Top Fashion Models of the 2000s

Supermodels have always been a very important part of the fashion industry. They enable us to view the latest fashion creations of the top designer, even showing us some of the trendiest combinations. The 2000s have been big in terms of supermodels, with many of them getting that coveted celebrity status.

Here are the top supermodels that ruled the catwalk, the billboards and the glossy magazine pages, of the 2000s. 

Alessandra Ambrosio

A Victoria’s Secret Angel, Alessandra Ambrosio was known for her work with the brand and her appearances in numerous fashion magazines and high-profile campaigns.

  • Alessandra Ambrosio was an iconic Victoria’s Secret Angel, serving from 2004 to 2017, and was chosen to wear the Fantasy Bra twice.
  • Born in Brazil, Alessandra has been influential in bringing Brazilian beauty and style to the global stage.
  • She co-founded her own swimwear line, GAL Floripa, with her sister and friend, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Ambrosio has appeared in several television shows and movies, including a cameo in “Casino Royale” and a role in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.”
  • Dedicated to charitable work, she supports the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and frequently participates in fundraising efforts for various causes.

Adriana Lima

Another Victoria’s Secret Angel, Adriana Lima was among the most recognizable faces of the 2000s, known for her exotic beauty and longevity in the fashion industry.

  • Adriana Lima is known for being the longest-serving Victoria’s Secret Angel from 1999 to 2018, making her a staple of 2000s fashion.
  • She has spoken about her Afro-Brazilian heritage, bringing attention to the diversity within the modeling industry.
  • Lima has ventured into acting and hosting, appearing in “Ugly Betty” and serving as a host for the reality competition series “American Beauty Star.”
  • She’s known for her dedication to fitness, including boxing, which has been a key part of her regimen for years.
  • Adriana actively supports the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti, helping to provide essential resources for Haitian children.

Agyness Deyn

Born Laura Michelle Hollins, she worked odd jobs before being discovered while she was shopping with fashion designer Henry Holland in London. She covered for several magazines such as Vogue (UK, American and Italian editions), Time, Style & Life, etc. In addition to all this, she also modeled for Anna Sui, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, Paul Smith, and Vivienne Westwood. 

  • Beyond her modeling career, Agyness Deyn has ventured into acting, with roles in films like “Clash of the Titans” (2010) and “Sunset Song” (2015).
  • Known for her distinctive short blonde hair and androgynous style, Deyn became a fashion icon in the late 2000s, challenging traditional beauty norms.
  • She launched her own fashion label, Title A, in 2014, showcasing her talent as a designer and entrepreneur.
  • Deyn has appeared in music videos for artists including Rihanna and the band Clinic, highlighting her influence in the music industry as well.
  • Although she announced her retirement from professional modeling in 2012, Deyn has since returned to the fashion industry, both on the runway and in print campaigns.

Angela Lindvall

Angela Lindvall is an American model, actress, and environmentalist. As a model, she covered for Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire. Plus, she starred in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Fendi, and Christian Dior among many others. As an actress, her credits include the film ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ and the TV reality show ‘Project Runway: All Stars’.

  • Angela Lindvall is known for her environmental advocacy, having founded the Collage Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental education.
  • Besides modeling, Lindvall has acted in films and hosted “Project Runway: All Stars,” showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry.
  • She is a certified yoga instructor and promotes wellness and holistic living, reflecting her commitment to health and spirituality.
  • Over her career, Lindvall has been the face of prominent brands like Chanel, Valentino, and Versace, establishing her as a top model of the 2000s.
  • Angela is actively involved in various charitable organizations, emphasizing her dedication to giving back to the community and the planet.

Anja Rubik

(Pictured above)

Polish stunner Anja Rubik was declared as one of the top 30 models by Vogue Paris in 2010. She also appeared in the Polish edition of America’s Next Top Model titled ‘Top Model Zostan Modelka’. In fact, many of the top models on this list have has the honor of being on this Top 30 list.

  • Anja Rubik is not just a model but a fashion influencer, having started the magazine “25” and engaging in various fashion projects that showcase her editorial eye.
  • Known for her unique look and effortless style, Rubik has appeared on the covers of numerous international editions of Vogue, making her one of the most recognizable faces in fashion.
  • She has ventured into perfume and fashion design, launching her own fragrance called “Original by Anja Rubik.”
  • Rubik is vocal about social issues, including women’s rights and sexual education, founding the “SexEdPL” platform in Poland to promote sexual health and education.
  • Anja has worked with major fashion houses and photographers, solidifying her status as a top model and muse within the industry.

