Before heiresses and celebrities became models for fashion and beauty spreads it was the elite models that fashion moguls were desperately seeking after. In the 90’s the term “super model” was coined for the models with the multi million-dollar endorsements and contracts and essentially became a household name.

Although Janice Dickinson has proclaimed several times that she is the “worlds first super model”… we all love and respect Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Christy Turlington. Remember George Michael’s “Freedom” music video?

The Daily Beast reported on how valuable a model is based on how they have branded themselves through multi-year contracts, advertising campaign, runway appearances, and magazine covers. Just like the rest of us, they are doing the same amount of work but not getting the same amount as they did once upon a time. Now, it seems as though every type of business is trying to continue their exposure until we’re out of this economic funk with a tight budget. It seems the fashion industry has been hiring unknown models for the runway and the “valuable” models for their campaign, but I remember there was a time when super models raided the runways, billboards, had their own shows on MTV.

The ten models The Daily Beast has listed with veterans and new comers are today’s equivalent to the super model moguls of the 90s. But not with as much glitz and glam. Top models named were Gisele Bundchen, Kate Moss, Miranda Kerr, Daria Werbowy and more.

Do you think actors and actresses should stick to their craft or branch out to represent a beauty or fashion brand just the same as a model?