Kate Moss, the iconic English model and entrepreneur, was born on January 16, 1974, in Croydon, Greater London. Growing up as the daughter of Linda Moss, a bartender, and Peter Moss, who worked for an airline, Kate Moss’s journey into the spotlight began at just 14 years old. It was during a chance encounter at JFK Airport that Sarah Doukas, founder of Storm Model Management, discovered her—marking the beginning of what would become a legendary career. Her big break came in 1990 with a photoshoot by Corinne Day for The Face magazine, which helped define the grunge-inspired aesthetic of the era.
While Kate Moss made her acting debut in the TV movie Inferno (1992) and even lent her voice to several Oasis tracks throughout the ‘90s, it was her striking presence in music videos for stars like Elton John that further elevated her public profile. However, it was her association with Calvin Klein and the controversial “heroin chic” look of the mid-90s that truly cemented Kate Moss in fashion history. With her slender frame, she stood in stark contrast to the more voluptuous supermodels of the 1980s such as Cindy Crawford, drawing both widespread admiration and criticism over her weight.
By the time she starred in Blackadder Back & Forth (1999), a short film continuation of the beloved BBC series Blackadder (1983–89), Kate Moss had already become a household name and a constant fixture in tabloid headlines. In the early 2000s, she was in a long-term relationship with Jefferson Hack, editor of the influential British fashion magazine Dazed. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Lila Grace-Hack, in 2002. Kate Moss also shares a close bond with Iris Law, daughter of Sadie Frost and Jude Law—born in 2000—for whom she serves as godmother.
Throughout her career, Kate Moss has represented some of the most prestigious names in fashion, including Chanel, Burberry, Versace, and Gucci. Yet, her path wasn’t without turbulence. In 2005, high-profile allegations involving cocaine use led to the suspension or termination of several major contracts. However, after the charges were dropped in 2006, Kate Moss made a strong comeback, resuming her modeling work—though some of the brands she partnered with during this period sparked debate.
That same year, 2005, marked the start of her highly publicized relationship with Pete Doherty, co-founder of The Libertines. The couple became engaged but ultimately parted ways in 2007. Interestingly, that very year, Time magazine recognized Kate Moss as one of the world’s 100 most influential people—a testament to her enduring cultural impact. She’s also frequently ranked among the “sexiest women in the world” by outlets like Maxim and NME.
Beyond modeling, Kate Moss has expanded her influence into design, launching successful clothing collections for retailers like Topshop. Her image has been featured in iconic artistic projects too, including Peter Blake’s reimagined version of the famous Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover, where she appeared alongside other notable British figures. In 2012, Forbes named her the second highest-paid model in the world—an impressive milestone in a career spanning decades.
Today, Kate Moss continues to shape the fashion world as a contributing fashion editor for British Vogue. She’s also stepped back in front of the camera in films like Zoolander 2 (2016) and Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016), playing herself with signature flair. As someone who’s remained under the media spotlight since her rise in the ‘90s, it’s no surprise that her personal life draws attention too. After her 2016 divorce from Jamie Hince, guitarist of The Kills—whom she married in 2011—Kate Moss’s romance with German aristocrat Count Nikolai von Bismarck quickly became another chapter in her ever-evolving public story.
When it comes to Kate Moss’s career in film and music, there are definitely some standout moments—and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark. Among her various appearances, Kate Moss’s highest rated project is undoubtedly Quant (2021), which received widespread acclaim and really showcased her influence beyond fashion. The film resonated well with both critics and audiences, highlighting a powerful moment in Kate Moss’s artistic journey. On the other hand, Kate Moss’s lowest rated appearance came in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016), which, despite its cult following, didn’t perform as strongly in terms of critical reception. While Kate Moss brought her signature style to the role, the overall response was more mixed. Still, it’s clear that Kate Moss continues to make an impact across different creative mediums, with her work in Quant standing out as a high point.