Claudia Schiffer on Curating a Show of 1990s Photos—and What the Supermodel Life Was Really Like

There was also the luxury of time; budgets were much bigger and a location shoot could literally last for over a week. So many friendships were formed on these trips. Today, the digital edit happens on the screen at the time of the shoot and imagery can be consumed instantly via social media. The digital revolution and handheld devices opened the field of photography to everyone, which is wonderful. It’s fascinating to see how a new generation of photographers is returning to analogue processes to explore the real artistry of the camera.

In “Captivate!” I also wanted to highlight the impact of media and how fashion shows, via MTV and the Fashion Channel, became mainstream entertainment. Gianni Versace met that moment and pioneered a new form of presentation which was like a rock concert. We’d walk to an amazing Prince track with hundreds of photographers lining the catwalk, only to see [Prince] sitting there on the front row.

Being a supermodel was like being a rock star. I even had a guard to protect my belongings backstage as my underwear was constantly stolen! You needed a path carved out in front of you to leave a show or event. Yet despite the fanfare and glamour, the ’90s were ultimately more private. One could escape, tune out, unlike today where every aspect of the fashion show is documented by thousands of smart phones.

Do you have a favorite American Vogue shoot?
One of my all-time favorite shoots for US Vogue is Peter Lindbergh’s “Wild at Heart,” styled by Grace Coddington for the September 1991 issue. It was an epic production, featuring the ‘supers’— Cindy Crawford, Tatjana Patitz, Helena Christensen, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Karen Mulder, Stephanie Seymour, and myself, wearing Chanel biker boots and leathers. [We stood] against the Brooklyn Bridge wearing ball gown skirts and leather jackets. I love the ‘tough’ glamour, the sense of female resilience, and strength.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.