Linda Evangelista: From Icon to Disfigured, and Back Again
Model morphs into socialite-turned-activist, Linda Evangelista, in provocative photoshoot.
In the world of high fashion, Linda Evangelista was a chameleon, adapting and evolving to become one of the most iconic supermodels of the 80s and 90s. With a career that saw her walk the runways of the biggest luxury brands, grace the covers of countless magazines, and star in music videos alongside George Michael, she was unstoppable. But a botched beauty treatment took a brutal toll on her, disfiguring her face and limiting her public appearances for years. Now, at 60, she's back with a vengeance.
Born in St. Catharines, Ontario, to Italian immigrants, Evangelista's passion for fashion was evident from a young age. She enrolled in a modeling school at 12, and less than a year later, she was signed by Elite Model Management. Her international career took flight as she established herself in New York and Paris.
Rising to the Top
In 1987, she graced the cover of French Vogue, but it wasn't until the following year that she truly made her mark. Following the advice of photographer Peter Lindbergh, Evangelista radically changed her look, chopping her hair short and challenging contemporary beauty norms. Despite losing jobs due to the new style, she quickly rebounded, setting a new standard for a fresh, androgynous look.
This change proved to be a breakthrough, as major brands like Versace and Revlon signed her to be their face. In 1990, she struck gold with an iconic cover featuring her alongside Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford, marking a new era of supermodels dominating the fashion industry.
That same year, Evangelista and her fellow supermodels starred in George Michael's "Freedom! '90" music video, making them household names and cementing their status as brands in their own right.
The Fall and Resurrection
Throughout the 90s, Evangelista was a fixture at shows for Chanel, Hermès, and other luxury labels. She redefined herself time and time again, earning the nickname "Chameleon." However, her brash and bold statements also earned her criticism and controversy.
In 1990, she infamously said, "We don't get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day." Though she has since distanced herself from that statement, it has become a defining quote of her career. Despite the end of the classic supermodel era in the late 90s, Evangelista remained in the spotlight, appearing in documentaries and even having a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
However, in 2016, Evangelista retreated from the public eye. Years later, in 2020, she revealed that she had been severely disfigured by a cosmetic cold treatment for fat reduction. As a result of the treatment, she suffered from Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), a rare side effect where the treated fat cells grow larger and multiply, eventually leading to visible distortion.
After years of struggles with her disfigured face and the emotional trauma it caused, Evangelista secured a $50 million settlement from the makers of the treatment. Though she continues to face personal challenges, she made a comeback at the 2021 Met Gala, looking as elegant as ever in a white dress.
Sources: ntv.de, Benno Schwinghammer, dpa, [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
Insights
- Evangelista's disfigurement from a cosmetic treatment known as CoolSculpting resulted in a rare side effect called Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), which caused her severe emotional trauma and a profound impact on her mental health.
- Evangelista has faced additional health challenges, including breast cancer diagnoses over recent years.
- In 2020, Evangelista secured a $50 million settlement with the makers of CoolSculpting due to the permanent disfigurement caused by the procedure.
In the realm of pop-culture and entertainment, Linda Evangelista's disfigured face after a botched cosmetic treatment pales in comparison to her indomitable spirit. Despite the setbacks, she secured a $50 million settlement from the makers of CoolSculpting in 2020.
Cindy Crawford, a fellow 90s supermodel, and celebrities across the entertainment industry have remained supportive of Evangelista following her ordeal, acknowledging her significant contributions to the fashion industry.
Post-settlement, Evangelista has been making a comeback, gracing the red carpet of the 2021 Met Gala with her elegant presence, proving that she is still a force to be reckoned with.
In the aftermath of her struggle, Evangelista's story serves as a reminder of the challenges celebrities face, even in the glamorous world of high fashion and supermodels.
