Kate Moss: A Decades-Long Journey of Supermodel Iconism

As British supermodel Kate Moss turns 50, her enduring status as a cultural icon is as potent as ever, reminiscent of her breakout more than three decades ago.

Hailing from South London, Moss was scouted by a leading model agent at 14, entering magazines and commercials by 16. Her journey to fame commenced with her first Vogue cover in March 1993, as captured by photographer Corinne Day, who foresaw her inevitable stardom.

Moss rapidly became the face of the ’90s “heroin chic,” offering a grungy contrast to the glamorous look popularized by contemporaries Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Claudia Schiffer. Campaigns for Burberry, Chanel, and Calvin Klein solidified her position.

Amassing over 40 covers of British Vogue, Moss’s off-set presence, characterized by vintage clothing and unique ensembles, earned her the title of a “global style icon.”

Her impact extended to Glastonbury, where Moss set trends with knee-high muddy rain boots and ultra-short denim cut-offs, igniting a festival dressing trend.

Photographer David Bailey attributes Moss’s success to her “unique beauty” with “universal appeal.” Despite tabloid scrutiny and reported controversies, including alleged drug use, Moss has risen above, securing a place on Forbes’s list of highest-paid models.

Retiring from the runway in 2004, Moss ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing her modeling agency and wellness brand, Cosmoss. Beyond the fashion realm, she’s been immortalized in gold by Marc Quinn, painted by Lucian Freud, and featured in numerous music videos.

As we celebrate Kate Moss’s illustrious career, her journey remains an integral part of pop culture history. Explore the gallery above for some of the most unforgettable moments from Moss’s life and career.