The Models Who Ruled the Fashion World in the '80s

German-born Patitz was known as one of "The Big Five" and is credited with helping launch the supermodel era. She was a Vogue staple, appearing on covers of both U.S. and international editions and scoring two consecutive covers in 1989 under the newly appointed Anna Wintour. Patitz was a muse to legendary photographer Herb Ritts and shot campaigns for Calvin Klein with Bruce Weber and Revlon's "The Most Unforgettable Women in the World" campaign with Richard Avedon.

An avid animal-lover and equestrian, Patitz still rides horses in addition to modeling — most recently in the Fall campaign for Gloria Vanderbilt jeans.