HOW THE ORIGINAL SUPERS STILL REIGN SUPREME
Twenty years later and they look as good as ever
The women who coined the title “supermodel” in the ’90s took to the stage last week to prove they’ve still got it – and then some. Bringing new meaning to the term “Golden Girls”, Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Helena Christensen looked flawless as they walked the catwalk for Versace’s S/S18 collection. The icons sent the FROW into a frenzy – and no doubt left Gigi, Bella et al quaking in their heels. Here’s how these original supers still get that goddess look...
CARLA BRUNI
When you’re the wife of the former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, the pressure is on to look good. Carla, 49, has said, “When I am 40lbs overweight, I don’t even look fat – I just look ugly.” She now swears by her personal trainer, Julie Imperiali, who also works with Carla’s husband. Carla focuses on training that helps her look “willowy”, and Julie says Carla’s food secret is being sensible. “She likes good food and beer,” reveals Julie. “But she never overindulges.”
CLAUDIA SCHIFFER
The reason we all dyed our hair blonde as teenagers is now 47 and sticks to healthy meals, without snacking. She starts the day with “an espresso followed by eggs” and credits “Pilates with my trainer David Higgins, and yoga at home” for keeping that model bod. Claudia also enjoys “walks with our dogs and tennis”, but that doesn’t mean the German Love Actually star doesn’t indulge. Her guilty pleasures are “chocolate and martinis” and her favourite meal is “curry sausages with French fries and great red wine.”
Cindy Crawford
Considering her 16-year-old daughter is already a model, some of this has to be down to genes – but not all. Cindy, 51, recently said of her healthy lifestyle, “I start out with a protein shake. That gets me through with very even energy… I have a salad for lunch. I feel better with protein so I like a salad with fish or chicken.” She also hits the gym, saying, “I work out with my trainer, Sarah Hagaman, three mornings a week. We do circuit training for the whole body using weights, some machines, plus lunges and squats.”
naomi Campbell
Back in 1999, Naomi, 47, infamously declared, “I never diet. I smoke. I drink now and then. I never work out,” but things have changed. The model recently discussed her devotion to the Master Cleanse, which involves consuming nothing but maple syrup, cayenne pepper, lemon juice and water. She says, “I do [the] detox two to three times a year. I think you need to keep your colon clean, it’s important for your health.” Naomi is a devoted yoga fan but says, “I’ve tried the gym and it doesn’t work for me.”
Helena Christensen
As well as modelling, Helena, 48, is now a photographer and designer, but she still makes time for exercise. “I started doing sports around 30,” says the Danish star, who loves swimming and outdoor running. “I wanted to feel more toned. I hate endurance sports, it would be impossible for me to run a marathon. I love the intense sports, such as boxing or sprint.” When it comes to diet, Helena is into “eating healthily all year round”, but she recommends “drinking tons of water – and no carbs!”