Linda Evangelista's life in pictures

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Linda Evangelista's life in pictures

Véronique Harvey

Posted: April 16, 2024 | Last updated: April 16, 2024

<p>Linda Evangelista made headlines after revealing the results of cosmetic surgery gone wrong. Known as CoolSculpting, the procedure left the famous model with a disfigured physique far from the body that had everyone talking and fuelled her prolific career in the ’90s. Let’s recapture some of those better times with a look at 20 defining moments in the 57-year-old international model’s life and career.</p>

Instagram @lindaevangelista

Linda Evangelista's life in pictures

Linda Evangelista made headlines after revealing the results of cosmetic surgery gone wrong. Known as CoolSculpting, the procedure left the famous model with a disfigured physique far from the body that had everyone talking and fuelled her prolific career in the ’90s. Let’s recapture some of those better times with a look at 20 defining moments in the 57-year-old international model’s life and career.

Warren Toda/EPA/Shutterstock

Proud Canadian

Linda was born in St. Catherines, Ontario, to modest Italian immigrants in 1965. This proud Canadian appreciates her country’s reputation for producing citizens who are kind to everyone and loved everywhere they go. In 2003, Linda received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto.

<p>Linda’s mother (photo) was always her biggest fan. In fact, she’s the one who encouraged Linda to embark on a modelling career, entering her daughter in all of the local beauty contests. Then, in 1981, at the age of 16, Linda was finally recruited by a headhunter from the Elite agency during a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Linda-Evangelista" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miss Teen Niagara beauty contest in Niagara Falls</a>. She then moved to Japan, but returned soon afterward following a traumatic experience. Linda tried her luck again in 1984, this time in Paris, where her career officially took off at the age of 19.</p>

Instagram @lindaevangelista

Early days

Linda’s mother (photo) was always her biggest fan. In fact, she’s the one who encouraged Linda to embark on a modelling career, entering her daughter in all of the local beauty contests. Then, in 1981, at the age of 16, Linda was finally recruited by a headhunter from the Elite agency during a Miss Teen Niagara beauty contest in Niagara Falls. She then moved to Japan, but returned soon afterward following a traumatic experience. Linda tried her luck again in 1984, this time in Paris, where her career officially took off at the age of 19.

Vogue Paris

First cover

In September 1987, the Canadian model made her first appearance on a magazine cover, but not just any magazine: Vogue Paris.

<p>Photographer Peter Lindbergh suggested that Linda cut her hair short in 1988. While the <a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/linda-evangelista-signature-bob-haircut-julien-d-ys" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">new pixie cut by Julien d’Ys</a> (a squared-off brown bob renamed “The Linda”) received less than unanimous praise from the industry at first, everyone was wearing the boyish cut by the following year. The new style also propelled Linda’s career to new heights.</p>

Instagram @lindaevangelista

Influential hairstyle

Photographer Peter Lindbergh suggested that Linda cut her hair short in 1988. While the new pixie cut by Julien d’Ys (a squared-off brown bob renamed “The Linda”) received less than unanimous praise from the industry at first, everyone was wearing the boyish cut by the following year. The new style also propelled Linda’s career to new heights.

<p>Nicknamed “<a href="https://agnautacouture.com/2013/04/14/linda-evangelista-the-chameleon/" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Chameleon</a>” due to her 1,001 hairstyles, Linda changed her look according to the job as well as her mood. Blond, brunette, red, or platinum—the sky was the limit! In fact, celebrated hairstylist <a href="https://www.salonmagazine.ca/legendary-editorial-hairstylist-oribe-canales-passes-away/" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oribe Canales</a> (photo) was never far away in case Linda’s locks needed a touch up.</p>

Instagram @lindaevangelista

Fashion chameleon

Nicknamed “The Chameleon” due to her 1,001 hairstyles, Linda changed her look according to the job as well as her mood. Blond, brunette, red, or platinum—the sky was the limit! In fact, celebrated hairstylist Oribe Canales (photo) was never far away in case Linda’s locks needed a touch up.

