Male models of the 1990s made history by becoming icons and legends!
Just like entertainment legends such as Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee, or female supermodels such as Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Claudia Schiffer, who propelled models to celebrity status in the 1990s. The few men who achieved ultra-top model status followed the trend and became the most famous male models of all time, iconic figures in men’s fashion. They appeared everywhere, from the small screen to box-office hits such as Thelma and Louise, The Avengers and the hit charts.
Here are the Top Icons Men Magazine:
1. Alain Gossuin
Before
© Dries Van Notten
Alain Gossuin after the Dries Van Noten fashion show
Spotted as a model, he joined the Elite agency on the advice of renowned photographer Herb Ritts. He lent his image to advertising campaigns for brands such as Cointreau, MG Rover and Levi’s. Alain Gossuin, the renowned model, gained notable fame beyond his career in the 1990s and was the subject of a report on the programme ‘Reportages’ in 1993 on TF1.
Alain Gossuin, born on 18 February 1962, was the first Belgian supermodel. He joined his peers such as Cameron, Werner, Greg Hansens, and others.
He is also the most famous male model for being the first Belgian (and European) model to be completely waxed.

The supermodel is a regular at Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana fashion shows. He also appears in photos in numerous international magazines, including the cover of our Men Magazine. Launched in 1998 in 15 capital cities such as Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, Casablanca, Milan…
Whether by chance or not, Alain Gossuin and Mohamed Halhoule, founder and artistic director of Men Magazine, took a break for a while and are now back in force with lots of news and innovations in the fashion industry to follow. He is the famous male model welcomed like a film star who made a comeback to the forefront of the scene in 2024!
2. Mark Vanderloo
Mark Vanderloo, undisputed fashion icon and Dutch actor, electrified screens with his striking impact. Europe’s most famous male model, Vanderloo embodies the very essence of glamour and power. A beloved model, he left his indelible mark by collaborating with industry giants such as Hugo Boss. At the same time, his magnetic aura transcended the catwalks to make its mark in the world of cinema, becoming the iconic face of Commander Shepard in the legendary Mass Effect trilogy. Vanderloo, a force in fashion and on the big screen, has conquered the world with his dazzling charisma.
With a career spanning more than twenty years, Dutch model Mark Vanderloo has become one of the most influential faces in fashion. He has appeared on more than 500 magazine covers and in more than 1,500 print advertisements and commercials. He is particularly known for his Hugo Boss campaigns.
3. Werner Schreyer
Werner Schreyer has worked for all the major designers, companies and photographers. He has been featured on the covers of all the major international magazines and newspapers, including the first cover of our Men Magazine.
He has participated in numerous campaigns, notably for Gianni Versace, Byblos, Guess, Calvin Klein, Emporio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Levis, Dolce & Gabbana, Iceberg, Morgan (for the first time), L’Oréal (for H&M), Hugo Boss and Lee Cooper.
He is one of the favourite supermodels of the world’s greatest photographers, such as Herb Ritts, Bruce Weber, Mario Testino, Jean Baptiste Mondino, Enrique Badulescu, Gilles-Marie Zimmermann, Francois Matthys, Mathew Rolston, Richard Avedon, Michel Comte, Ellen von Unwerth, Walter Chin, Mario Sorrenti, Steven Klein, Hedi Slimane, Jean-Francois Carly, Vincent Peters, Terry Richardson, Philip Gay, and Alasdair McLellan.
Werner Schreyer is a German model. He was born on 31 March 1971 in Munich, Germany.
Since 1990, Werner Schreyer has worked as an international model and actor. He first lived and worked in Vienna, then Milan and Barcelona, before settling in Paris, his main residence for eight years. From there, he commuted between New York and Los Angeles.
Werner Schreyer today? Werner Schreyer recently posed for another photo shoot with Rake magazine, but his current passion is firmly focused on art, particularly painting.
Top model agency: Success
4. Cameron Alborzian
Cameron Alborzian – BEFORE
The charismatic model Cameron Alborzian made a remarkable debut on screens around the world thanks to his participation in the famous Levi’s advertising campaign. He appears shirtless, showing off his beautifully sculpted physique, holding a tyre with a decidedly masculine air.
Cameron Alborzian was born in Tehran on 26 February 1967 to an English mother and an Iranian father.
Known as Cameron, he began his modelling career on the catwalks of Paris in 1986. Alongside Jean-Paul Gaultier, he worked for other designers such as Dior and YSL. It was not until 1988, when he landed a contract with Guess jeans, that he gained greater recognition for his work.