Chanel Iman

Half Korean, half African-American model Chanel Iman is known for being one of the Victoria’s Secret Angels. She also did catwalks for Christian Dior, Versace, Yves Saint-Laurent (YSL) and Stella McCartney. Her magazine covers include Vogue, Teen Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar.

  • Chanel Iman began modeling with Ford Models at the age of 13, quickly rising to prominence in the fashion world.
  • She has spoken openly about her mixed heritage, being African-American and Korean, which has brought a unique perspective to her work and advocacy for diversity in modeling.
  • Iman became a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2010, one of the youngest to be awarded the title, showcasing her impact on the lingerie brand and the fashion industry.
  • She is involved in charitable work, including USAID and Ad Council’s FWD campaign, focusing on famine, war, and drought in the Horn of Africa.
  • Chanel has expanded her career into acting, appearing in the movie “Dope” (2015) and making guest appearances on television shows.

Coco Rocha

Known for her dynamic poses and expressive face, Coco Rocha became one of the most sought-after models of the late 2000s, a favorite for editorials, runways, and advertising campaigns.

  • Coco Rocha is known for her early adoption of social media to connect with fans, setting a precedent for models leveraging digital platforms to build their brand.
  • Rocha’s background in Irish dance has been incorporated into her modeling work, most notably in her runway walk and dynamic photo shoots.
  • She has been an outspoken advocate for models’ rights, particularly concerning age and health standards in the fashion industry.
  • Coco co-founded the Coco Rocha Model Camp, offering training and mentorship to aspiring models, highlighting her commitment to nurturing new talent.
  • Beyond modeling, Rocha has ventured into television, serving as a judge on “The Face” and participating in various fashion and design collaborations.

Daria Werbowy

Holding the record for opening and closing the most shows in one season, Daria Werbowy was a favorite of luxury brands and often appeared in high-fashion campaigns, magazine covers, and beauty endorsements.

  1. Daria Werbowy holds the record for opening and closing the most shows in one season, which helped cement her status as a runway icon.
  2. Werbowy is an avid sailor, having taken a break from modeling to sail across the Atlantic Ocean, reflecting her adventurous spirit and love for the sea.
  3. Beyond modeling, Daria is passionate about art and photography, often sharing her work on social media and in exhibitions.
  4. She has been involved in various charitable causes, including environmental conservation efforts and supporting children’s welfare organizations.
  5. Daria has been the face of major fashion brands, including Lancôme, Prada, and Chanel, showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal in the fashion industry.

Doutzen Kroes

This statuesque Dutch-Frisian beauty also became one of Victoria’s Secret Angels. She has been featured in nine Vogue covers and was voted “Model of the Year” on Vogue in 2005. Kroes is also an actress.

  1. Doutzen Kroes served as a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 2008 to 2014, becoming one of the brand’s most recognizable faces.
  2. Beyond modeling, Doutzen has ventured into acting, with roles in Dutch films and international productions, including a part in “Wonder Woman” (2017).
  3. She is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and has worked with various organizations to promote global health and education.
  4. Kroes has been featured in campaigns for major brands like L’Oréal Paris, Gucci, and Calvin Klein, showcasing her versatility as a model.
  5. Doutzen is involved in numerous charitable causes, focusing particularly on child welfare and the protection of elephant habitats.

Gemma Ward

Aussie stunner Gemma Ward appeared on the US edition of Vogue, as well as Teen Vogue. She continued with her Vogue streak in British and French editions and was judged to be one of the “30 models of the decade” by Vogue Paris. She also strutted the runways for Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and Calvin Klein.

  • At age 16, Gemma Ward became the youngest model to appear on the cover of American Vogue, a record at the time.
  • Ward has pursued acting alongside modeling, appearing in films such as “The Black Balloon” (2008) and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” (2011).
  • Known for her doll-like features, Gemma played a significant role in the “baby doll” look that became popular in the mid-2000s.
  • After taking a break from the fashion industry, Gemma made a notable return to the runway in 2014, re-establishing her presence in the modeling world.
  • Ward has expressed a strong interest in environmental protection, often using her platform to raise awareness about climate change and conservation efforts.

Gisele Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen is the first Brazilian model to gain international superstardom and is widely credited for putting an end to the “heroin chic” modeling era (led by Kate Moss). This supermodel is perhaps the most famous Victoria’s Secret Angel. Apart from her successful modeling career, Bündchen’s personal life and relationships have also been making the headlines.

