Behind the Glitz: Unveiling Icons

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TV MINI-SERIES REVIEW
The Super Models
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 4 x 1h episodes
Director(s): Roger Ross Williams, Larissa Bills
Where To Watch: premieres globally on Apple TV+ September 20, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Returning to when Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington were more than glamour shots and magazine spreads. They were shaping history, one fierce strut at a time. Apple TV+'s THE SUPER MODELS invites viewers on this whirlwind adventure, highlighting how these dazzling divas weren’t just hanging pretty in showrooms but were setting fashion's gold standard.

Peeling back the veneer of high fashion and striking poses, the series takes viewers backstage. We're not just talking about makeup and stilettos here. THE SUPER MODELS brings the very essence, the spirit, the fire of these legends to the forefront. Ditching the overused behind-the-scenes clichés brings us a blend of depth and sparkle that gives new meaning to the phrase "model behavior."

Crafted meticulously by Roger Ross Williams and Larissa Bills, every frame of the series feels deliberate, holding a mirror to the models' past juxtaposed with insights from today. A juxtaposition that paints these models not merely as trendsetters but as storytellers of their mesmerizing journey.

While glam and glitz are staples, the series does not shy away from the gritty realities that cast shadows on the runway. Linda Evangelista's poignant narrative reveals the lesser-seen battles and trials faced even by the most radiant faces of fashion. It reminds us that there are real stories beneath the shimmer, some that tug at the heartstrings.

But THE SUPER MODELS aren’t stuck in yesterday's fashion. It ties past glories with today's narratives. Highlighting these ladies' immense sway emphasizes how they didn't just don runway ensembles; they donned roles as powerful influencers before “influencers” were even a thing, shaping the zeitgeist. Naomi's revelation on combatting racial biases is a testament to a powerful scene that shows these models were not just about creating style trends but societal change.

One can only talk about this docu-series with a nod to its visual grandeur. With a tapestry of iconic and never-before-seen shots, it brings alive an era. The nods from industry behemoths underline the ripple effect these women created. As fashion evolves, this series etches a bygone era when models weren't just mannequins but the molders of style. This is also a nostalgic ride, especially for those around in the '80s/'90s; I had a poster of Cindy Crawford hanging on my bedroom door for years.

Zooming out, THE SUPER MODELS stands tall, not just as a nod to the fashion realm but as a testament to tenacity and triumph. It’s an invitation for the style-conscious and anyone who loves a good story of grit and glamour. Yes, the series has imperfections, like a model's occasional misstep on the runway. But its overarching narrative is a celebration, not just of faces but of formidable tales that reshaped an era. With its dazzling execution and heartfelt storytelling, this series is the backstage pass everyone needs, giving a front-row seat to a generation that changed fashion forever.

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[photo courtesy of APPLE TV+]

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