Kate Moss single-handedly revolutionized the world of high-fashion by dominating the industry as the anti-supermodel. Moss was first discovered at just 15-years-old in New York City at John F. Kennedy Airport, while returning from a Jamaican vacation. While waiting to board the airplane back home England she was approached by the founder of Storm Model Management, Sarah Doukas. Doukas became mesmerized by the 5 foot 6 (and a half) blonde and her pin-thin frame.
Her first appearance in front of the camera came shortly after when Moss was photographed by Corinne Day for the British publication
The Face. The shoot was title “The Third Summer of Love” and each photo was done in black and white print.
Right around this time was the era of the supermodels. The super tall, curvaceous, bombshells ruled the fashion scene. Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington were all household names during the 90s.
These lovely ladies all stood at least 5 foot 9 and resembled Barbie dolls with their long luscious locks and healthy perfectly proportioned bodies. Moss may have began her career at possibly the toughest time of all for someone who was considerably shorter and significantly less full-figured than the rest of the notable models at this time, but it didn’t stop her from giving her all.
In 1993 Kate’s first major campaign debuted for Calvin Klein, where she was first showcased in underwear and a somewhat revealing tank top, which caused an uproar for her signature waif look. Moss shook off the eating-disorder speculations and simply responded, “What can you say? How many times can you say, I’m not anorexic?”
Her hard-shelled exterior and partying ways could very well have been what helped Moss surpass the negative press. Whatever she did it worked wonders as Kate continued to develop into not only an unexpected supermodel, but also an international fashion icon. Soon after making it big, the Council of Fashion Designer of America honored Kate with their Influence Award right around the same time that Vanity Fair celebrated her on their international Best Dressed list. Along with actress Sienna Miller, Kate was credited with creating the style of boho-chic.
In September of 2006 Vanity Fair used Kate as their cover girl and showcased her fabulous individual fashion sense in their style issue. Moss was acknowledged for popularizing numerous fashion trends from Ugg boots and cutoffs to more specific items including ballet flats, Vivienne Westwood pirate boots, skinny jeans, waistcoats, Alexander McQueen’s skull scarf, Louis Vuitton’s sprouse leopard cashmere scarf, and the Balenciaga handbag. As of recently, Moss has helped add approval to current trends like high-waisted styles and waist-cinching belts.
Throughout her high-profile relationships, beyond prosperous career and wild personal life, Moss has experienced one of the most-successful modeling careers of all time. As of 2008, Forbes had named Kate the second highest-paid supermodel, after Gisele Bundchen, for bringing in just under $9 million last year. Much of her colossal income came from substantial ad campaigns for leading companies including Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Calvin Klein, Roberto Cavalli, Chanel, Missoni, Longchamp, David Yurman, Dior, Yves Saint Lauren, Burberry, Stella McCartney, Rimmel, Bvlgari and ELLUS.
When she wasn’t shooting prominent campaigns, she spent the majority of her time behind the camera working magazine covers, for which she has a total of well over 300 of throughout her career. United States, United Kingdom and French Vogue, Vanity Fair, The Face, and 17 issues of W magazines are all among this abundant list. It is no wonder that W has officially named Moss its muse.
Although it may be shocking that Moss has any spare time outside of her extremely hectic modeling schedule, she does find the time to do other projects including her most recent venture of fashion design. Kate has teamed up with stylist Katy England to design a self-titled line for trendy British boutique Topshop. “I love clothes,” Kate said. “I know how clothes should fit and feel. When I would go to shoots, stylists would say to me, “You really should do something. You should take it another step. But it never felt right until I met Philip and the whole atmosphere of Topshop.”
She has also appeared in music videos for Primal Scream, the White Stripes, Robbie Williams, Elton John and Johnny Cash. Kate made a quick cameo in the film “Unzipped”. She has also acted as a guest-editor for French Vogue.
The 35-year-old is currently dating Jamie Hince of the rock duo The Kills. She has previously been engaged to Johnny Depp and Pete Doherty (former Libertines band-member.) She also has a daughter Lila Grace Moss, who she had with the editor of Dazed & Confused, Jefferson Hack. Moss is also the godmother to the daughter of close friend Sadie Frost and Jude Law, as well as the two sons of Paul Simonon, member of the band The Clash.
Kate dedicates the remainder of her free time to charity work. She is a big supporter of Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s charity and even appeared on their t-shirt campaign back in the 1990s. Moss also works with War Child Charity and designed a necklace for Wallis in 2007, which helped to aid cancer research in the United Kingdom. “I am happy to give my support to help crucial research as so many lives are affected by this terrible disease,” Moss said.
A charity that is very close to Kate’s heart, SamandRuby, was launched with the help of Moss back in 2006. SamandRuby was named after a friend of Kate’s, Samantha Archer Fayet and her 6-month-old daughter Ruby Rose who were both killer by the Tsunami while visiting Thailand. The organization helps to provide funding for the education and shelter of Thai children.
Moss also works with dear friend Elton John’s AIDS Foundation, The Hoping Foundation, The Lucie Blackman Trust, Make Poverty History, Comic Relief and Homes of Hope!
As of May of this year it was announced that Moss is currently penning an autobiography, which will encompass all of the details of her nearly 21-year-career. She also continues to work with top modeling agencies IMG, Marilyn Agency and Storm Model Management, the agency that helped begin her career.
“They portray me as all these crazy things and I’m so not like that,” Moss said. “I don’t have entourages. I’m as normal as you can get in this lifestyle.”
She might not have had much time to prep for her wedding, but Khloe Kardashian still managed to find the perfect white wedding dress for her marriage to L.A. Lakers player Lamar Odom this past Sunday.The wedding of Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom draws a wide variety of celebrities to the event. The wedding was held at a private estate in Beverly Hills.