Interesting Facts:

  • Gisele Bündchen was declared the highest-paid model in the world by Forbes from 2002 until 2017, marking her dominance in the fashion industry during the 2000s.
  • Beyond modeling, Gisele is a passionate environmental activist. She has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme since 2009.
  • In 2000, she signed a $25 million deal with Victoria’s Secret, which was one of the biggest contracts in the modeling industry at the time.
  • Gisele has also tried her hand at acting, appearing in films like “Taxi” (2004) and “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006).
  • She supports many charities, including Save the Children, Red Cross, and Doctors without Borders, demonstrating her commitment to giving back.

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum

Klum became the first German model to become one of Victoria’s Secret Angels. She also branched out to acting and hosting and is known also as the host the reality show Project Runway. This was the show for which she won an Emmy. Her personal life and relationships have also been the subject of public scrutiny.

  • Heidi Klum’s career spans modeling, television hosting, and fashion design. She is internationally known for her work as a Victoria’s Secret Angel and as the host of “Project Runway.”
  • Klum has launched her own lingerie line, Heidi Klum Intimates, and has been involved in various business ventures across the fashion and entertainment industries.
  • Beyond hosting, Heidi has produced several successful television shows, including “Project Runway,” for which she has received Emmy nominations.
  • She is actively involved in children’s and AIDS charities, using her celebrity status to raise funds and awareness for these causes.
  • Despite her global fame, Heidi Klum retains a strong connection to her German roots and is celebrated both in the United States and her home country for her achievements.

Karen Elson

This English model has worked with renowned photographers of her era, including Bruce Weber, Mario Testino, and Peter Lindbergh. She covered for several international editions of Vogue as well as Marie Claire and Harper’s Bazaar. Plus, she has strutted the catwalk for Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and YSL. She is also a singer, musician and recording artist. That’s quite a long list of accomplishments for one person!

  • In addition to her modeling work, Karen Elson is an accomplished singer and songwriter, with albums that showcase her folk and alternative country music talents.
  • Elson is known for her distinctive red hair and porcelain skin, which have made her a muse for top photographers and designers throughout her career.
  • She is an advocate for models’ rights and body positivity, using her platform to address issues of ageism, sexism, and abuse in the fashion industry.
  • Karen has a well-known love for vintage fashion, and she once co-owned a vintage boutique in Nashville, reflecting her personal style and interest in fashion history.
  • Her unique look and artistic sensibilities have led to collaborations with major fashion houses and appearances in high-profile advertising campaigns and runway shows.

Karolína Kurková

At her peak, Karolína Kurková was one of the youngest models ever to grace the cover of Vogue and became a Victoria’s Secret Angel, making her one of the most recognizable models of the 2000s.

  • Karolína Kurková was a Victoria’s Secret Angel who also wore the Fantasy Bra in 2002, highlighting her prominence within the brand.
  • Kurková has appeared in films and television shows, including a role in “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” (2009), showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.
  • She is open about her struggles with hypothyroidism and uses her experience to advocate for health and wellness, especially concerning hormonal health.
  • Karolína is involved in various charitable organizations, focusing on child welfare and health initiatives.
  • With her striking features and towering presence, Kurková has been a favorite muse for designers and photographers, consistently appearing in major fashion magazines and campaigns.

Kate Moss

Moss is also one of a world-famous supermodels and the prime figure of the “heroin chic” movement of the 1990s.  The decade and the trend may have gone, but in the 2000s Kate Moss still rules the catwalk.

  • Known for her unique look and natural beauty, Kate Moss became a fashion icon, embodying the “heroin chic” trend of the early ’90s that continued into the 2000s.
  • Moss has collaborated with several major brands, including Topshop, for which she designed her own clothing line, showcasing her influence beyond modeling.
  • She has been the face of countless major fashion campaigns, including Calvin Klein, Chanel, and Dior, among others.
  • Kate has been a muse for artists like Lucian Freud and Banksy, highlighting her impact on broader cultural realms beyond fashion.
  • Moss has supported various charitable causes, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Make Poverty History campaign.

Lara Stone

Dutch model Lara Stone walked for brands like Givenchy, Calvin Klein, Chanel, and Marc Jacobs, among many others. She was named as the fashion’s “It Girl” on W magazine (where she also covered at the same time), as well as one of the top 30 models of the 2000s by Vogue Paris.

  • Lara Stone is renowned for her distinctive gap-toothed smile, which has challenged conventional beauty standards and made her one of the most recognizable faces in the industry.
  • Stone has been the face of Calvin Klein, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, among others, highlighting her appeal to luxury fashion brands.
  • She has received numerous awards for her work, including the British Fashion Awards Model of the Year in 2010.
  • Lara has spoken openly about her struggles with body image and the pressures of the modeling industry, advocating for a healthier approach to models’ health and well-being.
  • While primarily known for her modeling work, Stone has also made appearances in films and music videos, showcasing her ability to cross over into other entertainment sectors.

