The term supermodel refers to a highly-paid élite fashion model who usually has a worldwide reputation and often a background in haute couture and commercial modeling. The term took hold in the popular culture of the 1980s and 1990s. Supermodels usually work for top fashion designers and labels. They have multi-million dollar contracts, endorsements and campaigns. They have branded themselves as household names and worldwide recognition is associated with their modeling careers.Supermodel by Heidi Klum randomhouse.com. Retrieved July 22, 2007.Model Citizens ew.com. Retrieved July 22, 2007.New Model Army by Kate Patrick, The Scotsman May 21, 2005 online retrieved July 7, 2006 They have been on the covers of various magazines. Claudia Schiffer stated, "In order to become a supermodel one must be on all the covers all over the world at the same time so that people can recognise the girls."Is the Supermodel Dead? And Should She Return? Retrieved September 14, 2007.The supermodel is dead, says Claudia Schiffer source:thisislondon.co.uk. Retrieved September 17, 2007. First-name recognition is a solid indication of supermodel status in the fashion industry.

Origins of term and first supermodel

According to Model: The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women by Michael Gross, the first known use of the term "supermodel" was in the 1940s by an agent named Clyde Matthew Dessner in a 1943 "how-to" book he wrote about modeling. However, a writer named Judith Cass used the term prior to Dessner in October 1942 for her article in the Chicago Tribune, which headlined "Super Models are Signed for Fashion Show".

The term "supermodel" had been used several times in the media in the late 1960s and mid-1970s. In May 1967 The Salisbury Daily Times referred to Twiggy as a supermodel; the February 1968 article of Glamour magazine listed all 19 "supermodels"; the Chicago Daily Defender wrote "New York Designer Turns Super Model" in January 1970; The Washington Post and Mansfield News Journal used the term in 1971; and in 1974 both the Chicago Tribune and The Advocate also used the term "supermodel" in their articles.BarryPopik.com Supermodel July 25, 2004 American Vogue used the term "supermodel" on the cover page to describe Margaux Hemingway in the September 1, 1975 edition.