This springboard as an international model took him straight to Madonna’s music video, which made headlines with her song ‘Express Yourself,’ number one at the box office. This top model was able to resist the charms of the provocative Madonna.
5. Albert Delègue
The unforgettable face of this iconic male model for Armani fragrance has conquered the entire world. His piercing blue eyes, contrasting with his black hair, transcended the image, giving him both irresistible charm and undeniable notoriety. Armani’s bold choice to embody its men’s fragrance proved to be a masterstroke, propelling Albert Delègue’s career to new heights.
Thanks to such an exceptional career path, Albert Delègue has achieved the status of one of the most renowned French models worldwide. He is also one of the iconic figures of the specialist modelling agency Success, run by Olivier Bertrand.
Albert Delègue began his modelling career at the age of 26, born on 2 May 1963 in Rambouillet, France. He reached the top by working at the highest level for Giorgio Armani’s campaigns since 1991, while lending his face to prestigious brands such as Gianni Versace, Valentino, Calvin Klein and Sonia Rykiel. Returning frequently to his native region, he actively supported sporting events, having previously been a ski instructor in the Pyrenees before entering the world of modelling.
Albert Delègue, the leading model for Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, passed away on 14 April 1995. His friend and fellow model Alain Gossuin confirmed and explained the facts during a television interview. His place is forever engraved as one of the first globally recognised male models. Men Magazine extends its sincere condolences and pays tribute to this legend of men’s fashion, reminding everyone that Albert Delègue will forever remain an unforgettable icon.
Top model agency: Success
5. Greg Hansen
Meeting with American model Greg Hansen and his partner Tova in Paris. In France, in Paris, in December 1994, Greg Hansen, model, holding a guitar on a balcony, outdoors. (Photo by Alvaro Canovas/Paris Match via Getty Images)
Greg Hanson is an American model who attracted attention thanks to his appearance in a television commercial for Dim for men. Subsequently, the young Greg Hansen shared a kiss with Carole Bouquet in an advertising campaign for Chanel No. 5 perfume. Twenty-five-year-old model Greg Hansen has walked the catwalks for major brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Armani, Kenzo and Dior. He joined the very select circle of the world’s most renowned male models, alongside figures such as Werner Schreyer, Cameron Alborzian, Satya Oblette and Alain Gossuin. Just before the rise of boy bands, French television channels were fighting over him.
Greg Hanson was born on 21 February 1965 in California. Greg Hansen lived with his family until he moved to New York at the age of 16, where he began modelling for Ford Models and Wilhelmina International Modelling Agency. Greg Hanson has modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch and Calvin Klein jeans advertisements and has appeared on the covers of magazines such as GQ, Details and Esquire. He has also appeared in films such as Thelma & Louise, Wayne’s World 2 and Bedazzled. To discover his full profile and see how the former supermodel has transitioned into his new career, read the profile of model Greg Hansen here.
Supermodel agency: Success in Paris
7. Mickey Hardt
From his very first campaign with Hugo Boss, Mickey Hardt took off, appearing in numerous advertising campaigns, showcasing his extra-wide smile for a famous milk brand. He has also graced the catwalks of the most prestigious brands.
Our make-up artist, Pascal Poma, discovered Mickey Hardt in Brussels, then organised a modelling test with our photographer Eric Ceccarini. With his long hair and Jupiter-like sculpted physique, his image was presented to his agent. After greeting Stef, the agency’s director, Mickey Hardt was sent to the Hugo Boss casting. Selected by the brand with a modelling fee multiplied by a hundred, Stef placed him directly in New York City. The second Belgian top model to join the ranks of international male modelling pioneers, he appeared in numerous advertising campaigns until becoming the lead actor in a crime series.
Mickey Hardt, originally from Luxembourg and born on 27 March 1969 in Sorengo, Switzerland, rose to fame in the 1999 series La Loi du puma, confirming his status as a Belgian supermodel and actor.
Supermodel agency: Steff in Belgium, which has ceased trading
8. Tony Ward
The iconic Tony Ward was the face of Calvin Klein underwear, his first campaign with the brand that propelled him into the spotlight. He also lent his charm to renowned fragrance campaigns, becoming the face of Dolce & Gabbana’s ‘Only The Brave’ fragrance in 2009, presented in a fist-shaped bottle. Similarly, the Diesel brand highlighted his tattoos, captured in black and white by the talented English photographer Platon.
