Yesteryears' supermodels are back in vogue

London, August 2 : The supermodels who took the world by storm in the early 1990s are back in fashion, with Linda Evangelista, 43, being the new face of the autumn/winter Prada collection.

Naomi Campbell is starring in the new Yves Saint Laurent campaign, while Christie Turlington is the most recent face of Escada.

Claudia Schiffer is also said to be modelling for Salvatore Ferragamo.

Carol White, managing editor of Premiership Model Management, says that the return of the supermodels may be partly attributed to the need to appeal to those who have more disposable income - generally older women - and the need to have models who are instantly recognisable when there is less cash to splash.

"In times of financial instability, brands go for top quality; they want to sell dreams. There is much more punch with a girl like Linda than a beautiful face from Ukraine," Times Online quoted her as saying.

"Over the past four or five years we've seen an influx of beautiful but bland girls from Eastern Europe. Today, fashion brands are looking to spice things up with strong personalities and iconic women," she added.

Carol highlighted the fact that the fashion industry realised the value of "the Supers" during the 1991 recession.

"Our agency looked after every single one of the supermodels and we weren't affected at all. In fact, they were doing better than ever. These models get people shopping," she said.

Sophie Baudrand, bookings editor at Vogue, sees sense in using the supermodels.

"They were elevated to such a status that, still, customers have an instant relationship with them," she said.

Stefano Pilati, creative director at Yves Saint Laurent, feels that the supermodels' experience and professionalism is also securing them jobs.

"Today there are beautiful girls, but they don't have that attitude. Now I realise how perfect Naomi is in my clothes. The clothes, they hang differently, they move differently, they come to you," he said while explaining his decision to use Naomi.

ANI