Modeling goes back as far as the 1940s, with names like Lisa Fonssagrives, Dorian Leigh, Suzy Parker, Jean Shrimpton, and more dominating the modeling scene for decades to come. It wasn’t until the 1980s that modeling took a turn, and the five original supermodels were paving their way in the industry.

The “Big 5” featured:

• Naomi Campbell
• Linda Evangelista
• Christy Turlington
• Cindy Crawford
• Claudia Schiffer

Some do argue that Tatjana Patitz was part of the “Big 5” before Claudia Schiffer. These supermodels were the stars of runways, magazine covers, and calendars of the 1980s-1990s. They set the standards and went on to prove supermodels were capable of accomplishments beyond the ordinary.

The “Big 5” had features in music videos celebrating women’s empowerment, and some went on to work in humanitarian efforts, education, and more. They were unstoppable and were famously known to not “wake up for less than $10,000 a day,” showing that models had a voice and an attitude, and that might have been precisely what made them “super.”

They represented themselves and held confidence and a sense of self-worth that doesn’t seem as prevalent in today’s models. Decades later, the “Big 5” seem frozen in time, keeping the standards they set long ago and remaining untouchable. Check out some then and now pictures and feel your jaw drop.

What Happened to the Supermodels that Hung in Truck Cabins?

Along with all their accomplishments, the “Big 5” graced the covers of Sports Illustrated magazines, and their swimsuit calendars could be found in just about every semi-truck cabin, being celebrated by the driver. Whose calendar do you have in your cabin? It seemed to be a common question, and drivers proudly displayed their pick.

As time went on, more and more models started to surface, and we even began seeing models as “Angels” for Victoria’s Secret. With the passing time, calendars of supermodels were seen less and less in truck cabins and all-around in general, and as the “Big 5” seemed to move on from swimsuit calendars, everyone moved on with them; a phenomenon worth exploring.

Supermodel Calendars Go from Truck Cabin Walls to Cellphones

Paper calendars altogether are becoming a thing of the past. The time of visiting the mall stands to pick out your favorite animal, flower, or band calendar are over, and calendars you can buy now are primarily available online.

Cellphone and computer innovations continue to expand, and people often turn to their technological devices when saving a date or a necessary appointment. These devices will even notify you with a sound or vibration when something is coming up on your calendar, so you don’t forget. Finding pictures of models or apps to help pass time is easier and only takes a couple of clicks.

Social Media Takes the “Super” out of Supermodels

Models on social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok are replacing supermodels of the past. Someone can model an outfit from home, take pictures, and upload them to social media. Boom, you’re a model.

The standards for modeling, in general, have changed and are continuing to change. Campbell, Evangelista, Turlington, Crawford, and Schiffer created a world of their own, then packed it up and took it with them. The future is different.

Sports Illustrated seems to be continuing traditions by still having swimsuit calendars available for your viewing pleasure. The “Big 5” are gone from the pages now, but you can still find versions of calendars during their primetime online.

Check out some Cindy Crawford ones from the 90s on eBay. Supermodel swimsuit calendars seen as a norm hanging everywhere from garages to truck cabins have now turned into collectors’ items, preserving the era of the original supermodels.