The Super Models has finally landed on Apple TV and has already sent us down a catwalk rabbit hole while examining the careers of Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington.
With streaming services focusing mainly on horrifying real-life crime stories, this glamorous new four-part Apple TV+ documentary, which has been directed by Academy Award winner Roger Ross Williams and Larissa Bills, has been much-welcomed as it has given us unprecedented nostalgic access into the high-profile, coveted world of eighties and nineties fashion.
And with all the glitz and glamour that reigned supreme with the stylish era of the “supermodel”, the doc has shown us that there was a lot of turmoil, injustice and unfairly stereotypical attitudes that were rampant during the era as well. In particular, during the series, Cindy Crawford has called out talk show host Oprah for treating her like “chattel” in an old interview from her early career.
In the interview from 1986, Cindy was accompanied by John Casablancas, a representative from Elite Modelling Agency, when Oprah asked: “Did she always have this body? This is unbelievable. Stand up just a moment, now this is what I call a BODY.” Reflecting on the moment in the new documentary, Cindy said: "I was like the chattel or a child, be seen and not heard.”
"When you look at it through today’s eyes, Oprah’s like, ‘Stand up and show me your body. Show us why you’re worthy of being here.'" She continued: “In the moment, I didn’t recognise it and watching it back, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, that was so not okay really.’ Especially from Oprah.”
Elsewhere, Naomi spoke about her experiences with racism during her modelling career, revealing that taxi cabs would barely stop for her because they assumed she wanted to head to Brooklyn because she was a Black woman. It was only when Christy put up her hand to hail a cab that they would stop.
Christy is also featured heavily in the series, as well as Linda, both of whom were part of the exclusive band of "original super models". The four fashionistas were so powerful on the modelling scene and in popular culture that they became known as "the Big Six" alongside Kate Moss and Claudia Schiffer.
The four supermodels talk beyond the catwalk while reflecting on how they capitalised on the fashion industry to turn themselves into industry-shaping mega-brands while every designer scrambled to dress them.
The official synopsis from Apple TV+ reads: "Today, the four supermodels remain on the frontlines of culture through activism, philanthropy and business prowess.
"As the fashion industry continues to redefine itself – and women's roles within it – this is the ultimate story of power and how four women came together to claim it, paving the way for those to follow."
We'll be wearing this style all through autumn.
While they reflect on their experiences, the four icons also serve as executive producers on the doc.
When the project was first announced back in 2020, Naomi Campbell gushed: "My sisters Christy, Linda, Cindy and I are extremely thrilled to share our story with the world, and there could be no better partners than Brian Grazer and Ron Howard – which is a dream come true – to bring it to life, as we knew they would respect and honour our story."
You can check out the teaser trailer below before tuning into the documentary.
The Super Models is available to stream on Apple TV+.
