‘WHAT PEOPLE SAY ISN'T GOING TO STOP ME'

SHE’S ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNISABLE FACES IN THE WORLD – A SUPERMODEL CULTURAL ICON, MUM AND A FASHION DESIGNER – AND KATE MOSS HAS DONE IT ALL ON HER OWN TERMS

- LISA MARKS

Little did anyone realise that the unknown model posing for a photographer on a cold beach in Camber Sands in 1990, for a now defunct fashion magazine, would wind up being the most famous model in the world. Aged just 16, Kate Moss’s angular features, stunning looks and waif-like body captured the essence of the grunge era and launched her stellar career. Melanie Ward, the stylist on set that day, said of the fresh-faced ingenue, “I loved Kate from the moment I met her. She is so real. There is no artifice or pretence. She is beautiful in every way, inspiring to dress and photograph. She has a spirit, a personality, a great sense of humour – someone you want to spend time with.”

Kate, who turns 47 this week, has gone on to appear on 43 covers of UK Vogue, starred in campaigns for Chanel, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Rimmel, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Dolce & Gabbana to name a but a few, and netted a £52 million fortune in the process.

Born in Croydon on 16 January 1974, to barmaid mum Linda and dad Peter, who worked for the airline Pan Am, Kate grew up with her younger brother Nick, and now also has a half-sister Lottie, a social media influencer.