Side-By-Side Pics Of The Most Legendary '80s Models In They Heyday To Decades Later

Models in the '80s ultimately paved the way for the global supermodel status that we see today. The decade's obsession with celebrity culture and the rise of fandoms helped transform models into famous icons that were worshiped on and off the runway — their love lives made headlines, and their wages increased. This is why we're all so curious to see what became of them decades later. At the time, it felt like, for the first time, these women were beloved for more than just their appearances but for their personas, too. Yes, there were plenty of iconic celeb outfits from the '80s that defined the era, but it was the legendary models who helped shape the decade's trends and left a lasting mark on the industry. 

After '60s Mod icons like Twiggy helped loosen the boundaries of traditional femininity by popularizing a more androgynous perception of beauty, models in the '80s were able to have more fun with unique silhouettes and statement designs. Despite still facing racism and exclusion, Black models also gained greater visibility, appearing on magazine covers and in high fashion shows.

Of course, for most models of the '80s, the larger-than-life hair aesthetic was a staple part of their image. However, others rejected the decade's trends and built a career on their more natural look, instead. With the end of the era, some women also traded their modeling careers for new paths. From authors and actors to activists and entrepreneurs, the models of the '80s have continued to leave their mark in the world. But one thing's for sure: whatever path they took, they remain legends.

Somali-born model Iman was one of the few Black women in fashion at the time. During a Thierry Mugler fall show in 1986, the model walked the runway almost topless. She was dressed in a black cape and a silver maxi skirt, each adorned with glitter. A barely-there bra completed her look. Iman stunned as a supermodel in the '80s, and she continues to be a significant muse for designers. Despite leaving modelling to build an inclusive makeup empire, Iman Cosmetics, she attended the King's Trust Annual Gala in 2026 wearing yet another dramatic ensemble, pictured above.

Jerry Hall garnered some attention as a model in the '70s, but the '80s were undoubtedly her heyday. With flowing blond hair and long legs, as seen in this 1985 photo shoot, it's clear why Hall was regarded as one of the most popular models of the era. In 2026, Hall showcased her staple blond locks at The King's Trust in Futures Anniversary Gala. She wore a shimmering velour gown that featured a crystal-encrusted belt and a deep neckline. Her new role as an anti-ageism activist goes hand-in-hand with her mature yet glamorous appearance. "I think we should be allowed to look 70," she told Vogue in June 2026.

In the '70s, Beverly Johnson became the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue. Cut to the next decade, and her visibility inspired fashion houses to start casting women of color. Photographed in the '80s, Johnson embraced her voluminous bouffant with ease and her daring neckline highlighted her confidence. Despite being an author, Johnson continues to make headlines for her wardrobe in the 2020s. At the Palm Springs International Film Awards in 2026, she wore a strapless red gown that exuded Hollywood glamour.

Photographed in 1982, Brooke Shields undeniably embraced the larger-than-life hair trends in the '80s. Additionally, Shields became the 'face of an entire decade' in the '80s, thanks to her enchanting blue eyes and thick, fluffy brows. She ultimately traded her modelling career for a career in the film industry. At the "Dutton Ranch" New York premiere in 2026, Shields posed wearing a rust satin slip dress and a chunky chain necklace. Despite straightening her hair, her staple fluffy eyebrows made up for the lack of volume.

Inès de la Fressange started her modeling career in the '70s, but she made history the following decade as Chanel's first exclusive model, so it's safe to say the '80s were her heyday. Toward the end of the era, pictured in 1989, de la Fressange cut her hair into a pixie cut and embraced a more androgynous aesthetic. Her unisex haircut is still a staple feature of her modern image. While she dyed her hair an auburn hue, she arrived at Chanel's Paris Fashion Week show in 2026 showcasing her signature hairstyle.

Yasmin Le Bon was one of the most sought-after models in the '80s, not to mention one of the decade's highest earners. She appeared on the cover of several beloved magazines, and she was also a familiar face on the runway. While walking for Patrick Kelly in 1988, Le Bon's black mini dress, featuring gold embellishments, enhanced her regal model status. Nearly four decades on, her modeling days are far from over. During Milan Fashion Week in 2025, Le Bon walked the runway for Fendi, clad in brown fur.

As one of the original Victoria's Secret Angels, Stephanie Seymour deserves some praise. In this 1987 Vogue photo shoot, Seymour wore a risqué scoop-neck vest and a vibrant red-pink lipstick. It's almost impossible to notice that Seymour's legendary modelling days gave her extreme anxiety, but she told Interview Magazine in 2013 that she "had difficulty as a model just being [herself]" due to her natural shyness. Hair-wise, Seymour has maintained her side part in the present, but it seems the girl who would struggle as a model is long gone. In recent years, Seymour has been captivating the red carpet with confidence. In 2025, she attended the CFDA Awards wearing a unique ensemble that featured a dramatic snakeskin jacket.