Beauty Runs in the Family
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
We’ve all heard the saying, “Like mother, like daughter” and “It runs in the family.” These are more than just cliché’s, they are the uncanny truth. Supermodels of decades gone by have handed down the tradition of strutting their stuff and easing into a pose in front of the camera to their youngsters, giving way to a whole new generation of model.
Dazzling decadence and glitzy gowns were part of the Studio 54 era. Pat Cleveland became one of the most famous models of all time during those carefree years. She was one of the first African-American models to achieve prominence as both a runway and print model. Her unique and sophisticated look attracted the attention of famous designers such as Valentino, Dior and Oscar de la Renta. Pat appeared in fashion documentaries and even wrote a memoir book in 2016. Carrying on her legacy is her 29-year-old daughter, Anna Cleveland, who has already made quite a name for herself. As tall and gorgeous as her mom, Anna exudes an air of confidence and portrays a personality characterized by strength. She has walked the runways of numerous fashion week shows season after season, standing out for her dramatic beauty, appearing in editorials, ad campaigns and is a model favorite for designer Zac Posen. It is also not unusual for mom and daughter to be interviewed together for the pages of VOGUE and ELLE and do fashion runway work together.
Growing up during the 70’s and 80’s, the supermodel face of Cindy Crawford was splashed across every major magazine. Even corporations such as Coca-Cola got on board the supermodel train to boost sales. Cindy’s appearance in a Coca-Cola commercial was one of the most prize-winning ever and was revived during a recent Super Bowl game, becoming one of the top commercials of the evening. Cindy became a role model for young girls. Singer George Michael chose Cindy to appear in his ‘Freedom 90’ video along with a few other famous models. The iconic video is still talked about to this day. Crawford’s modeling career branched out into acting. She became a spokesperson for leukemia and is an honorary board member of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Following in her mom’s footsteps is her daughter, Kaia Gerber. Kaia’s features resemble Cindy in her younger years. She is a chameleon of versatile looks on and off the runway. Fashion can’t seem to get enough of this tall and tantalizing beauty. At the young age of 10, she was chosen to model for Versace’s junior line, ‘Young Versace.’ This year seems to be her real breakout year, being chosen for a multitude of designer campaigns such as Marc Jacobs ‘DAISY Fragrance’ and Calvin Klein as well as the face of Omega watches. At only 17 years of age, Kaia has an entire career ahead of her, growing into a role totally befitting for this current day supermodel.
Another natural beauty that took the supermodel world by storm was Christie Brinkley. She has that innocent smile that could melt hearts. Appearing on three consecutive ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue’ covers brought overnight fame to this Michigan born beauty. For 25 years, she has been the face of ‘CoverGirl Cosmetics’ and although modeling has been her first love, she has used her multi-faceted talents to branch out into television, photography, theater, designing and has even become a passionate activist for human and animal rights as well as an environmentalist. Christie has even gotten into real estate. As comfortable as her mom in a swimsuit in front of the camera, Sailor Brinkley-Cook was also photographed for the ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018 Issue’. With beautiful blue eyes and long blond locks, Sailor epitomizes that natural glamour, a supermodel for this generation. She has modeled for Teen Vogue and appeared in Town & Country Magazine. She is in her happiest roles right next to her mom, even sweating it out in the Hamptons this past August in the ‘Southampton Sweat’, a fitness festival that the mother/daughter duo hosted. She enjoys photography as much as her mom does. Sailor has shown that she has a love of fashion, choosing to become a student in NYC at Parsons to pursue fashion. Perhaps we will see Sailor take a stab at designing in the future? You never know.
She was a supermodel overshadowed by being in a famous marriage to rocker superstar, Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. Jerry Hall’s modeling career began in music when she landed the cover of Roxy Music’s album, Siren. Her career spanned over 40 Magazine covers and she is quite possibly one of the most visible and photographed models of her decade. Now her daughter, Georgia May Jagger, has stepped into her shoes, stealing the limelight as she was awarded British Fashion Council Model of the Year in 2009. Resembling her mom in so many ways, many designers have asked Georgia to headline their fashion campaigns. She is a born natural in front of the camera. One of the most famous photos was Georgia on the top of the Empire State Building for a charity campaign. There are no limits to Georgia May Jagger’s love of fashion.
Going strong since she was 15, Kate Moss rose to supermodel fame and has managed to keep on top after 29 years in the industry. In the beginning, she was compared to Twiggy, having that very slender and very slim physique. She achieved icon status after collaborating on a campaign with Calvin Klein. Moss has modeled legendary designer collections on runways across the globe and in print. She has even used her love of fashion are her creativity to design clothing and handbags. British VOGUE reached out to Kate to give her a contributing fashion editor position. Moss is the face of London-based RIMMEL Cosmetics. Born into fashion, daughter Lila Moss is enjoying fame in the industry as well. At only 16 years old, Lila recently landed the role of the new face of MARC JACOBS Beauty! She smiles with a sense of grace and feels so at ease in front of the camera. Lila’s career began with campaigning for a hair brand and doing some editorial work in fashion. Will she continue to pursue this modeling career like her mom or will she head into a different direction, following in the footsteps of one of her favorite designers, Stella McCartney? Only time will tell.
We all follow those famous Victoria’s Secret models. One of the very original faces is Alessandra Ambrósio who was also chosen as the first spokesmodel for the company’s PINK line. Appearing in many of Victoria’s Secret famous annual runway shows, the Brazilian born supermodel climbed the ranks quickly and did modeling for such great designers as Christian Dior, Armani and Ralph Lauren. Alessandra’s fame turned into fortune as she was named #6 on Forbes’ list of highest-paid models in 2012 and prior to that, was awarded one of PEOPLE Magazine’s “100 Most Beautiful People in the World” in 2007. She has produced her own swimwear line and during the 2016 Summer Olympics, she was named by NBC as a food and culture correspondent. Talent goes far in her family. Daughter Anja Ambrósio is not only adorable but multi-talented. She loves being in the spotlight with her model mom and the two have appeared in campaigns for London Fog and Jordache. Very outgoing and playful, Anja took to the stage to sing during the 2017 Coachella Music Festival. She had a fantastic voice that kept the audience clapping for more. It is hard to say what path Anja will take since she is still young, only 10 years old. However, it is safe to assume that this budding beauty will remain in front of the camera and catch the eye of the fashion industry for years to come.
These are just a few of the examples of blossoming beauty and talent being handed off to the next generation. It is a ‘beautiful’ thing to be given this gift in a world filled with inquisitive fashion seekers.
Photo Credit : Getty Images
