It was 1988 when Kate Moss was first discovered. Her freckled face, wide-set eyes, and dirty-blonde hair stood out amongst the crowds at JFK Airport, drawing the eye of Storm Model Management founder Sarah Doukas. At just 14, the now-legend plummeted into a world where she would soon be dominating, dictating, and raising the bar. Early on in her career, Moss became known for her wild-child ways and, with her waif-like figure, striking face, and out-there fashion choices, the supermodel commanded attention in every space – especially on the red carpet.
Thirty years later, Moss remains one of the most influential supermodels in fashion history. She’s responsible for the trend that saw the likes of buxom Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer take a back seat, making way for the grungy, size-zero teenagers who had suddenly burst onto the scene. And that rolled-out-of-bed look didn’t just apply when she was in front of the camera. Her signature style has always carried an air of effortlessness that can only be described as undeniably 90s, spanning the style spectrum from beautifully simplistic (she loves a silk slipdress) to full-on Bohemia (sequins, embroidery, and lace are staples for Miss Moss).
In celebration of her 44th birthday today, Savoir Flair looks back at all the times the supermodel’s outfits made fashion headlines.
Partying (and dressing) like it’s 1999 at the Closer movie premiere.
Adding some sparkle to the National Portrait Gallery’s Face of Fashion exhibition.
Celebrating her 30th birthday at a party based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald book, The Beautiful and the Damned.
Attending the 1999 De Beers/Versace Diamonds Are Forever party with best pal Naomi Campbell.
Having a velvet crush moment at Lisson Gallery in London in 1998.
Giving #CoupleGoals with then-fiancé Johnny Depp at the Donnie Brasco premiere in 1997.
Giving good cape at the launch of her Topshop Christmas collection in 2007.
Raising the bar for red-carpet gowns at the 1995 Golden Globes.
Donning one of her many little black dresses at the Unforgettable: Fashions of the Oscars pre-auction party in 1999.
What do you wear to celebrate Frank Sinatra’s 80th birthday in 1995? Off-the-shoulder feathers, of course.
Accompanying her dear friend, Marc Jacobs, to the 2009 Met Gala in mesmerizing gold.
No one could work top-to-toe leather like Moss at Paris Fashion Week in 2009.
Encapsulating the best of noughties fashion at the British Fashion Awards in 2009.
Making history with best friend Naomi Campbell at the Designer of the Year Awards during London Fashion Week in 1991.
Looking like a lady at the David Bailey Auction Dinner in 2010.
Uncharacteristically understated but undeniably beautiful at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997.
Donning an ode-to-20s flapper dress at the Ed Wood premiere in 1994.
The impeccably cut lemon-yellow slipdress that became iconic after Moss wore it to the 1990 Met Gala.
Wearing another stunning LBD to the party for Kate: The Kate Moss Book in 1995.
Upping the grunge factor for the British Fashion Awards in 2011.
Owning her star moment at the 2012 launch of Kate: The Kate Moss Book.
Going old-school glam for Fran Cutler’s surprise birthday party in 2013.
