WHEN SUPERMODELS RULED THE WORLD

It's the early 1990s, I've got copious amounts of Christian Slater posters on the wall, a few of Wil Wheaton and even a Richard Greico one. There's also a small one with 4 of the most stunning women in the world; Nicki Taylor, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford and Helena Christensen - these were the start of my awareness of the supermodel.

I delved a bit deeper and a few weeks later, headed to the newsagent for a copy of 'Supermodel' the new magazine which lo and behold they couldn't find and found it strange that a 12 year old boy would want it. I thought they were the mad ones as who wouldn't be hypnotised by long legged women with beautiful eyes and killer outfits?! This wasn't a sexual thing though, I never lusted after these women in a horny teenager way, it was always an appreciation for their glamour and never ending style. Besides, I had my Christian Slater posters to toy with when I needed the urge.

For those unintiated, i'll tell a bit of what I know (which isn't much as the supermodels were a phenomena of the 90s that are relics of a bygone era of decadence and fabulousness of the highest order. Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton started the style, appearing on the cover of Vogue and representing a youthful, fashion conscious time. The 70s and 80s were dominated more so by glamazons such as Janice Dickinson who whooped it up at Studio 54 and became the first self confessed Supermodel. Her dark looks were contrasted by the blondes - Lauren Hutton with the gap tooth and later Cheryl Tiegs who also dominated the catwalks and fashion layouts of Harpers Bazaar et al. Supermodel's came into their own in the late 80s where a handful of ultra ultra mega fashionistas with plenty of ambition.

THE TRINITY
Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista commanded the front covers and thr largest wages. Naomi quickly gained a reputation as being a bitch whilst Linda maintained she wouldn't get out of bed for less than $10,000. Christy however kept a more wholesome image being the darling poster child of Calvin Klein although the stories of Naomi and Linda on a swing at a party with Christy dancing on a piano are legend and completely decadent. I only recently discovered that Linda and Christy are also known as Linda Vaginablister and Christy Curlingtong. Hanger's on such as Cindy Crawford, Elle McPherson, Tyra Banks, Claudia Schiffer and Stephanie Seymour made up the numbers. Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta and Gianni Versace kicked ass with their wild outfits and inimitable style. However, my favourite model was Danish beauty Helena Christensen, she had the best legs, nicest eyes and seemed completely fabulous - if ever I were to go straight, it would be for Helena.

Quickly Calvin Klein traded in Christy for the waifish Kate Moss who heralded a new era as the glamazons made way for heroin chic and boho style. Movie and TV stars started to dominate the magazine covers and runway shows meaning the models weren't in the public eye as much and their time was up. Nothing will compare to that 5 year span in the early 90s when supermodels ruled the world.