Revisiting Shalom Harlow’s legendary career

Technically, Shalom Harlow is an anti-supermodel. After being scouted at a Cure concert aged just 17, she (along with best friend Amber Valletta) led a wave of models that succeeded the original supers (Cindy, Christy, Claudia, Kate, Linda and Naomi). Of course the irony was that she became so successful that she could only be referred to as a supermodel. Because of her body (described by fashion journalism legend Tim Blanks as “made for couture”), the Canadian native was a favourite of houses such as Chanel and Dior.

And now the runway veteran is on Instagram. She's already posted some amazing throwbacks (a Steven Meisel shoot and Gianni Versace campaign), as well as a tribute to the late editor-in-chief of Interview magazine Ingrid Sischy who sadly passed away last week. So, in the spirit of welcoming this anti-supermodel supermodel to the Insta-family, we look back at some of her best moments. 

JIL SANDER SS95 CAMPAIGN

Harlow was a campaign – as well as catwalk – favourite among designers and brands. She was tapped for Chanel, DKNY, Versace and the master of minimalism Jil Sander. Here she's shot by Craig McDean for the German designer’s SS95 campaign. 

CLOSING YOHJI YAMAMOTO’S ICONIC TRANSFORMATIVE WEDDING SHOW

Another string to her modelling bow was closing Yohji Yamamoto’s iconic SS99 show, titled “Transformative Wedding”. She appeared on the catwalk wearing a strapless black wedding dress which – as it emerged – comprised of five layers. Like a Russian doll, she shod layer after beautifully-cut layer in front of an enraptured audience.

GETTING SPRAY-PAINTED BY TWO ROBOTS IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN'S SS99 SHOW

This is perhaps what Harlow is most known for. At Alexander McQueen's SS99 show, she posed in a simple strapless white dressed and was doused in paint by two spraygun-wielding robots. Drawing raptous applause from the audience, this image became one of the most iconic moments in fashion history.

WALKING NAKED IN GALLIANO'S SS07 SHOW FOR DIOR

A later stand-out moment from Harlow’s career was John Galliano’s SS07 haute couture show for Christian Dior. In it she ran through the set (which resembled a Parisian garden) wearing a somewhat revealing dress fashioned from transparent tulle. It's a look Galliano termed "the Nude Corset".