Sexiest supermodels: The 1990s were perhaps the golden years of fashion modeling. Storied publications like Vogue and Cosmopolitan were using a new breed of model for their covers; supermodels who were hot in an almost otherworldly sense. The following group of bodacious babes would go on to become the embodiment of this new breed of sexiness. Highly regarded fashion houses, like Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci, would use these women to create some of the most stunning, envelope-pushing images in the history of advertising.

Aside from this, new outlets emerged to expose the public to these vixens. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and the Victoria’s Secret catalog became important pieces of the modeling world. Prior to the 90s there had already been women considered to be “supermodels” (Cheryl Tiegs, Christie Brinkley) but this new class brought a certain attitude and panache that had yet to be seen on runways and in editorials. These models made a lasting cultural impact that extends beyond mere modeling. They moved beyond fashion and, in effect, impacted our cultural zeitgeist forever. These women defined what it meant to be cool, sexy and sophisticated and a lot of this impact is still felt today.

The term “supermodel” gained a certain cultural importance during the 1990s. Models were more present in the media, dating celebrities and popping up in films and on television. In effect, these babes were able to negotiate higher salaries and to ensure themselves a more fruitful life after modeling. Check out the following list to see the Top 10 Sexiest Supermodels of the 1990s.

10. Tyra Banks

After being raised in Inglewood, California, Tyra began her modeling career in 1991 and quickly became one of the most in-demand models of the period. She has appeared on the cover of magazines likeHarper’s Bazaar and Elle while modeling for brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Yves Saint Laurent and Ralph Lauren. She is notably the first African-American to have appeared on the cover of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition (which she did on two occasions). Outside of modeling, Tyra has a variety of TV credits: from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to MADtv. It seems that television is a comfortable medium for her, as she has hosted America’s Top Model as well as her own program, The Tyra Banks Show. Banks has been romantically linked to a handful of famous men (Seal, John Singleton, Will Smith) but has remained unmarried. Tyra started her program, TZONE, which is dedicated to teaching leadership and life skills.