The '90s defined what it meant to be more than just any model. The age of the supermodel brought red carpet fame to the fashion world and turned the runway into something more like a movie premiere. But for some famous faces, their personal lives, health issues or alternative career goals took priority. Read on to find out which supermodels from the '90s turned their back on the runway for a more private life...
© Getty ImagesYasmeen Ghauri now lives a quiet life as a mother and philanthropist
Yasmeen Ghauri
Canadian fashion model Yasmeen Ghauri's walk was dubbed the "walk of life" by Tyra Banks and earned her star status on the runway. She was the first South Asian woman to become a Victoria’s Secret Angel and to appear on the cover of Vogue, making history on the runway and at the magazine stand.
She officially retired in 1997, opting for a quiet life as a mother and philanthropist. Yasmeen is married to lawyer Ralph Bernstein, with whom she shares daughter Maia and son Victor.
© Getty ImagesKaren's accusations against powerful industry figures pushed her out of the spotlight
Karen Mulder
Karen Mulder found fame through the '90s as a Victoria's Secret model and Vogue cover star, but stepped back from the runway at the end of the decade.
After a destroyed 2001 interview in which she alleged systematic abuse by industry figures, politicians and royalty, Karen was cruelly shunned by the industry.
© Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesStephanie Seymour has left behind the tiring schedules of her '90s fame
Stephanie Seymour
Former Victoria's Secret Angel, Vogue cover star and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model Stephanie Seymour was a star in the '90s modelling scene.
Stephanie subsequently underwent several complicated separation proceedings, including a split from Axl Rose, and an eventual reconciliation with real estate developer Peter Brant. In 2021, Stephanie suffered the loss of her son Harry. Today, she is selective about projects and focuses on time with her family.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesNiki Taylor is enjoying a quieter life as a mother in Nashville
Niki Taylor
Niki Taylor had an earlier start to supermodel life than most, appearing on the cover of Seventeen magazine at 14 years old, and the cover of Vogue at just 15.
Nowadays, she's living a peaceful life with race car driver husband Burney Lamar in Nashville, together with their two children, Ciel and Rex. She previously welcomed twins Hunter and Jake when she was 19, while wed to American football player Matthew Martinez.
© Getty ImagesLinda Evangelista took a break from the spotlight following surgery that went wrong
Linda Evangelista
Linda Evangelista was well-known in the '90s for her "chameleon" talents, fine-tuning outfits to suit any occasion, from runway to cover shoot or campaign.
As a legend of the industry, she disappeared following CoolSculpt procedures that went wrong and led her to hide from the spotlight for 5 years. Fortunately, she has since made a return to the spotlight, appearing at events like the Met Gala and Paris Fashion Week.
© FilmMagic via Getty ImagesTatjana Patitz spent the rest of her life away from the runway at a ranch in California
Tatjana Patitz
Tatjana Patitz slowly rose to era-defining fame, earning several Vogue covers and a star role in George Michael's 'Freedom! 90' music video.
She married businessman Jason Johnson in 2003 and welcomed a son, Jonah, who now works as a model. After the marriage ended, she moved to a California ranch near a wild horse reservation, enjoying a more private lifestyle. The model sadly passed in 2023 following a fight against breast cancer.
