Model Claudia Schiffer has curated an exhibition of 90s photography in Germany. And she’s captured quintessential 90s-ness, revealing what being a famous supermodel was really like.
The one and only Claudia Schiffer takes us back to the 90s with her new exhibition in Germany. Named Captivate! Fashion Photography from the 1990s, the exhibition is a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a 90s supermodel.
And as an era defined by its creativity and energy, who better to provide a sneak peek exclusive look into life as a supermodel than one of the decade’s most prominent supermodels.
Claudia Schiffer
Discovered in a 1987 German nightclub, it didn’t take long for the german-born model to become an icon. Known for her resemblance to Brigitte Bardot, the model rose to prominence and fame quickly.
Featured in fashion shows and on television, she became recognised for her regular presence in campaigns and runways for major fashion houses including Versace, Guess, Chanel, Valentino, Balmain and Louis Vuitton.
And it’s safe to say that the 51-year-old-model has a place in fashion history. According to L’OFFICIEL, Schiffer has also been on over 1,000 magazine covers. And she’s by no means limited in her pursuits. Alongside her continued modelling career, the 90s star also spends her time acting, designing and working in business and philanthropy. And now she can add curator to the list.
The Exhibition
Schiffer’s Captivate! is running from September to January 2022 in Germany’s Kunstpalast Düsseldorf. And it only makes sense as this is where the renowned model was first discovered.
The exhibition includes over 150 photos, prints, Polaroids, films and magazine edits. And despite today’s desperate returns and nostalgic revisiting of all things 90s, the exhibition promises an unseen side.
“The 1990s was an extraordinary period, which witnessed the rise of a culture of style, the birth of the supermodel, and fearless creativity.” Schiffer told L’OFFICIEL.
The show features photographs and works from the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Helmut Newton, Peter Lindbergh and Juergen Teller. It’s a time capsule holding all our answers to what life truly looked like as a supermodel at fashion shows and parties in the 90s.
And lucky for us, Schiffer has deep-dived into her own personal collection for the exhibition too. Featured alongside Schiffer are supermodels Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista.
Reflecting on the Past
It’s clear that the counterculture of the 90s is having a certain kind of rebirth in today’s world. 90s fashion is at the forefront of this generation’s trends. And as always, in looking back we move forward.
The exhibition symbolises similarities and changes in today’s fashion industry. Plus it reflects on how the 90s created a strong foundation that has resulted in the progression in modelling and fashion today.
“There was an incredible merging of fields across fashion, music, art, and entertainment and that made the era dynamic, exciting—the impossible became possible.”
So by revisiting the past, Schiffer acknowledges the impact of the 90s and the birth of the supermodel in today’s context. Kate, Naomi, Cindy and Claudia were the original IT girls. They were pre-social media influencers that got caught up in everything the 90s touched.
Everyone knew their names and faces. From on the screen to talk shows to music videos to ads to bedroom posters, these supermodels were era-defining. They even had their own MTV documentary called House of Style which featured behind-the-scenes footage of the supermodels and other make-up artists, photographers and designers.
Schiffer adds, “Today, the idea that a personality or individual can transcend the brands they work with is accepted, but back then it was very new.” And now models are sought after for their style, expression, beliefs and individuality. And they now have a voice, with many having their hands in sustainability, activism, business, music, films and social media.
You can see a trailer of the exhibition here:
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