Lily Donaldson

Donaldson started modeling when she was 16, and eventually landed on major magazine covers such as of Vogue. Eventually, she was also named by Vogue Paris as one of the decade’s top 30 models. She also modeled at the London Olympics’ closing ceremony with other British models such as Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss.

  • Lily Donaldson is one of Britain’s leading models, having walked the runways for nearly every top designer and appearing in campaigns for brands like Burberry, Chanel, and Dolce & Gabbana.
  • Donaldson has appeared on the cover of Vogue in various countries multiple times, cementing her status as a favorite within the fashion industry.
  • She has been involved in charity work, particularly in support of the fight against breast cancer, demonstrating her commitment to important causes.
  • Lily is a regular on the catwalks of New York, London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks, showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal.
  • Coming from a family with artistic roots (her father is a photographer), Lily has a deep appreciation for the arts, which has influenced her personal style and public appearances.

Natalia Vodianova

Natalia Vodianova

Natalia Vodianova campaigned for Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, and Gucci. The Russian beauty landed on the cover of international magazines that include Vogue (in many worldwide editions) and Vanity Fair.

Natasha Poly

Poly was also named as one of the 30 top models by Vogue Paris. The Russian model has also starred in many campaigns for Gucci, Versace, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Nine West, and Jimmy Choo.

  • Natasha Poly is considered one of the most successful Russian models of her generation, with a career that spans high fashion runways, major ad campaigns, and magazine covers.
  • Poly has the distinction of walking in 54 shows in a single season, showcasing her stamina and versatility as a model.
  • She has been the face of numerous luxury brands, including Gucci, Prada, and Versace, highlighting her broad appeal in the fashion industry.
  • Natasha has been featured on the cover of Vogue Russia several times, along with other international editions, showcasing her global appeal.
  • Despite her busy career, Poly prioritizes her role as a mother, often sharing glimpses of her family life and how she balances her professional and personal responsibilities.

Naomi Campbell

Although her career began in the late ’80s, Naomi Campbell continued to be a force in the modeling world through the 2000s, walking in countless high-profile shows and involved in various fashion and charitable projects.

  • Naomi Campbell was one of the six models of her generation declared supermodels by the fashion industry and the media, and she was the first black model to appear on the cover of Time magazine, French Vogue, and Russian Vogue.
  • Campbell founded Fashion for Relief in 2005, a charity merging fashion and philanthropy for global causes, raising millions for disaster relief and humanitarian crises around the world.
  • Naomi has used her platform to speak out against racial injustice and discrimination in the fashion industry, advocating for diversity and inclusion.
  • Beyond modeling, Campbell has appeared in numerous films, music videos, and television series, including “Empire” and as a mentor on “The Face.”
  • She has launched her own fragrance line and has been involved in various business ventures, showcasing her versatility and business acumen.

Tyra Banks

Banks visiting patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on December 19, 2003
Tyra Banks (left) visits with Army Spc. Matthew Paige (right), a patient at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., on Dec. 19, 2003. Banks, whose brother is Air Force 1st Lt. Devin Banks, a contracting officer stationed at Bolling Air Force Base, considers the military a “personal family thing” and wanted to lift injured service members’ spirits. DoD photo by Thomas Dennis, U.S. Air Force.

Known for her work with Victoria’s Secret and her groundbreaking television show, “America’s Next Top Model,” Tyra Banks was not only a top model but also a significant influencer in bringing modeling to mainstream media in the 2000s.

  • Tyra Banks is not just a model but also a television personality, producer, author, and businesswoman. She is best known for creating and hosting “America’s Next Top Model.”
  • Banks was the first African American woman to appear on the cover of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, breaking barriers in the modeling industry.
  • Throughout her career, Tyra has been a vocal advocate for diversity and body positivity in the fashion industry, often using her platforms to promote these values.
  • She founded the Tyra Banks Company, ventured into cosmetics with Tyra Beauty, and opened the Modelland theme park, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Tyra completed a non-degree certificate program at Harvard Business School, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and excellence beyond her modeling career.

Conclusion

The profusion of top fashion models in the 2000s have inspired many young girls and women to get into this career. However, a word of warning: this life is not meant for everyone. It requires guts, passion, determination, and a whole lot of patience as well. Plus, it would benefit every girl (or boy) to read up on the problems that many of the top models have faced to this day.

If you’re comfortable with being in the spotlight and understand that your every move will be scrutinized, a supermodel career might be the one for you. Remember; supermodels are like the royalty of the fashion world, but they are also soon forgotten. It’s wise to take inspiration from the top models through the past few decades and learn from their mistakes.