Supermodel Cindy Crawford Shares Traumatic Haircut Experience in New Documentary
In a recent documentary titled The Super Models on Apple TV+, renowned supermodel Cindy Crawford opened up about a traumatic experience she once had with a haircut. The documentary features other notable brand muses, including Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington. Crawford sincerely recounted her journey in the fashion industry, starting from her early career in DeKalb, Illinois.
At the age of 16, photographer Roger Legel recognized Crawford’s potential and requested her to model for him. She then shared how she landed her first significant shoot in Rome with esteemed fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier. However, what should have been a dream come true turned into a distressing experience for the supermodel.
Before her trip to Rome for this big break, Demarchelier insisted that Crawford cut her long locks. Despite her and her agency’s initial refusal, the photographer still wanted to book her for the job. Little did Crawford know that her traumatic experience was right around the corner.
She recalled, The very first night, they send the hairdresser to my room to give me a ‘trim.’ They comb my hair, put it in a ponytail, and chop my ponytail off without asking. This shocking incident left Crawford devastated, and she spent that night in her hotel room in Rome in tears. This traumatic experience played a significant role in her decision to never significantly cut her hair again.
It wasn’t so much about disliking short hair but rather feeling that she had lost control of her own decisions. I really felt I was not seen as a person who had a voice in her own destiny. It wasn’t that I didn’t like my hair short; it was that I hadn’t voted myself into having short hair, Crawford confessed.
This incident raised doubts in Crawford’s mind about whether she wanted to pursue a modeling career further. She questioned whether this was the industry she was ready to fully embrace. Fortunately, Crawford found her authentic path in the fashion world but continued to receive advice from her team when new opportunities arose.
One remarkable example was when Crawford was approached to pose for Playboy. Despite numerous people advising her against accepting the offer, including her modeling agency, she decided to follow her gut and say yes. She saw the platform of Playboy differently and was intrigued by the opportunity. Crawford had conditions, though. She stated, As long as I can have control of the images, and I wanted the right to kill the story if I don’t like it.
The documentary also delved into Crawford’s relationship with actor Richard Gere. After meeting in 1988, the two fell in love and eloped in Las Vegas four years later. However, their relationship eventually ended in 1995. Crawford reflected on the early stages of their relationship, sharing how she tried to adapt to Gere’s interests and hobbies. But as she grew older, she started to understand her own power and inner strength as a woman.
Cindy Crawford’s story sheds light on the struggles and challenges faced by supermodels behind the glamorous facade. By sharing her experiences, she not only empowers others but also unveils the human side of the fashion industry. Crawford’s journey reminds aspiring models and fans alike that it’s essential to stay true to oneself and have a voice in defining one’s own destiny.
