Beri Smither, a supermodel who first rose to fame in the 1990s, is experiencing a resurgence in her career as she prepares to walk in New York Fashion Week 2024. At 53, Smither is booking just as many modeling gigs as she did in her heyday. Reflecting on her career, she describes the fashion industry in the ‘90s as a “more pure” time, where models were discovered organically, in contrast to today’s social media-driven landscape. Despite changes in the industry, the demand for iconic models like Smither, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Christy Turlington has only grown, tapping into a wave of ‘90s nostalgia.
Smither notes that while modeling today focuses more on fleeting viral moments, her era emphasized tangible products like magazine covers and high-profile ad campaigns. She remembers working with legendary photographers such as Peter Lindbergh and Arthur Elgort, and fronting campaigns for brands like Chanel, Armani, and Versace. Unlike today’s models who often rely on their social media presence or famous connections, Smither and her contemporaries were scouted in everyday places like malls.
Aging is no longer a barrier in the fashion world. Models of all ages are now celebrated on the runway, a shift Smither and her peers are embracing. Fellow ‘90s model Liisa Winkler, 46, echoes this sentiment, recalling a time when she was encouraged to lie about her age to appear younger. However, after returning to modeling in her mid-30s, Winkler found that age was less of a concern, and she continued booking high-profile clients into her 40s.
Smither attributes her decades-long career to “preservation,” both physical and mental. Her holistic wellness routine includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and self-care practices such as ensuring her “roots are done” and maintaining a relationship with her dermatologist. She also mentors younger models, offering advice based on her experiences.
Having recovered from an eating disorder and 26 years of sobriety, Smither reflects on her past unhealthy habits, such as excessive exercise and binge eating before shoots. Today, she focuses on maintaining balance and cutting back on indulgences like desserts before runway shows. Smither’s enduring success is a testament to her adaptability and commitment to her craft, as she continues to take jobs as long as she can.
