By Hannah Powling
It has been 25 years since George Michael’s iconic music video Freedom 90 came to the screens. How time flies right? Paying true homage to the quarter-of-a-century anniversary to Freedom 90; we are taking a look at the story behind one of music’s – and fashion’s – greatest moments; how the years have treated the supermodels, and where they are now…
Everyone knows the song, and it’s hard to forget the music video that made it into such a big hit. At the height of his career, George Michael wanted out of this particular music video. Instead, he was inspired by Peter Lindbergh’s now-iconic portrait of the 5 models; Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford for the January 1990 cover of the British edition of Vogue. Therefore, Michael asked for the five models to appear in the video, having them lip-sync to the song.
George Michael’s new-approach to music films at the time exposed his exhaustion of celebrity, whilst still wanting to produce great music. The result is a 6-and-a-half minute piece that replaces the imagery of Michael and the expectation of his fame. “It was saying, If you have to be beautiful to sell music now, let’s just put five beautiful faces in there” explains Cindy Crawford.
Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford, now a mother with two children; has recently made the headlines with talk of her new 80’s fashion modelling series; adding production to her belt. Her daughter is walking in her footsteps of her modelling career. She has just been shot wearing an Elie Saab gown for the August issue of Elle Hong Kong.
Follow her on Instagram @cindycrawford for some lovely shots of her and her stunning daughter. Obviously in the genes..
Naomi Campbell
Even with over 500 magazine covers, countless designer brand campaigns from Prada to Chanel and many, many runway shows, Naomi Campbell has no plans to end her 28-year modeling career just yet. The 44 year-old is still going strong; good for her! She had a little controversy following her ban from British Airways after pleading guilty to assaulting officers over an argument about lost luggage. Oops. Recently, she was a coach on a reality show called ‘The Face.’
Follow her Instagram @iamnaomicampbell for gorgeous #tbt material
Linda Evangelista
Linda Evangelista was the first model to appear in the music video, and she took a little persuasion to get her on board. Apparently, the night before the shoot she stayed up until 3 a.m. dying her short hair platinum blonde on a whim. Linda turned 50 this year, and the Canadian-born brunette is still ultra glam.
Follow @lindaevangelista on Instagram
Christy Turlington
Christy Turlington has turned herself to charitable work along with her modelling, as the founder of Every Mother Counts. They are an organisation dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother around the world. Encountering complications during childbirth herself, Christy became compelled to her global advocacy work, with which she received much credit for. Bravo.
Check out her Instagram @cturlington for updates on her work.
Tatjana Patitz
Tatjana Patitz, 47, made her return to modelling in alignment with Marina Rinaldi; a fashion line for plus-size women. Did you know she previously dates seal? She has one son, and is the current face for L’Oreal’s Age Perfect.
Follow her Instagram @mstatjanapatitz which describes herself as ‘Model Mother Animal Lover Nature Lover’. Aww.
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Oh how could I forget the Freedom 90 video… Enjoy.
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