Remembering ‘80s Icon and Supermodel Gia Carangi

Captivating the entire world, Gia Carangi became an ‘80s icon that is remembered for shaking up the industry and defining an era.

One of the word's first supermodels, Gia Carangi was a rule-breaker and trendsetter known for her fiery personality. Since the very beginning of her career, she defied stereotypes with her edgy and bold attitude. Carangi was not afraid to express herself, both in her work and personal life, as she was open about her sexuality and often adopted an androgynous style.

Although her career as a model was somewhat short-lived due to her drug abuse, which ultimately led to her death at age 26, she disrupted late ‘70s and early ‘80s fashion, impacting the modeling industry with her unique and mesmerizing looks. At one point, Carangi was the highest-paid model, and she worked with luxury labels including Versace and Dior and renowned photographers like Richard Avedon.

Her story is one of drama and tragedy, which was retold by actress Angelina Jolie in the 1988 film Gia. A 1993 biography, Thing of Beauty, also chronicles Carangi's rise to supermodel status and unfortunate fall from grace.

On what would have been her 63rd birthday, L’OFFICIEL remembers Carangi through some of her most iconic moments, from her early days of modeling to her last photo.

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Carangi got her start in modeling as a teen, going to New York City and gaining the attention of Wilhelmina Cooper, who signed her at 17-years-old.

Showcasing her natural beauty, Carangi goes makeup-less. Into the ‘80s, she was often photographed with the full glam of the era.

Carangi models an elegant lace midi dress with black stilettos to match.

The model wears a head-to-toe pink monochrome look with a flower-patterned robe.

Carangi poses fully nude alongside Sandy Linter for photographer Chris von Wagenheim. The bold image helped skyrocket her career to worldwide recognition.

Photographed outdoors, Carangi strikes a suggestive pose.

In an off-shoulder black dress, Carangi looks polished for a photoshoot.

The model’s effortless beauty and piercing smile separate her from other models of her time.

Carangi breaks stereotypical barriers with her androgynous style.

Carangi shows off a bold beauty look with pink cheeks and purple eyeshadow.

The model smolders in a triple-layered pearl necklace.

A close-up pictures Carangi with glossed lips and shimmery, purple eye-shadow.

In a belted, asymmetrical bodysuit, Carangi poses alongside two male models for Versace.

Carangi rocks the edgy look with a staple black leather jacket.

The supermodel wears a Calvin Klein dress with an eye-catching plunging V-neck.

In a black and white striped blazer, Carangi shows off more of her androgynous look.

Carangi models a spring look in a bright yellow fuzzy sweater and plain white trousers.

Lensed in 1986, the year she died, this is one of the last modeling photos of Carangi. Her look for the image is quintessential ‘80s in a power suit and voluminous hair.