Thing of Beauty, The Tragedy of Supermodel Gia, by Stephen Fried- it’s a good book. Gia’s story is beautiful, heroic and ultimately, unfortunately, as the title says… tragic.
I don’t watch many commercials - except during the Superbowl, and I rarely look at print adds, but I am fascinated by fashion photography.
The legacy and influence of Gia Carangi, IMO the greatest model in the history of supermodels, survives and thrives. Look at these two photos.
The first, of Gia in drag, was taken by photographer Helmut Newton:
Here’s the second. Can you see the influence? From an upcoming issue of Elle:
Gia, when she was introduced to the modeling world, taken by Lance Staedler:
And this of model Cindy Crawford’s 10 year old daughter for a Versace campaign. Cindy herself was known as “Baby Gia”. No doubt. The minute I saw this photo, and I don’t care what anyone says, I knew who had influenced it.
Gia’s legacy is alive and well.
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Cindy’s daughter is very beautiful.
Can’t say I pay much heed to models, super or otherwise. But ten years old? Holy cow, why would anyone do that to a little girl?
Gia was so beautiful. I believe the first time I noticed Angelina Jolie was when she played Gia in an HBO movie? Tragic end. I’m encouraged that Vogue has supposedly raised the age minimum to 16 for models and banned the dangerously emaciated girls. Let’s hope they can do a little than that in the future and start adding woman to woman’s magazines.
Helmut Newton is such an amazing talent. I’ll never forget the first time I saw a coffee table book of his photography and just gasped in awe.
XXOO Kat
She had a tragic story, like many super-models. I def. like dark-haired models better than blondes.
I’ve always been partial to dark-haired models, Penny. Gia’s story was unusual. She was a pioneer.
I actually watched the Angelina Jolie biopic after I read the book, Kat. I knew about Gia. She may be the only super model I’ve ever paid attention to. Weird, huh? Yes, I’m hoping Vogue and other fashion magazines/houses actually mean what they say. I don’t trust them when it comes to follow through.
Unlike today’s models, Gia was not emaciated. She wore a size 6, and if you recall from The Devil Wears Prada - “Six is the new fourteen…”
Helmut Newton is genius!
Hey, Jaye - I agree - I was appalled when I realized Cindy Crawford’s daughter was 10 yet made up to look like an adult.
Her daughter is definitely beautiful, Amber, but very young!
I’ve got this book in my library as well. It is a rare find so keep it..Copies not can range up to 100 dollars. If you ever get the chance watch the movie Gia with Angelina Jolie. It will make you cry.
Yes, it’s a great book, Savannah. I’ve seen the movie. I loved Angelina’s ferocity and fearlessness.