Beauty Icons – where are they now?

Article by BR Natalie

A Beauty Icon is never forgotten, they're immortalised by that one signature look that made them, well iconic.  From Twiggy's big eyes, short hair and even shorter skirts to Marilyn Monroe's eternally sexy blonde bombshell image, their name becomes synonmous with the image.

But what happened to the woman when she left the iconic look behind?  Let's find out - Beauty Icons, where are they now?

Twiggy

The icon of 60s beauty, fashion and style has to be Twiggy right?  Voted The Face of 1966 by The Daily Express and Woman of the Year, the world fell in love with her androgynous look.  And at 65 years young (seriously, how good does she look?!) she's still modelling!  She signed with British high street chain Marks and Spencer in 2005 and hasn't looked back - in 2012 she began producing her own range of clothes - the collections sell out with every release!

Brigitte Bardot

Actress, singer and model weren't the only talent this gorgeous woman showed the world in the 60s.  Behind the ridiculously perfect hair, the cat's eyes and those lips was a passionate animal rights activist.  She was the first woman in France that the iconic Marianne busts were modelled on - representing liberty in France. Nowadays ,well, she's still as outspoken as ever, and has been getting in a wee bit of trouble - being charge FIVE times with inciting racial hatred with her views on Islam in France.  Upon hearing about an intended biopic of her life she demanded the director "Wait until I'm dead before you make a movie about my life!".

Christie Brinkley

Not just an Uptown Girl, Christie Brinkley has gone from supermodel to super woman.  She graced three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition covers back in the 1970s and held the longest running cosmetics contract as spokeswoman for CoverGirl.  And now?  Well at the age of 60 (SIXTY!) she's a photographer, illustrator, activist, writer, designer and many more.  Most recently she became the star of Air New Zealand's safety video - with four other Sports Illustrated models.  Well it's one way to get people to pay attention!

Marilyn Monroe

If ever an icon needed no introduction it's Marilyn.  And although long since passed she's still the face of advertising campaigns today.  The latest is for Max Factor - who helped turn her into the bombshell we love.

"Norma Jeane entered his Blonde Room in the late 1940s as a brunette, and thanks to Mr. Max Factor emerged complete with platinum blonde hair, a beauty look fit for Marilyn Monroe."  And as some of her favourite shades are still sold by the company it seemed like a fitting tribute for the latest Max Factor campaign to feature Marilyn.

Jane Fonda

Talented actress.  Fitness Guru.  Activist.  A strong, independent woman who was the orginal at-home workout coach. She's still acting, she's still a voice of activism and her workout tapes have now been relaunched on DVD - and they haven't got any easier!  Jillian Michael's isn't quite the toughest trainer around yet... 

Linda Evangelista

She didn't get out of bed for less than $10000 a day - and it paid off!  This super-supermodel ruled the late 80s and early 90s with her beauty and chameleon attitude - constantly changing her hairstyle and colour.  And despite being a year away from 50 she's still landing huge contracts, and Vogue covers!  She's passionate about AIDs and Breast Cancer causes and was one of the MAC Viva Glam reps.

We can't quite believe the lasting and evolving legacy these beauty icons are forging - Iconic and inspirational don't you think?