Cindy Crawford

Cindy Crawford is an American supermodel, actress, and businesswoman who became a global icon during the late 1980s and 1990s. Recognized for her trademark mole above her lip, she was a defining figure of the supermodel era, appearing on over 1,000 magazine covers including Vogue, People, and Elle. Her career expanded into television hosting, acting, and entrepreneurship, most notably with her successful skincare line, Meaningful Beauty. Crawford's influence helped shape the fashion industry and paved the way for models to build multifaceted personal brands.

Early life and education

Cynthia Ann Crawford was born in DeKalb, Illinois, to John and Jennifer Crawford. She excelled academically, becoming valedictorian of her class at DeKalb High School and earning a scholarship to study chemical engineering at Northwestern University. Her entry into modeling began after being photographed for a local newspaper by a staff photographer, which led to her signing with the Elite Model Management agency in Chicago. She deferred her university studies after one quarter to pursue modeling full-time, relocating to New York City to further her career.

Modeling career

Crawford's breakthrough came with her first Vogue cover in 1986, photographed by Richard Avedon. She quickly became a fixture on international runways for designers like Gianni Versace, Isaac Mizrahi, and Michael Kors, and in advertising campaigns for Pepsi, Revlon, and Omega SA. Her fame was cemented as one of the original "Big Five" supermodels of the early 1990s, alongside Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Claudia Schiffer. She hosted the groundbreaking MTV show House of Style from 1989 to 1995, bringing fashion to a mainstream audience. Crawford also appeared in music videos for artists like George Michael and Jon Bon Jovi, and had cameo roles in films such as Fair Game.

Business ventures and philanthropy

Leveraging her fame, Crawford launched several successful business ventures. In 2005, she co-founded the skincare company Meaningful Beauty with Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh, which grew into a major brand sold through Guthy-Renker. She authored the book Becoming and released fitness videos like Cindy Crawford: The Next Challenge. Her philanthropic work is extensive, having served as a global ambassador for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and actively supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She has also been involved with the Elton John AIDS Foundation and various environmental causes.

Personal life

Crawford was married to actor Richard Gere from 1991 until their divorce in 1995. In 1998, she married businessman and model Rande Gerber, with whom she has two children: son Presley and daughter Kaia, both of whom have pursued modeling careers. The family divides their time between homes in Los Angeles, Malibu, and Cabo San Lucas. Crawford has been open about her family life in interviews with outlets like Oprah and British Vogue.

Legacy and influence

Crawford is widely regarded as one of the most influential models in history, credited with democratizing high fashion and demonstrating the commercial power of a supermodel. Her successful transition from modeling to entrepreneurship inspired a generation of models to build their own brands. The careers of her children, particularly Kaia Gerber, underscore her enduring impact on the industry. In 2015, she was honored with the Council of Fashion Designers of America Fashion Icon Award. Her image remains a cultural touchstone, featured in exhibitions at institutions like the National Portrait Gallery and referenced in media from Saturday Night Live to Forbes.

Category:American models Category:American businesswomen Category:1966 births Category:Living people