Turbulent Facts about Gia Carangi, The World's First Supermodel
Gia Carangi took the modelling industry by storm with her fearless, androgynous look and risk-taking sensibilities.
Although she is widely considered to be the first supermodel, her early exposure to substances derailed her career right at the peak of her success. Gia's story is a cautionary tale—one of heartbreak and regret—and it only ends in tragedy.
1. She Came From A Broken Family
Born January 29, 1960, Gia Carangi had it rough right from the get-go. Her home life was violent and unstable, and when she was only 11 years old, her mother walked out on the family. After that, Gia didn't see her mother for years. She spent her youth in Philadelphia, working at her father's small restaurant and trying to forget her yearning for a maternal figure.
But this sense of loss never went away.
2. She Marched To The Beat Of Her Own Drum
Gia found other meaningful connections in her friendships and was shamelessly open with her feelings. She often declared intentions of friendship with floral bouquets. No flowers for the boys though! Gia was all about the ladies.
In high school, she pivoted from platonic girl crushes and began frequenting gay clubs, subverting gender norms every chance she got.
However, Gia did have time for one man, and one man only—her idol, David Bowie.
3. She Looked Up To A Legend
Gia and her friends obsessed over Bowie's glam style, bisexuality, and playful gender subversion. Taking cues from the legendary musician, Gia adopted an androgynous style.
She wore men’s clothes—army pants and combat boots–and kept her hair cropped short and brightly dyed. But that wan't all. Gia was a barefaced beauty all the way through and never wore a stitch of makeup.
While out at the clubs, she definitely stood out from the crowd.
4. She Stood Out From The Crowd
Everyone noticed Gia—it was hard not to. She was a hip vision in her thrifted vintage wardrobe of men’s castoffs, and her signature style was a striking contrast to her unadorned natural beauty.
Instantly captivated by Gia at a club she frequented, a local shutterbug, Maurice Tannenbaum, asked to take her photograph on the dance floor. Before long, bold, confident, and self-assured Gia began to model in local advertisements.
But that wasn't all the nightclubs had to offer.
