The 67-year-old, who shot to fame in the 1970s after being discovered by a photographer and went on to become one of the most successful and coveted faces in the modelling industry,
says she will defy anyone who claims she didn’t originally came up with the word in 1982 during a conversation with her manager.
She told Queerty: “I stand by it because I coined the word. You know, there are of course other supermodels that were before me, but I said to my agent back in 1982, with the Elite agency. “She said, ‘You are working night and day, day and night, who do you think you are? Superman?’ “And I said, ‘No honey, I’m Supermodel. And you’ll refer to me as Supermodel.’ So we started a supermodel division that only took girls that did catalogue, runway, editorial, advertising, and spokesperson.”
While Janice remains adamant the term originated from her, it’s been proven the word has been around since the 1940s, with writer Judith Cass using it in her Chicago Tribune article ‘Super Models are Signed for Fashion Show’ in 1942.
As an expert in the field of fashion and modeling, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the historical context surrounding the term 'supermodel.' My expertise is rooted in extensive research and a keen interest in the evolution of the modeling industry.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
Janice Dickinson's Claim:
Janice Dickinson asserts that she coined the term 'supermodel' in 1982 during a conversation with her manager at the Elite agency.
She insists that she used the term to describe her status in the modeling industry, emphasizing her versatility in catalog, runway, editorial, advertising, and spokesperson roles.
Historical Context:
The article mentions that Janice Dickinson's claim is contested by evidence indicating the term existed before 1982. Specifically, it references a Chicago Tribune article titled 'Super Models are Signed for Fashion Show,' written by Judith Cass in 1942.
This evidence challenges Janice Dickinson's assertion, suggesting that the term 'supermodel' was in use several decades before her claim in 1982.
Janice Dickinson's Fame:
The article highlights Janice Dickinson's rise to fame in the 1970s after being discovered by a photographer. She became one of the most successful and coveted faces in the modeling industry during that era.
Creation of a Supermodel Division:
Janice Dickinson mentions that after coining the term, she and her agent started a supermodel division at the Elite agency. This division specifically represented models involved in various facets of the industry, including catalog, runway, editorial, advertising, and spokesperson roles.
In conclusion, while Janice Dickinson claims to have coined the term 'supermodel' in 1982, historical evidence suggests the term was used as early as the 1940s. This discrepancy raises questions about the true origin of the term and invites further exploration into the linguistic and cultural aspects of the modeling industry during different periods.
Origins. An early use of the term supermodel appeared in 1891, in an interview with artist Henry Stacy Marks for The Strand Magazine, in which Marks told journalist Harry How, "A good many models are addicted to drink, and, after sitting a while, will suddenly go to sleep. Then I have had what I call the 'super' model.
John Casablancas (December 12, 1942 – July 20, 2013) was an American modeling agent and scout who founded Elite Model Management. Casablancas is remembered for his development of the supermodel concept.
Supermodels generally work for high-end brands and on the runway. Catalogue, parts, glamour and fitness models are not considered supermodels because they are not generally well-known or rich enough. Most supermodels were 'scouted' by a modelling agency; this means they were spotted by a modelling agency employer.
Her name is actually Lesley Lawson but everyone knows her as Twiggy, the first English super-model. She was born in London and became uber famous in the swinging sixties because of her thin figure, her androgynous look, and her very large eyes.
While Dickinson claims to have coined the term supermodel in 1979, and to be the first "supermodel", the word already was known in the 1940s. The writer Judith Cass used the term in 1942 in her Chicago Tribune article "Super Models are Signed for Fashion Show".
The term 'supermodel' itself was first used in 1891 in Strand Magazine by artist Henry Marks in The Strand Magazine when discussing the work ethic of models. One of the first publications to use the term 'supermodel' was Cosmopolitan magazine when discussing Anita Colby – the highest paid model at that time.
Though many claimed to have coined the term, notably the 1970s model Janice Dickinson, the first recorded use of the word was in a 1948 book, So You Want to Be a Model! by a small-time model agent named Clyde Matthew Dessner.
Audrey Marie Munson (June 8, 1891 – February 20, 1996) was an American artist's model and film actress, considered to be "America's first supermodel." In her time, she was variously known as "Miss Manhattan", the "Panama–Pacific Girl", the "Exposition Girl" and "American Venus." She was the model or inspiration for ...
Apple TV+ docuseries looks back at the successes and setbacks of an era's foremost faces of fashion: Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. Linda Evangelista (from left), Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington share a photo shoot on “The Super Models.”
The '90s was the golden age of supermodels. In this decade, we saw the rise of the “Big Six,” a.k.a. the most bookable names in the industry: Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, and Christy Turlington.
Twiggy is one of the first international supermodels and a fashion icon of the 1960s. Her greatest influence is Jean Shrimpton, whom Twiggy considers to be the world's first supermodel.
Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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