Christy Turlington's Underrated ’80s American Runway Moments
The icon and former L’OFFICIEL cover star's walks at the likes of Perry Ellis and Calvin Klein are not to be overlooked.
Christy Turlington’s legacy in fashion is nothing short of iconic.
As one of the "original six" supermodels that reigned in the 1990s, Turlington was key in defining an era of glamour and sophistication on the runway through her beauty and timeless poise. Her presence on the runway was unparalleled, exuding a graceful elegance that captivated designers and audiences alike. A show where Turlington walked usually meant it was going to be a great one, if not from the clothes than at least through the entertainment from the runway. From her ethereal walk at Valentino to her powerful strut for Versace, Turlington embodied the transformative spirit of the era, seamlessly transitioning from one catwalk to another.
Her earlier runway moments in the 1980s laid the foundation for the fashion legend status she holds today. After all, she was discovered around 13 years old and signed with Ford Models in 1984, boosting her arrival onto the scene. Whether later gliding down the catwalk in Karl Lagerfeld’s visionary designs for Chanel or radiating glamour in Alaïa’s sculptural creations, Turlington brought a unique blend of strength and femininity to every look starting in the '80s. She wasn’t just modeling clothes—she was telling a story, elevating each collection with her innate ability to embody the designer’s vision. While many of her most famous walks came at European fashion houses, her displays on the catwalks of American designers are often underrated.
The 56-year-old's influence remains steadfast, even as fashion evolves across its ages and as changed priorities. Old photos of the model offer a peak back into another time and another version of the fashion world. Keep scrolling for iconic shots of Turlington on the runways of American designers in the 1980s, from Perry Ellis to Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs.
