The Iconic Journey of Kate Moss: A Timeless Supermodel

The Early Years

British supermodel Kate Moss turns 50 today and she remains as much a cultural icon as when she emerged as a breakout star more than three decades ago. South London-born Moss was scouted by a leading model agent at 14, and began appearing in magazines and commercials at 16. As she celebrates her milestone birthday, it's not hard to see why she is still as revered as one of Vogue's favorite cover stars.

A portrait of Kate Moss, shot in 1993 by the fashion photographer Corinne Day, picture on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Scroll through the gallery to see more memorable moments from the supermodel's life and career.

Legendary photographer Corinne Day, who captured Moss for her first Vogue cover in March 1993, recalled her as a cocky kid from Croydon, and envisioned her future fame. Moss's meteoric rise to fame introduced the waifish, 5-foot-7-inch model as the face of the infamous 90s fashion trend 'heroin chic,' a grungy contrast to the glamorous, leggy look popularized by fellow supermodels of the day, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Claudia Schiffer.

Moss walks in Versace's Spring-Summer 1996 Haute Couture collection in Paris.

Moss's off-set appearances captivated the public as much as her polished photoshoots. Her penchant for vintage clothing and unique outfits earned her the label of 'global style icon.' Even appearances at the UK's rain-soaked Glastonbury festival started trends, solidifying her influence in fashion and pop culture.

Moss and her then-boyfriend Pete Doherty are seen on the third day of the Glastonbury Music Festival in 2005.

Rise to Fame

Kate Moss's iconic status was cemented through fronting campaigns for high-end fashion houses including Burberry, Chanel, and Calvin Klein. Throughout her long and storied career, she has graced over 40 covers of British Vogue, solidifying her place as a fashion icon.

Moss and fashion designer Marc Jacobs attend the 2009 Met Gala in New York City.

Renowned photographer David Bailey explained Moss's success, attributing it to her unique beauty that has a universal appeal. Her ability to transcend traditional beauty standards and capture the imagination of the public has made her a timeless figure in the fashion industry.

Kate Moss and Jamie Hince pose with bridesmaids after getting married on July 1, 2011 in Southrop, England.

Moss's life has been marked by tabloid speculation, including high-profile romances with Johnny Depp, magazine editor Jefferson Hack, and The Libertines frontman Pete Doherty. Her alleged drug use led to the loss of lucrative modeling contracts, but she later rebounded and climbed Forbes magazine's list of the world's highest-paid models.

Moss arrives for a screening of the movie "Loving" at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.

Legacy and Influence

After officially retiring from the runway in 2004, Moss ventured into entrepreneurship by setting up her own modeling agency and wellness brand, Cosmoss. Her enduring influence in pop culture is evident through her appearances in music videos for artists like Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, and Primal Scream, solidifying her place in pop culture history.

Moss walks the runway during Louis Vuitton's Fall-Winter menswear 2018 show in Paris.

Moss has been immortalized in gold by artist Marc Quinn and painted by Lucian Freud. Her impact extends beyond fashion, as her influence in music and art has further solidified her status as a cultural icon.

Moss poses on the runway during Fendi's Spring-Summer 2021 Haute Couture show in Paris.

Her journey, marked by triumphs and challenges, has established her as a timeless supermodel whose influence transcends the boundaries of the fashion industry. From her early days as a breakout star to her enduring legacy, Kate Moss continues to inspire and captivate generations.

Moss testifies via video link during the Depp vs. Heard defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia, in 2022. Actor Johnny Depp sued ex-wife Amber Heard for libel after she wrote an op-ed piece in 2018 referring to herself as a public figure representing domestic abuse.