Image Source: Getty Images | Photo By Alexander Tamargo
The 1990s marked a golden era for Cindy Crawford’s modeling career. Dominating magazine covers and editorials, she became a fashion industry icon with her unique style. One of her most memorable appearances was in George Michael’s music video for “Freedom! ’90.” In 2021, Crawford reminisced about the shoot and shared behind-the-scenes details during an interview with Vanity Fair.
A surprising revelation was that her famous bathtub scene in the video wasn’t filled with water. Crawford explained, “So I wasn’t just lounging in a tub. Plus, it was very tricky, because they had to get me up high enough so they could tell it was me from the back without showing too much. It was a very acrobatic situation there.
They put a bunch of grease in my hair, and I was like, ‘Oh really? I’m going to be the girl with the greasy hair in the tub?’” She continued, “And then they wanted me to put the towel on my head with the white shirt. I had seen what the other women had worn because I was [filming on] the second day, and I was like, ‘Wait, they probably all said no to the tub, and that was the scene that was left!'”
Reflecting on the final product, Crawford said, “But then when I saw the video, I should have just trusted Fincher and his vision, because it ended up being such a great moment for me, too—and for everybody.” She previously shared this detail in 2020 while chatting on the YouTube series, “No Filter With Naomi.”
According to Page Six, she revealed that the bathtub had “[Just] me and steam,” and mentioned using an apple box to avoid sinking into the tub. In her Vanity Fair interview, Crawford also discussed how technology and social media have transformed the modeling industry.
She told Grazia Magazine, “It keeps us in these little private bubbles. Especially sitting in a makeup chair, I see a lot of young models and they’re just lost and they’re scrolling, and they might be missing out on meeting their best friend who’s the person doing their hair or their nails. As I look back on my career, the best thing about my job is the people that I’ve encountered along the way.”
In a 2015 interview with Dan Schawbel, Crawford addressed similar themes, discussing how the industry has evolved since her early days. As per Forbes, Crawford said, “I think the biggest change for young models is their direct access to their fans via social media. They can have much more influence on how they are perceived.” She also spoke about the aspirations of many models, stating, “The big dream for most models is some kind of cosmetic contract and also long-term relationships with great global brands.
I was a Revlon spokesperson for 15 years before I went on to start my own skincare line called Meaningful Beauty. I also worked with Pepsi for years and have had a 20-year relationship as an ambassador for Omega watches—longer than most marriages.” Crawford’s reflections highlight the dramatic shifts in the modeling world and underscore the enduring impact of her iconic moments in fashion history.
