Full Name: Linda Evangelista
Date of Birth: May 10, 1965
Place of Birth: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Nationality: Canadian
Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
Occupation: Supermodel
Years Active: 1984–present
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Linda Evangelista was born in St. Catharines, Ontario, to an Italian-Canadian family. She developed an interest in modeling as a teenager and attended John Casablancas’s modeling school in Toronto. Her breakthrough came in 1984 when she signed with Elite Model Management and moved to New York City.
Rise to Supermodel Status
During the late 1980s and 1990s, Evangelista became one of the most sought-after models in the world. She was part of the elite group of “Original Supermodels”, alongside Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and Kate Moss.
Career Highlights:
- Featured on over 700 magazine covers, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Marie Claire.
- Famously said, “We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day,” defining the luxury and exclusivity of the supermodel era.
- Known for her ever-changing hairstyles, often cutting and dyeing her hair for fashion campaigns.
- Walked for Chanel, Versace, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, and Givenchy.
- One of the muses of photographer Peter Lindbergh, who helped define the ’90s supermodel era.
- Appeared in the iconic 1990 “Freedom! ’90” music video by George Michael alongside fellow supermodels.
Challenges & Comeback
In the early 2000s, Evangelista took a step back from modeling but made a comeback in 2008, appearing in major campaigns for Prada, Fendi, and Chanel.
In 2021, she revealed that she had undergone a CoolSculpting procedure that left her with paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), a rare side effect that caused her body to develop hard, fatty lumps. This led her to live in seclusion for several years, but she made a triumphant return in 2023, appearing on the cover of Vogue and speaking openly about her experience.
Personal Life
- Was in a relationship with Gerald Marie, a modeling agency executive, in the 1980s.
- Had a son, Augustin James Evangelista, in 2006 with billionaire François-Henri Pinault (who later married Salma Hayek).
- Active in charity work, including fundraising for breast cancer awareness and HIV/AIDS research.
Legacy & Influence
Linda Evangelista is regarded as one of the greatest fashion models of all time, praised for her versatility, iconic beauty, and professionalism. Her ability to transform her look and set trends made her an industry favorite. Even in her 50s, she remains a symbol of high fashion and resilience.
