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It’s hard to believe Cindy Crawford, the most famous supermodel to come out of the Eighties and Nineties, turns 60 this February – a milestone that feels almost impossible for the woman who defined supermodel status! From her all-American beauty and iconic mole to her era-defining Versace runways and Pepsi moments, Cindy didn’t just dominate the Nineties – she shaped modern celebrity. About to celebrate her six decades, the mum-of-two remains a symbol of confidence, longevity and effortless glamour.

You have a big birthday coming up. What are your thoughts on ageing and getting older generally?

I embrace it. When I turned 50, I wrote a book about how ageing can be scary and daunting for a woman, especially if you happen to be in the public eye. I learned to embrace it then and I embrace it now.

What was the turning point for you in terms of your take on what beauty really is?

I think just coming to terms with getting older and understanding that everyone feels a little bit insecure. We still live in a very ageist world, which is hard but, at the same time, we tend to be self-critical so much. I don’t know why that is but you have to push past that, no matter what age you are. You just have to embrace it, be yourself and also let other people be themselves. We all need to be less critical.

You are a beauty icon to many, but who is your beauty icon?

My mother is one. My mom is definitely my number one beauty icon because she just has this natural beauty about her. And then in terms of a look, Raquel Welch. When I was younger, she was someone I looked up to because of how glamorous she was. As a brunette and because she had a body like I did, I could relate to her type of beauty. I understand that look.

What would you say is the biggest difference between your heyday as a supermodel and those who are walking the runways in that same kind of spotlight now?

I think the biggest difference is that models now have a voice in a way we really didn’t back then. Social media has given models the opportunity to show who they are as a person and that they are not just a magazine cover. Back in my day, there was this terrible assumption that if you were a model, you were dumb.

How did your own journey as a model begin?

It’s not something I grew up wanting to do or be. It wasn’t until I as a young woman that I even realised being a model was actually a job. The modelling thing just happened to me. An opportunity came up and then one job just led to another. I followed the path to what has been this long career that I never really expected.

What do you think you would be doing now had you not become a world-famous supermodel?

Growing up, I wanted to be the first woman president of the United States (laughs). And then I wanted to be a doctor or maybe a teacher. Even now, I could imagine myself in a job like that. I loved school. I was a straight-A student, so I had big aspirations to do something big. I was valedictorian. I went to college but as soon as I dropped out to do modelling, people immediately treated me like I was dumb. I wasn’t.

What was the moment when you realised that you’d become the global star you are now?

I think when I did the Pepsi commercial for the Super Bowl. That was something I did that went beyond the fashion world. Doing that commercial meant I was seen by a whole new audience. I didn’t fully realise it at the time but it changed everything. Fame kind of snuck up on me at that moment and there was no going back.

‘We all need to be less critical’

What’s the secret behind the longevity you’ve enjoyed in an industry really not known for such a thing?

I think women relate to me. When I started modelling everyone was blonde-haired and blue-eyed and icy. Then Christy Turlington and I came along with brown hair and brown eyes and more athletic bodies. People could relate to that.

You mentioned your mole. I know you were encouraged to have it removed when you started out as a model.

Well, I never intended or expected [my mole]to become a big deal. I just like to think it signifies that we should all celebrate whatever makes us unique from one another but you never know what is going to make you stand out.

How would you describe your life now?

Quiet. We live in the desert (Coachella Valley, Southern California) so it’s very different. It’s quiet. It’s serene. It’s zen. I love it.

What about your beauty regime? A lot of us would love to know what you do every day to stay looking so young.

First thing every day, tongue scrape. Then I do dry brushing. I do my own little lymphatic drainage with oil and then I do gua sha on my face. I try to look after myself. I eat healthily and work out when I can but it’s not such a big deal if I don’t.

And that famous hair of yours – any tips?

My one tip is don’t wash your hair every day because it is hard on your hair, especially when you colour it. So I brush my hair really good every night before I go to bed and then I tilt upside down and put it in a very loose bun on the top of my head with one of those loose hair pins. It saves my hair from getting frizzy.

Finally, what are you looking forward to in your 60s?

Right now I’m just loving life with my husband and enjoying having adult children. I love the fact I still get to be in front of a camera sometimes and I still get to travel. But it’s different now. I have my time. My husband has more time. Years ago we were both so busy. Now we’re really enjoying having time for each other and just being spontaneous.

Family first!

Away from the runway, Cindy’s proudest role has always been at home. Married to entrepreneur Rande Gerber since 1998, the supermodel and Rande have two children – Kaia, 24 and Presley, 26 – both of whom have followed her into the fashion spotlight. The star has spoken candidly about prioritising family over fame, choosing balance, stability and presence during her children’s formative years. ■