Cynthia Ann Crawford was born on February 20, 1966. Crawford rose to fame as an American model, actress, and television host, with her career peaking in the 1980s and 1990s. During this period, she became a “style icon,” gracing the covers of fashion magazines, participating in high-profile campaigns, and attending major fashion events across the U.S. Although she continues her career, her focus has shifted towards acting and business ventures. Read more about her life, career, and connection to Manhattan below. More on manhattanka.com.
Early Life of the Future Supermodel
Cynthia Ann Crawford was born in DeKalb, Illinois, to John Dan and Jennifer Crawford (née Walker). She grew up with two sisters, Chris and Danielle, and a brother, Jeffrey, who tragically passed away at the age of three from leukemia. Crawford believes her family, with roots in Germany, England, and France, had been settled in the U.S. for generations.
Although born far from New York City, Crawford’s destiny became intertwined with Manhattan, where she found her calling. She became a central figure in New York’s fashion scene during the 1980s and 1990s, living the glamorous life of a top model, with days spent on photoshoots in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District and nights at the city’s hottest clubs.
Early Steps Towards Fame
Crawford spent her early years in DeKalb, attending the local high school. During her sophomore year, she received a prank call from classmates pretending to offer her a modeling job. A year later, that prank became reality when she was scouted for her first modeling gig—a photoshoot for a fashion magazine.
Her modeling potential was first spotted by local photographer Roger Legel, who invited her for a photoshoot with the DeKalb Nite Weekly. The feature received overwhelming praise, encouraging Crawford to pursue modeling. Her first modeling contract was with a small agency before she moved on to Elite Model Management.
In 1983, at just 17, she competed in the Elite Look of the Year contest, advancing to the national finals.
Professional Career as a Model
Crawford’s golden era began in the 1980s and continued into the 1990s. She became a sought-after model for various projects, including appearing in the opening credits of the Michael J. Fox film The Secret of My Success. She graced the cover of British Vogue alongside supermodels like Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, and Naomi Campbell.
In 1994, Crawford played the love interest in Bon Jovi’s music video for “Please Come Home for Christmas.” She later appeared in the Duran Duran video “Girl Panic” (2011) and Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” (2015), alongside stars such as Jessica Alba, Lily Aldridge, and Cara Delevingne.
In 2002, People magazine recognized Crawford as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People.” Other accolades followed: she ranked 26th on Maxim magazine’s “Hot 100,” 3rd on VH1’s “40 Hottest Hotties of the 1990s,” and appeared on Men’s Health magazine’s list of the “100 Hottest Women of All Time.”
Life in Manhattan
After graduating as valedictorian of DeKalb High School, Crawford was awarded an academic scholarship to Northwestern University to study chemical engineering. However, she left after her first semester to pursue modeling.
She began her career in Chicago, working with photographer Victor Skrebneski, before moving to Manhattan in 1986 and signing with Elite New York.
As a top model, Crawford was a fixture in New York’s fashion scene, particularly during the 1990s. Her days were spent on photoshoots in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, and her nights at famed clubs like Nell’s and Peggy Sue’s.
Despite now living in Malibu, California, Crawford frequently visits Manhattan with her daughter, Kaia Gerber, to experience the city’s allure.
Manhattan Living
Crawford lived in several Manhattan neighborhoods over the years, including West Greenwich, Nolita, and the Upper East Side. While she spends most of her time in California, she continues to visit New York regularly. She prefers hotels like The Greenwich or The Mercer for their lively, diverse atmospheres, but for a taste of classic New York, she recommends The Carlyle.
The Meatpacking District, once an industrial area with butcher shops and grimy streets, has transformed into a vibrant hub of boutiques, galleries, and bars, reflecting Manhattan’s dynamic spirit.
Over a Decade in Manhattan
Crawford lived in Manhattan for 12 years, initially favoring the trendy downtown area popular with models. Her husband, Rande Gerber, eventually persuaded her to move to the Upper East Side, where they found a three-bedroom pre-war apartment on Madison Avenue. She described the apartment as her sanctuary amid Manhattan’s chaos, enjoying its spacious kitchen and classic design.
Cindy Crawford’s Manhattan Legacy
Although Cindy Crawford now resides in a Spanish-style hacienda in California, her years in Manhattan were pivotal. Her journey from a small-town girl to a supermodel and actress reflects the transformative power of the city. Today, Crawford balances her enduring connection to Manhattan with her family life and career, making her a true icon of American fashion and culture.