In the modelling world, Tony Ward is the famous male model who has shared the spotlight with personalities such as Tyson Ballou, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Noah Mills and Eva Herzigova. He brilliantly embodies the fragrance ‘11 La Force’. Accustomed to being presented as the quintessential virile male, Tony Ward transforms himself into an elegant and modern dandy for the H&M spring/summer 2012 campaign. In one of the images, he poses alongside his daughter.
9. Marcus Schenkenberg
Marcus Schenkenberg is a prominent figure in the Swedish fashion and television world. He rose to fame as the iconic face of brands such as Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss, while also modelling for prestigious brands such as Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan and Versace. In addition to his professional career, he is also known for having been the partner of Pamela Anderson, with whom he considered marriage.
He has also been photographed by renowned photographers such as Mario Testino, Herb Ritts, Steven Meisel and Patrick Demarchelier.
Marcus Schenkenberg, whose real name is Marcus Lodewijk Schenkenberg van Mierop, is a Swedish model and actor born on 4 August 1968 in Solna, Stockholm County. This male supermodel is known for his role in the series V.I.P. Marcus Schenkenberg has dual Swedish and Dutch nationality.
His current agency is Ford Models.
10. Satya Oblet
Discovered by Jean-Paul Gaultier and Kenzō Takada, he immediately became one of the biggest male models thanks to his dark skin, blonde-dyed hair and goatee, which he chose ‘to enhance his exoticism and compensate for what he saw as the disadvantage of his skin colour in breaking into the fashion world’.
Satya Oblette was born on 3 January 1976 in Pondicherry, India, and was adopted by a French couple living in Montbrison.
In the early 2000s, during a stay in New York, the face of the Kenzo brand shortened his name to ‘Oblet’ to make it easier for English speakers to pronounce. This variant remains widespread on the Internet.
Satya Oblette began his professional career in civil aviation as an Air France flight engineer. After two years in the job, a simple, anecdotal bet led him to abandon aviation to start a modelling career, which he had never considered, and which quickly became a success. He is one of the most famous male models still on the catwalk. Oblette is one of the male models of the 1990s who is still in the spotlight.
11. Alex Lundqvist
Alex Lundqvist rose to fame in the 1990s, notably sharing the spotlight with Helena Christensen in Versace’s autumn/winter 1997 campaign. The Swedish model has also been the face of advertising campaigns for Guess and Hugo Boss.
Each of his photos is a masterpiece that inspires us to dream, but it is the nude photos he took with photographer Steven Meisel that we particularly love.
His modelling career began in the summer of 1996, when he met photographer Bruce Weber and Sean Patterson, an agent at Wilhelmina, who found him after seeing his photo in an obscure publication. Versace immediately hired him for a global campaign with Helena Christensen, photographed by Bruce Weber. He then participated in Lagerfeld’s campaigns in Europe and Guess’s campaigns in the United States.
His first editorial shoot was for Italian Vogue with Steven Meisel and Kate Moss. He has also participated in major campaigns for Diesel and Dolce & Gabbana. He was also chosen for the 1995 Guess campaign with Laetitia Casta and Valeria Mazza.
Lundqvist is one of the world’s most famous models. He has appeared on the cover of more than 700 magazines worldwide, including American, Italian and French Vogue, W Magazine, Numero Homme International, Details Magazine, Cosmopolitan (US), GQ (Italy), L’Officiel Hommes (France), Interview Magazine (US) and Arena Homme Plus, among others. He has walked in over 100 fashion shows for designers such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano for Dior Homme and Yves Saint Laurent, to name but a few.
He is signed with Wilhelmina Models in New York.
12. Jason Lewis
The face of Hugo Boss, this handsome blond is best known for his advertising campaign for Absolut, posing completely naked with a bottle covering his private parts.
Jason Lewis was born on 25 June 1971 in Newport Beach, California, and dreamed of becoming a model. He took on a series of odd jobs and, following the advice of a headhunter, began his career in Paris. It was a success! He worked for Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, Guess, Ray Ban, and more.
In 1996, Jason Lewis was nominated for a VH1 Fashion Music Award in the ‘Male Model of the Year’ category and even had an eleven-page solo feature in GQ magazine. After playing a small recurring role in the sitcom High Sierra Search and Rescue, he auditioned for the series Beverly Hills in 1997 and landed a supporting role in the seventh season. It was then that he decided to tackle the world of cinema.
