Cindy Crawford reflects on early modeling skepticism ahead of 60th birthday
Supermodel Cindy Crawford is speaking openly about the skepticism she faced when she abandoned her chemical engineering studies at Northwestern University to pursue a full-time modeling career. Ahead of turning 60 on February 20, the iconic fashion figure recounted how family members and peers reacted to her abrupt shift from a straight-A student to a high-fashion runway fixture, according to the Daily Mail.
Crawford, who was the best student of her class at DeKalb High School in Illinois in 1984, earned a scholarship to study engineering before stepping away from higher education. In a February 10 interview with OK! magazine, she revealed that the decision drew immediate doubt from those around her. “Tutti mi hanno subito trattata come se fossi stupida,” Crawford said, noting that society frequently pigeonholed models as lacking intellect during the early days of her career.
Academic roots and early ambitions
Before achieving global fame on magazine covers, Crawford pursued a traditional academic path grounded in high achievement. Her high school yearbook details heavy involvement in the student council, the mathematics team, and the National Honor Society, alongside earning the title of Illinois State Scholar. She initially aspired to become the first female president of the United States, alongside thoughts of pursuing medicine or teaching.
“Ancora adesso, riesco a immaginarmi a svolgere quei lavori. Amo davvero imparare,” Crawford noted of her enduring passion for education. Reflecting on her early teenage modeling portfolio featured in school archives, she previously joked on MTV’s House of Style that her initial aesthetic was heavily inspired by the film Flashdance.
Overcoming the initial wave of criticism required a strong sense of self-awareness. Crawford stated that she eventually realized the skepticism directed at her career pivot reflected the limitations of critics rather than her own identity.
Social media gives models a stronger voice
The co-founder of the skincare brand Meaningful Beauty observed that the fashion industry’s perception of models has transformed dramatically over decades. While early career prejudice routinely reduced models to passive faces on glossy pages, she credits digital platforms with altering that dynamic.
“Oggi le modelle hanno una voce molto più forte. I social media hanno dato loro l’opportunità di mostrare chi sono veramente, che non sono solo un volto sulla copertina di una rivista,” Crawford stated.
As she approaches her milestone birthday, the supermodel acknowledges the persistent societal pressures surrounding youth and aging. She emphasizes that managing personal insecurity relies on self-acceptance and mutual respect.
Crawford balances family life with her children's careers
Away from the international spotlight, Crawford maintains a stable family life with her husband, entrepreneur and Casamigos co-founder Rande Gerber. The couple has been together for 27 years, balancing demanding professional schedules while raising their two children.
Both children have established their own paths in the public eye. Their 25-year-old daughter, Kaia Gerber, works as a model and stars in the Apple TV+ series Palm Royale. Their son, Presley Gerber, hosts Mental Health Mondays, a program where he openly discusses personal experiences with depression, insomnia, and mental health treatment.
“Tutti si sentono insicuri a volte. Viviamo ancora in una società che dà valore alla giovinezza, il che è difficile. Ma allo stesso tempo, tendiamo anche ad essere eccessivamente autocritici,” Crawford reflected on embracing the transition into her sixties.