Cheryl Tiegs, an American model and fashion designer, is widely considered as the first American supermodel. In the 1970s and 1980s, she gained international recognition with her multiple magazine covers and numerous brand campaigns. Teaching students about Cheryl Tiegs can provide valuable insights into the world of modeling, entrepreneurship, and body positivity.
Early Life and Career
Born on September 25, 1947, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, Cheryl Rae Tiegs moved to California with her family when she was a child. She started her modeling career at a young age when she appeared on the cover of Teen magazine at just 17. While teaching students about her life, it’s essential to highlight her perseverance and hard work that led to a successful career in the modeling industry.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Tiegs became a household name by gracing the covers of magazines such as Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Vogue, and TIME. She is best known for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and her iconic poster wearing a white fishnet swimsuit.
Entrepreneurial Success
In addition to her modeling career, Cheryl Tiegs ventured into various entrepreneurial pursuits. She launched a successful signature line for Sears in 1980 called “Cheryl Tiegs Sportswear,” which lasted for over a decade. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn a lot from her ability to leverage her fame into building successful businesses.
Body Positivity Advocate
As an influential figure in the fashion industry, Cheryl Tiegs has been active in promoting body positivity throughout her career. In recent years, she has used her platform to encourage discussions around beauty standards, health, and self-esteem – an essential aspect worth discussing while teaching students about Cheryl Tiegs.
In 2016, she sparked a debate about body positivity by critiquing a plus-sized model on a magazine cover. The conversation led to reflecting upon the necessity for diverse representation and understanding that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Tiegs later apologized and clarified her intention to promote health and wellness.
Lesson Ideas for Teaching About Cheryl Tiegs
1. Research Project: Have students research Cheryl Tiegs’ life, career milestones, and contributions to the fashion industry. Encourage them to focus on key concepts such as perseverance, entrepreneurial mindset, and body positivity.
2. Art and Design: Ask students to explore Cheryl Tiegs’ clothing line for Sears. Have them analyze design elements from the line and work on an original clothing design inspired by her style.
3. Media Analysis: Show students various interviews and magazine covers featuring Cheryl Tiegs. Discuss the imagery, messages, and impact of these portrayals on the fashion industry.
4. Role Models in Fashion: Prompt students to discuss their own role models in the fashion industry or from other fields. Students should share why they admire these individuals and identify what qualities contribute to their success.
