Fashion Muses

INSPIRING BEAUTY

Models are more than walking hangers that barely break 100 pounds. They define moments in fashion and movements in culture - think Twiggy in the swinging 60s of London or Kate Moss as the face of heroin chic. New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art pays tribute to these legendary ladies in the new exhibit, The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion (May 6-Aug. 9). In honor of FLARE's 30th anniversary, we celebrate the top 10 fashion muses from the past 30 years.

The 1970s: Inès de la Fressange

With flawless cheekbones and effortless elegance, the French beauty became the first model to sign an exclusive modeling contract with Chanel in the '80s, where she became Karl Lagerfeld's pearl-clad muse. Well into her 50s, De la Fressange is still working it taking a turn on the catwalk for Jean Paul Gaultier's spring couture show catwalk and as brand ambassador for Roger Vivier.

The 1970s: Loulou de la Falaise

Best known for seductively posing in the iconic Yves Saint Laurent Le Smoking jacket with a slim cigarette hanging from her pursed pout, Loulou de la Falaise's androgynous allure inspired 30 years of the designer's creations including his first ready-to-wear line.

The 1970s: Mounia

The stunning Martinique-born model became YSL's protégé after being discovered by Givenchy who brought her to Paris in the late '70s. As the first black model for YSL, Mounia inspired the designer's Bohemian creations and graced the covers of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

The 1980s: Isabella Blow

Legendary British aristocrat Isabella Blow never failed to shock and awe in her chic (but totally OTT) Phillip Treacy hats. The fashion rebel is credited with discovering Alexander McQueen and he in-turn paid tribute with his Spring 2008 collection.

The 1980s: The "Trinity"

Linda Evangelista famously quoted in the '90s: "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day." The "we" she was referring to was the Trinity-Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and of course, Evangelista-who were the only coined "supermodels" by the fashion world at this time, blurring borders between editorial, advertising and the runway.

The 1980s: Donatella Versace

The perma-tanned, perma bleached and quintessentially Italian designer is the original muse to Gianni Versace. Her late brother bleached her hair as a child and Donatella never went back. Gianni later dedicated a perfume entitled Blonde.

1990s: Sophia Coppola

Actress-turned-director Sophia Coppola tops the list of Marc Jacobs' quirky inspirations. Her girl-next-door simplicity launched Jacobs' Blush fragrance campaign and recently collaborated with her on an accessories line for Louis Vuitton. "She is young and sweet and beautiful," the designer has said. "The epitome of this girl I fantasize of."

1990s: Kate Moss

The most enduring and evolving model of our times, La Moss altered our view of beauty from conventional to waif in her iconic 90s ad for Calvin Klein, moving on to become a muse for houses such as Louis Vuitton, Versace, Chanel and Burberry. No surprise that she was asked to co-chair the Met's event.

2000s: Agyness Deyn