<p>Linda Evangelista, along with Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell, are considered the most accomplished and influential models of all time. By the late 1980s, the trio (<a href="https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/03/naomi-campbell-whatsapp-group-dreams-fellow-90s-supermodels-trinity-11261005/" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">nicknamed “The Trinity”</a>) enjoyed more fame than the top actresses and singers. The trio eventually became a quintet, when Cindy Crawford and Tatjana Patitz joined the ranks of the world-renowned models.</p>

Vogue Paris

The Trinity

Linda Evangelista, along with Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell, are considered the most accomplished and influential models of all time. By the late 1980s, the trio (nicknamed “The Trinity”) enjoyed more fame than the top actresses and singers. The trio eventually became a quintet, when Cindy Crawford and Tatjana Patitz joined the ranks of the world-renowned models.

<p>In the October 1990 issue of <em>Vogue</em>, Linda made a statement that has haunted her ever since. “<a href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780191826719.001.0001/q-oro-ed4-00016802" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Redirect CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day</a>.” While she regrets the utterance today, it remains one of the most famous quotes in the history of modelling.</p>

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Famous quote

In the October 1990 issue of Vogue, Linda made a statement that has haunted her ever since. “We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day.” While she regrets the utterance today, it remains one of the most famous quotes in the history of modelling.

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Love life

Linda’s love life has made headlines on three occasions. The first was her marriage to Gérald Marie, CEO of the Elite Europe agency in 1987. That relationship ended in 1993, when she fell for American actor Kyle MacLachlan (photo) with whom she spent five years. Finally, in 1998, Linda began seeing French soccer goalie Fabien Barthez. The couple split following a miscarriage in 2002. A series of minor romances followed, but nothing serious—at least, not serious enough to catch the public’s eye.

<p>Linda Evangelista’s legendary beauty, coupled with her professionalism, made her the face of numerous brands (including <a href="https://www.yesterdaysperfume.com/yesterdays_perfume/2014/02/vintage-perfume-commercial-opium-by-yves-saint-laurent-1986.html" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yves Saint Laurent’s fragrance Opium</a>) and the muse of many designers (namely <a href="https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/these-are-the-models-karl-lagerfeld-worked-with-the-most.html/" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karl Lagerfeld</a>, pictured) and photographers (including Steven Meisel).</p>

Kristin Callahan/Shutterstock

Inspirational muse

Linda Evangelista’s legendary beauty, coupled with her professionalism, made her the face of numerous brands (including Yves Saint Laurent’s fragrance Opium) and the muse of many designers (namely Karl Lagerfeld, pictured) and photographers (including Steven Meisel).

<p>Linda has participated in a multitude of publicity campaigns over the years for such well-known brands as Calvin Klein, Chanel, Chloé, Hermès, Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, and Dior. She’s best known, however, as one of the first faces of the <a href="https://www.stylebistro.com/The+Famous+Faces+of+Revlon/articles/Z8v3ZLWyqgE/Linda+Evangelista" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Redirect CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">Revlon cosmetics company</a>, with whom she signed a contract in 1990.</p>

Revlon

Face of Revlon

Linda has participated in a multitude of publicity campaigns over the years for such well-known brands as Calvin Klein, Chanel, Chloé, Hermès, Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, and Dior. She’s best known, however, as one of the first faces of the Revlon cosmetics company, with whom she signed a contract in 1990.

<p>Linda appeared in two of good friend George Michael’s music videos, “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diYAc7gB-0A&ab_channel=georgemichaelVEVO" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freedom! ’90</a>” (photo) and “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQ2DVwSVIIo&ab_channel=georgemichaelVEVO" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">Too Funky</a>.”</p>

Blackmagic Design

Anything for George!

Linda appeared in two of good friend George Michael’s music videos, “Freedom! ’90” (photo) and “Too Funky.”

<p>Linda has appeared on over 700 magazine covers, including those of <em>Vogue</em>, <em>Harper’s Bazaar</em>,<em> Cosmopolitan</em>,<em> Glamour</em>,<em> Mademoiselle</em>,<em> Elle</em>, <em>W</em>,<em> Marie Claire</em>,<em> Allure</em>, and <em>Rolling Stone</em>. In April 1992, she was one of 10 models featured on a special 100th-anniversary edition of <em>Vogue, </em>to date the best-selling issue worldwide.</p>

Vogue Paris

Cover girl

Linda has appeared on over 700 magazine covers, including those of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Elle, W, Marie Claire, Allure, and Rolling Stone. In April 1992, she was one of 10 models featured on a special 100th-anniversary edition of Vogue, to date the best-selling issue worldwide.

