Only a handful of women have had the power to change fashion forever. They've glamorized the industry, transformed fashion into fantasy, and likely had some sort of influence the very outfit you're wearing today. Here are a few of the noteables.
Dovima
The quintessential swan was a Queens housewife until she was discovered outside a Manhattan Automat. Described by Avedon as the "last of the great elegant, aristocratic beauties," she created the perfect fashion storm when she posed with elephants for him at the Cirque d'Hiver in Paris in 1955. The resulting images have long been among the world's best-loved fashion photographs.
Jean Shrimpton
One of the original gamines, "the Shrimp" (winking for Avedon in 1965) embodied the London youthquake in her photos and free-spirited lifestyle.
Iman
The stunning Somalian transcended color barriers, becoming one of the top models of the '70s. Now married to David Bowie, she is founder of Iman Cosmetics.
Cindy Crawford, Tatjana Patitz, and Stephanie Seymour
In contrast to the colorful glitz of the previous decades, the rise of fresh-faced supermodels and stark photography coincided with the clean, pared-down minimalism that became the hallmark of the '90s.
Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell
Lensmen loved Turlington's squeaky-clean professionalism and Campbell's saucy swagger.
See all the models, from the woman who inspired an Audrey Hepburn character to the anti-supermodel Kate Moss and more.
RELATED LINKS:
What's Your Shoe IQ?
Must-Have Looks for Summer
A Trend-by-Trend Look at Fall
June Best Buys Under $300
Looking for More on Fashion, Beauty, and Shopping? Subscribe to Harper's Bazaar!
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
