Linda Evangelista is an iconic figure of 90s fashion and style. She is regarded as one of the most successful and influential models of all time. Her beauty and flawless figure captivated everyone, earning admiration from colleagues and adoration from men. Learn more about her life and career in this article on edmontonka.com.
Early Steps in Modeling
Linda was born on May 10, 1965, in the small town of St. Catharines, Ontario, to parents Marisa and Tommaso. Her mother worked as an accountant, and her father was employed at a major automotive corporation. At the age of 12, Linda started attending modeling school and soon made her debut on the runway. At 15, she won the Miss Niagara beauty contest and caught the eye of an agent from Elite Model Management, one of the world’s leading modeling agencies.
In 1981, Linda moved to New York City, driven by her dream of a professional modeling career, and signed her first contract with Elite Model Management. By 1984, she was sent to Paris, where she gained recognition in the fashion industry by appearing on the cover of French Vogue. This led to work with other prestigious publications, including Glamour and Rolling Stone. In 1988, Linda made a bold move by adopting a boyish haircut at the suggestion of renowned photographer Peter Lindbergh. The new look, contrasting sharply with the glamorous hairstyles of the time, temporarily cost her appearances in major shows but ultimately propelled her back to magazine covers within months.
Career Development
Linda became known for her dramatic transformations, changing hairstyles and hair colors to better fit the demands of the camera. Her bold changes solidified her status as one of the most influential models of the 90s. Alongside Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell, she ruled the fashion world. Her earnings were staggering; in one of her most famous statements, she quipped that she wouldn’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day—a line that became part of fashion history.
In 1989, she became the face of Versace and was named one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People in 1990. She graced the cover of Vogue’s 100th issue in 1992 and worked with luxury brands such as Chanel, Christian Dior, and Versace. Over her career, Linda appeared on the covers of over 600 prestigious magazines. She briefly retired from modeling in 1998, only to make a successful return later.
Personal Life
Linda Evangelista’s personal life was as eventful as her career. She attracted countless admirers, many of whom professed their love and were willing to do anything for her. In 1987, she married Gérald Marie, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1993. She then entered a six-year relationship with Kyle MacLachlan, which also culminated in a breakup.
In 1998, Linda began a relationship with footballer Fabien Barthez. She later announced her pregnancy, but tragically, she suffered a miscarriage in the sixth month. In 2006, at the age of 41, Linda revealed she was expecting again but kept the father’s identity a secret. Her son, Augustin James Evangelista, was born on October 11. In 2011, Linda disclosed that the father was billionaire François-Henri Pinault, who had allegedly pressured her to terminate the pregnancy.
Challenges and Resilience
In 2021, Linda shocked her fans and colleagues by revealing that her body had been permanently disfigured. In 2016, she underwent a cryolipolysis procedure, which unexpectedly led to paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, a rare side effect causing fat cells to grow instead of shrink. This condition affects approximately 1 in 20,000 patients and left Linda with uneven fat growth.
Adding to her struggles, Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2018 and underwent a double mastectomy. In 2022, she discovered another tumor and underwent further treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation.
Despite her health challenges, Linda made a triumphant return to the fashion world. She graced the runway at Fendi’s 2022 New York Fashion Week show, her first in 15 years, earning widespread applause. That same year, she appeared on the cover of Vogue and joined Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford in the 2023 series The Supermodels.
Legacy and Impact
Despite the trials she has faced, Linda Evangelista continues to conquer the fashion industry, inspiring millions with her resilience and grace.