<p>Linda compared working as a model to being a <a href="https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/lifestyle/looking-good-takes-a-model-lifestyle-28008748.html" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Redirect CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">professional athlete</a>. In an interview for the magazine <em>i-D</em>, she stated, “On days when I do not work, I am working on my image. I have to hit the gym. I have beauty appointments. I have to work towards my next job and to maintaining my image, just like an athlete.”</p>

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Elite athlete

Linda compared working as a model to being a professional athlete. In an interview for the magazine i-D, she stated, “On days when I do not work, I am working on my image. I have to hit the gym. I have beauty appointments. I have to work towards my next job and to maintaining my image, just like an athlete.”

<p>Linda participated in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5078372/" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Casablancas, l’homme qui aimait les femmes (Casablancas: The Man Who Loved Women)</em></a>, a documentary about John Casablancas, founder of the Elite agency, creator of top models, and without whom she would not have enjoyed such fame.</p>

Realitism Films

Thanks, John!

Linda participated in Casablancas, l’homme qui aimait les femmes (Casablancas: The Man Who Loved Women), a documentary about John Casablancas, founder of the Elite agency, creator of top models, and without whom she would not have enjoyed such fame.

Kenar

Dedicated activist

Linda has also been a passionate activist for HIV and AIDS research and awareness. In the early 1990s, she also participated in a huge publicity campaign for the brand Kenar. Despite being harshly criticized, the image plastered across billboards throughout New York drew attention and heightened awareness of the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Miquel Benitez/Shutterstock

Retirement

Linda announced her retirement in 1998, but in 2001, returned to work occasionally for her favourite brands Dolce and Gabbana and Versace. She made her final appearance on the catwalk during Dior’s 60th anniversary in July 2007. We can still see Linda in magazines and at certain social events.

<p>At the 1997 <a href="https://medium.com/fashion-beauty-models-style-trends/linda-evangelista-the-perfect-model-51abf5458a4e" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">VH1 Fashion and Music Awards</a>, Linda received a Lifetime Achievement Award in honour of her entire modelling career. Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of <em>Vogue</em> magazine, presented Linda with the statuette.</p>

Charles Sykes/Shutterstock

Lifetime achievement

At the 1997 VH1 Fashion and Music Awards, Linda received a Lifetime Achievement Award in honour of her entire modelling career. Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, presented Linda with the statuette.

<p>This iconic photo, snapped by photographer Peter Lindbergh and featuring Estelle Lefébure, Karen Alexander, Rachel Williams, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, and Christy Turlington, left its mark on the world of fashion photography. In 2016, Sotheby’s auctioned it off for <a href="https://fashionweekdaily.com/sothebys-sells-over-2-million-of-fashion-photographers-work/" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">$118,462</a>.</p>

Sotheby s

Defining photo

This iconic photo, snapped by photographer Peter Lindbergh and featuring Estelle Lefébure, Karen Alexander, Rachel Williams, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, and Christy Turlington, left its mark on the world of fashion photography. In 2016, Sotheby’s auctioned it off for $118,462.

<p>In 2006, Linda gave birth to Augustin James Evangelista, the product of a short relationship with François-Henri Pinault, the French billionaire and head of a luxury empire (Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga). He is currently married to Salma Hayek. Linda once stated that the birth of her son <a href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780191826719.001.0001/q-oro-ed4-00016802" class="atom_link atom_valid CMY_Link CMY_Redirect CMY_Valid" rel="noreferrer noopener">finally helped her feel complete</a>.</p>

Instagram @lindaevangelista

Augie

In 2006, Linda gave birth to Augustin James Evangelista, the product of a short relationship with François-Henri Pinault, the French billionaire and head of a luxury empire (Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga). He is currently married to Salma Hayek. Linda once stated that the birth of her son finally helped her feel complete.

Instagram @lindaevangelista

Erasa Skincare

In 2016, Linda was named vice-president and creative director for Erasa Skincare anti-aging products. She uses the brand’s XEP-30 religiously and believes it to be more effective than Botox.

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