, she became the undisputed queen of the "glide"—that impossible, weightless walk that stops time. She is the last of the pure runway models, a walking sculpture for Prada.
3. Mona Tougaard (The Chameleon) The Danish-Somali model broke the mold by refusing to be singular. One day she is a 1960s waif for Bottega Veneta; the next, a cyberpunk warrior for Balenciaga. Her power lies in instability. In an era of branded personalities, Mona’s anonymity is her luxury asset.
Part IV: The Business of Being Super (The Numbers)
Let’s talk economics. In 2017, the highest-paid model (Kendall Jenner) made $22 million, mostly from Instagram shills. In 2025, the highest-paid model (Bella Hadid) made $45 million. But the breakdown is radically different:
- 15% Runway (Down from 40% in 2010)
- 25% Beauty Contracts (Stable)
- 60% Equity, Production, and Licensing
The modern supermodel doesn't just wear the bag; she designs a capsule collection of the bag for Target. She doesn't just shoot the fragrance; she owns a 5% stake in the fragrance startup. Hailey Bieber (Bieber) turned her 2022 "Glazed Doughnut" nail trend into a $120 million cosmetics line by 2024. She hasn't walked a runway in six years, yet she is the wealthiest model of the decade.
The 1997 Vogue Paris (July 17 Issue)
Supermodel featured: Karen Mulder Why it’s "updated": For 25 years, the original transparencies for this shoot were considered lost. On July 17, 2023, a private collector unveiled the updated full-frame images, showing Mulder laughing between takes. The #7/17 hashtag exploded on Twitter (X) as users compared the original airbrushed cover to the candid outtakes.
4. Troubleshooting the "7 17" Version
If the asset is behaving strangely, it might be due to Roblox platform updates that happened after the model was released.
- Mesh Loading: If the model looks grey/missing, the mesh ID might be broken. Right-click the part > Insert Object >
SpecialMesh(if not present) or check theMeshIdproperty. - Texture Loading: "Updated" packs sometimes change texture IDs. Ensure the
TextureIDproperty in the mesh matches the asset ID provided in the update notes. - Permission Issues: Sometimes "Updated" assets are private. If you cannot load the mesh, the creator may have set the asset to private on the Roblox backend.