13. Larry Scott
Larry Scott
Larry Scott, like Mark Vanderloo, is part of the iconic generation of models from the 1990s. It is important not to confuse this Larry Scott with another man of the same name, a double Olympic medallist bodybuilder who served as a source of inspiration for Arnold Schwarzenegger. His supermodel career really took off thanks to the campaign for Giorgio Armani’s Acqua Di Gio fragrance. A black-and-white close-up photo of his face, taken by photographer Herb Ritts on 12 December 1996 on Malibu Beach, propelled him into the limelight. With his Superman-like appearance, Larry Scott earned £7 million before being replaced by German model Lars Burmeister.
Born in Sacramento in 1966, this American supermodel has worked with prestigious agencies such as Mega Model Agency Hamburg, Scoop Models Copenhagen, Sight Management Studio Barcelona, Jill Models Management Antwerp, Dova Models Aarhus, Next London, Nologo Mgmt Milan, Marilyn Agency Paris and Wilhelmina New York.
Discovered in San Francisco, Larry Scott has been the face of major brands such as Façonnable, Corneliani, Brunello Cucinelli, Ermenegildo Zegna, Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan New York, and Calvin Klein.
In his private life, Larry Scott had a romantic relationship with Australian singer Kylie Minogue.
14. Tyson Beckford
Tyson Beckford shone as a guest of honour at the 2025 Met Gala, sporting a Ralph Lauren ensemble that was among the ten best black dandy looks at the event. In keeping with this year’s dress code, entitled ‘Tailored for You’, his choice of attire highlighted the excellence of bespoke tailoring and the elegance of menswear. Perfectly embodying the spirit of the evening, which paid tribute to the finesse of menswear, Beckford showcased the great tradition of American tailoring through his look.
Tyson Beckford is a model and actor famous for his work with Ralph Lauren Polo. In addition, Tyson hosted two seasons of the Bravo show Make Me a Supermodel. Beckford is said to be the most successful male model of all time, achieving fame and landing big contracts, much like the female models who enjoyed immense success in the 1990s. In fact, in 2014, Vogue magazine voted him the greatest male model of all time, according to Ranker.
It was in 1991 that Tyson was discovered by the editor of hip-hop magazine The Source, and he quickly rose to fame. Once he signed a contract to represent Ralph Lauren’s Polo Sport fragrance, his career really took off. During the 1990s, Tyson and female supermodels achieved a similar level of fame.
During 1993, Tyson posed for renowned photographers such as Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts. He also participated in advertising campaigns for Polo Ralph Lauren and became one of their leading models. He was featured in popular magazines such as The New York Times, Vogue, GQ, and many others.
In 1995, GQ magazine named Tyson Beckford ‘Man of the Year’. That same year, he was ranked among the ‘50 most beautiful people in the world’ by People Magazine. In addition, VH1 ranked him 38th in its list of the ‘40 Hottest Hotties of the 90’s’.
A native of the Bronx, Tyson owes his irresistible charm to his Jamaican, Panamanian, Chinese and African heritage. People magazine even included him among the 50 most beautiful people. Tyson is one of the few male models to have made it big in the world of celebrities. He is one of the most famous male models to have spanned the decades of supermodelling and appears in several Men Magazine rankings. Vogue’s favourite moment in the entertainment world with Tyson? Of course, his appearance in Britney Spears’ music video for the song ‘Toxic’! Tyson is the famous African model who remains a staple in the fashion world.
15. Djimon Hounsou
An incredible story, his career has been a whirlwind: from the streets to fashion, via music, and finally ending up in the spotlight on the big screen. He also appeared in Janet Jackson’s video, ‘Love Will Never Do Without You’. His presence is also felt in the music industry, appearing in three music videos directed by David Fincher: Steve Winwood’s ‘Roll With It’, Madonna’s ‘Express Yourself’, and Paula Abdul’s ‘Straight Up’.
As the muse for designer Thierry Mugler, his career took off with a series of magazine covers, an appearance in the Pirelli Calendar with photographer Tim Walker, and posing for Herbert Ritts’ photo book ‘Men and Women’.
Djimon Hounsou, born on 24 April 1964 in Cotonou, is a Beninese-born American model, actor and director. At the age of 13, he arrived in Lyon, France, to live with his brother. After failing at school, he moved to the capital. After several difficult weeks sleeping on the streets of Paris, someone working for Thierry Mugler spotted him one morning as he was washing himself in the fountain in front of the Beaubourg centre. Bingo! It was during the 1980s that he met fashion designer Thierry Mugler. This encounter marked his entry into the world of fashion. Thanks to advertising campaigns, covers and editorials in the biggest magazines, he found himself in the spotlight. His career reached its peak with his appearance in successful films. He is the most famous male model of all time in the world.
