With it being the Fourth of July in America, what a better way to celebrate our independence than list some of the best American models? From Christy Turlington to Karlie Kloss to Kate Upton, here is a list of ten American models who have helped shape the face of fashion.
Karlie Kloss
Karlie Kloss stars in Bally Campaign
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Karlie Kloss first came onto the modeling scene in 2006. She is well-known for starring in campaigns for fashion brands including Donna Karan, Juicy Couture and Oscar de la Renta. This all American beauty was also recently named a Victoria’s Secret Angel and has created a stir with her recent haircut. She has covered dozens of Vogue covers including the Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and German editions.
Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford on the cover of French Revue de Modes / Thierry Le Goues
One of the few beauties to deserve the title of supermodel, Cindy Crawford, started working as a model in the 80s, notably after winning the “Look of the Year” contest held by Elite Models in 1982. Crawford has covered countless magazines. The model is known for her furniture line and lucrative endorsement deals including Pepsi and Revlon.
Kate Upton
Kate Upton in Guess Campaign
Kate Upton has risen from model to superstardom in the past three years after covering magazines like American GQ, Vogue US, Vogue Italia and Vogue UK. Now, Kate has her eyes set on acting with a role in the upcoming film, “The Other Woman”, starring alongside Cameron Diaz. She has appeared in many commercial campaigns for brands such as Gillette, Sam Edelman, Carl’s Jr. and Beach Bunny.
Chanel Iman
Chanel Iman on the cover of Elle US October 2011
Chanel Iman started working at the age of 13 and is known for her girl next door appeal. She has appeared in the American versions of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Allure. For campaigns, Chanel has fronted advertisements for DSquared2, DKNY and Ralph Lauren. Iman has strut the catwalk for the likes of Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and Versace.
Christy Turlington
Christy Turlington on the cover of Vogue US August 2009
Another supermodel, Christy Turlington, is well-known for being the face of Calvin Klein’s Eternity fragrance and starring in campaigns for Maybeline, Versace and Giorgio Armani. Turlington is an anti-smoking activist and champion for humanitarian causes. The American model started the campaign, Every Mother Counts, in 2010 in order to raise awareness about maternal health.
Hilary Rhoda
Hilary Rhoda in Max Mara Campaign
Raised in Maryland, Hilary Rhoda started her career in 2006. The American model has appeared in fashion bibles including W Magazine and the American editions of Vogue,Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. Rhoda has worked with top photographers such as Steven Meisel, Terry Richardson and Inez & Vinoodh. She is currently the face of Estee Lauder and has appeared in previous campaigns for Balenciaga, Givenchy and Valentino.
Erin Heatherton
Erin Heatherton modeling for Victoria’s Secret
Erin Heatherton is another blonde beauty who is most well-known for working as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. The model has appeared in international versions of Elle, GQ and Harper’s Bazaar. Besides her commercial work, Erin has also fronted campaigns for brands including Valentino (fragrance), John Galliano (underwear) and Versace Jeans.
Stephanie Seymour
Stephanie Seymour in Valentino Campaign
An icon of the 90s, Stephanie Seymour, rose to fame starring in campaigns for Versace, Valentino and Salvatore Ferragamo. She has appeared on the cover of fashion glossies such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and W Magazine. Known for her lingerie work for Victoria’s Secret; Stephanie also appealed to men with appearances in Play Boy and Sports Illustrated.
Carolyn Murphy
Carolyn Murphy in Iceberg Campaign
Fronting campaigns for David Yurman, Louis Vuitton and Tom Ford; Florida-raised model Carolyn Murphy has cemented her place as one of the most sought after faces in the industry. In 2001, Carolyn was signed to Estee Lauder under an exclusive contract and still fronts campaigns for the brand today. The blonde has also been credited with a few acting roles, and hosted a season of “Project Runway All Stars”.
Guinevere van Seenus
Guinevere van Seenus in Bergdorf Goodman Catalogue
Raised in Washington D.C., Guinevere van Seenus is one of the most transformative models of the past decade; working with all the industry’s leading photographers including Craig McDean, Steven Meisel, Patrick Demarchelier, Inez & Vinoodh and Mert & Marcus. Van Seenus’ campaigns include work for Miu Miu, Jil Sander and Prada. The blonde has also covered Vogue Italia and W Magazine.