20 iconic supermodels who were discovered in everyday life

Candice Swanepoel is now one of the most famous Victoria’s Secret models of all time, but she didn’t seek out modeling fame. Swanepoel was discovered by a scouting agent while at a flea market in her native South Africa. She later moved to Paris to pursue modeling in earnest. 

Jeremy Meeks went from gang member to top model. After his arrest, his mug shot went viral because of his striking look. When he got out of prison, he began modeling, and he’s been working steadily ever since. 

With a name like Twiggy, she was destined to become famous. The iconic model from the ‘60s was discovered after she got her hair cut and agreed to be photographed by the hairstylist. Her photo was hung in the salon, and a fashion editor saw it days later. The rest is history. 

Taylor Hill was at a horse ranch in Colorado when a photographer asked her if she was interested in modeling. By the time she had turned 16, Hill had multiple photo shoots under her belt and a contract with Ford Models. 

Chrissy Teigen began modeling after being discovered while working at a surf shop in Southern California. Teigen eventually went on to land a cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. 

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Cara Delevingne was friends with the daughter of Sarah Doukas, the same person who discovered Kate Moss. Doukas saw potential in Delevingne and orchestrated her career beginnings. 

Iman was on the streets of Nairobi one day, where she was studying, when a photographer asked her to model for him. She was reluctant at first as the only magazine she’d seen at the time was Playboy, but when he promised his work was different and that he’d pay her, she changed her mind. 

Christy Turlington was discovered while horseback riding. Is there any modeling origin story more posh than that? Judging by her activity at the time, if modeling had not worked out, Turlington would’ve had other options for employment. 

Ashley Graham was taking a casual stroll through the mall with her dad when a scout asked her if she was interested in modeling. Graham was in high school, and she took the scout’s offer and worked through high school until graduation. She then moved to New York for her career. 

Claudia Schiffer had plans to become a lawyer, but she was discovered while at a nightclub in Germany, and she pursued modeling instead. She later had a cameo in Love Actually, which feels like the ultimate prize in this story. 

Coco Rocha was 14 years old and competing in an Irish dance competition when she was approached about modeling. At first, she thought it was a joke, and her mother wasn’t into the idea, but eventually, both came around and now Rocha is one of the top high-fashion models. 

Naomi Campbell was shopping in London when a modeling agent approached her. The agent, Beth Boldt, gave Campbell her card and told her she could have a future in modeling. Little did Boldt know just how major Campbell’s future in modeling was. 

While growing up in Brazil, Gisele Bündchen’s mom signed her up for a modeling class. After it ended, Bündchen and her classmates took a trip to São Paulo. While eating at McDonald’s in the city, Bündchen was discovered. 

Alek Wek’s family moved from South Sudan to London, and while at a street fair there, a modeling agent took her picture and suggested it as a career path. Wek went on to spend the next several decades on magazine covers and strutting down runways. 

While living in Paris in the '70s, Christie Brinkley had a sick dog. She was on her way to call a vet when a photographer asked her to be in a photo shoot. Brinkley decided to see what would become of the ask, and a career as one of the greatest supermodels of all time is what became. 

Selena Forrest was at Huntington Beach one day and was stopped by security so they could check her cooler. During the interaction, Forrest was also stopped by a modeling scout. That day will not soon leave Forrest’s memory. 

Kate Moss was trying to get back home to London when she was discovered. After waiting three days for a flight, she and her dad finally boarded a plane Storm Management founder Sarah Doukas was also on. Doukas asked Moss to model for her, and then Moss’ career blew up.

Tyson Beckford was in Washington Square Park one day when an employee from The Source asked him to model. Beckford, who was pursuing acting at the time, agreed, and it ended up being a fantastic decision for him. 

While growing up in St. Louis, Karlie Kloss had the opportunity to walk in a local charity fashion show. A scout saw serious potential, and Kloss began pursuing legitimate modeling gigs afterward. She later moved to New York for further career opportunities. 

Cindy Crawford’s modeling origin story is something out of a movie. While watching a high school football game in her hometown, she was approached by a photographer to model. She and her family were a little wary of the offer, but it turned out to be legitimate and set her on the path to fame.