16. Jon Kortajarena
Kortajarena Redruello, a Spanish model, made his first appearance as the face of Just Cavalli at the age of 18 in 2004. Born on 19 May 1985 in Bilbao, Spain, he is the main face of Tom Ford’s collections. In 2009, Forbes recognised him as one of the ten highest-paid male models.
Following his success with Just Cavalli, Kortajarena has participated in a myriad of advertising campaigns for prestigious names such as Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Chanel, and Hugo Boss. He also made an appearance in Tom Ford’s 2009 film, ‘A Single Man’.
In 2011, he became the new face of Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Kokorico fragrances and 212 VIP Men by American-Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera. His presence lit up the catwalks of Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana.
Kortajarena has lent his image to numerous brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Armani Jeans, Pepe Jeans, H&M, Trussardi, Hugo Boss, Massimo Dutti, Karl Lagerfeld, Mavi Jeans, Kenneth Cole, Guess, David Yurman, Replay, Lacoste, 7 for All Mankind, Banana Republic and Balmain. He has appeared on the covers of many prestigious magazines, including Vogue (Mexico, Turkey, Spain), Marie Claire, Apollo Novo, Elle Man, VMan, GQ, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar and L’Officiel Hommes.
Kortajarena made notable appearances in Madonna’s music video ‘Girl Gone Wild’ and represents Guerlain’s ‘L’Homme Idéal’ fragrance. He also appears in singer Fergie’s music video ‘M.I.L.F. $’ alongside Kim Kardashian, among others.
How have male models, icons of the 1990s, evolved over time? What has become of the models of the 1990s?
The male models who made their mark in the 1990s have often managed to adapt and evolve over the decades, with some continuing to work in fashion while others have explored new avenues, such as art or wellness. During this flamboyant period in fashion, these icons not only defined the standards of male beauty at the time, but also paved the way for a new perception of the male modelling career.
Today, many of these iconic models of the 1990s have retained their elegance and charisma, but with added maturity and depth to their presence. Some, like Werner Schreyer, have even pivoted to other passions such as art, marking a shift from the spotlight to more personal and introspective forms of expression. Schreyer’s interest in painting is a good example of this transition to new creative adventures.
The physical transformation of these models over the years often reveals an evolution towards a more personal and distinctive style. They have been able to adapt to changing trends while preserving the essence of what made them iconic. For many, the classic beauty and appeal that catapulted them onto the catwalks in the 1990s continues to shine, with a renewed focus on health, physical well-being and healthy lifestyles.
Their continued reputation in the fashion industry illustrates not only their ability to remain relevant, but also how the industry itself values and celebrates experience and longevity. The continued presence of these models in the media, whether through fashion collaborations, top photographers, top hairstylists, editorials or brand ambassador roles, is a testament to their enduring influence and ability to inspire across generations.
In short, the male supermodels of the 1990s continue to impress and reinvent themselves, whether in front of the camera, on the catwalk, or in completely different fields. Their evolution is a testament to their versatility and resilience in the face of an ever-changing fashion world.
It comes as no surprise to me that some of the models on this list of icons are still in vogue. It’s only natural; men seem to age very gracefully, often more so than women. My apologies, ladies, this is just the opinion of an artistic director, and far be it from me to indulge in machismo. In fact, I am often complimented on my resemblance to an actor. Whether it’s a compliment or not, I still prefer to be behind the camera.
I lived through that wonderful era when my trained eye was that of a headhunter (or scout). On that note, take advantage of our advice in our article: ‘How to become a model’. As production manager and stylist for Men Magazine shoots, I had the opportunity to explore different aspects of the fashion world. Today, with the new version of our magazine, I feel a strong desire to highlight the pioneers who paved the way for the new generation of top models, whether they are African models, French models, Belgian models, Russian models, German models, Italian models, etc.
I have already discussed with my model friends from the nineties the idea of organising a haute couture fashion show or editorials to restore a certain order on the catwalks.
The launch of the new version gives me the opportunity to start with fashion series for Men Magazine. The red city of Marrakech, in contrast to the Yves Saint Laurent museum, fills me with inspiration for my new fashion productions. By chance, I respond to an Instagram post by Alain Gossuin between writing breaks. Just like the great music of the 90s, which has found new momentum, I realise that this is exactly what I want to do: show everyone the fashion icons who have left an indelible mark on history and who embody the true meaning of masculinity.
We therefore felt it was important to write this article, as it was during this period that male models became icons of men’s fashion. I would like to point out that Alain Gossuin was featured in the first issue of Men Magazine Belgium and that Werner Schreyer appeared on the cover of the first issue of Men Magazine International!
