Here's What '80s Bombshell Cheryl Tiegs Looks Like Today
Supermodel Cheryl Tiegs was a central figure in pop culture in the late '70s into the 1980s, thanks to her fashion spreads and iconic magazine covers. Dubbed the "All-American Model" on one of her three TIME covers and widely considered America's first supermodel, Tiegs has lived a more private life in her later years following decades of high-profile celebrity superstardom. When making a rare red carpet appearance at the Project Angel Food 2025 Angel Awards, Tiegs stunned in a fashion-forward ensemble that demonstrated how well her effortless style has carried over into older age. For the event, she wore a lightly embellished black suit with over-the-knee boots, a ruffle-trimmed white shirt, and blush that highlighted her sculpted cheekbones (which can be achieved with a simple concealer hack). With this look, Tiegs served an elevated aesthetic while showcasing her dedication to philanthropy.
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From her unforgettable Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers, including the celebrated "Pink Biniki" shot, and her signature line of clothing and accessories that sold almost $1 billion and helped keep Sears alive in the 1980s, Tiegs has been a pioneer within the model-to-entrepreneur space. Featured on countless magazine covers and spreads, along with appearances across film and television, Tiegs' success garnered her a platform that she has used to give back in more ways than one. In addition to providing support to organizations like the I Am Waters Foundation and the Farrah Fawcett Foundation, Tiegs has also engaged in more hands-on charitable efforts, including serving on the boards for The Earth Conservation Corps and C.O.A.C.H. for Kids, and even joining a global warming research expedition to the Arctic.
Cheryl Tiegs doesn't see herself as a fashion icon
Though Cheryl Tiegs has had a long, successful career as one of the biggest supermodels of all time, she's never been that passionate about the industry. "I was never a fashion icon," she commented in a 2017 interview with Artful Living. Tiegs admitted to wearing luxury designers on occasion in ensembles, but she didn't care much about the clothes and would return them the next day. "I had the luxury of being able to wear that clothing," she said, "but in my own life, it was very simple." Away from the runways and flashing lights, Tiegs has always kept her style cool. "Give me a sweater, a pair of jeans and tennis shoes, and I was fine," she noted.
Despite how many magazines she covered, Tiegs hasn't always been on the right side of the argument regarding who is cover-worthy. The veteran supermodel came under fire in 2016 when she criticized Sports Illustrated for featuring "full-figured" Ashley Graham on its Swimsuit Issue cover. "I don't like that we're talking about full-figured women because it's glamorizing them because your waist should be smaller than 35 [inches]. That's what Dr. Oz said, and I'm sticking to it," she told E! News. "No, I don't think it's healthy. Her face is beautiful. Beautiful. But I don't think it's healthy in the long run." Tiegs later tweeted an apology for bodyshaming Graham, stating, "I truly just want everyone to be healthy & happy." Her views are certainly at odds with the inclusivity that has taken over the fashion industry since her heyday. There are now many size-inclusive fashion brands, and there are even sustainable fashion lines that cater to plus-size individuals.