100 Most Influential People in Fashion

Fashion Influential #100: Anna Nicole Smith

Anna Nicole Smith in 2004 Entertainment Pictures Of The Year

Model Anna Nicole Smith poses on Rodeo Drive as she unveils a poster to promote a new 'Gentlemen Prefer Fur-Free Blondes' ad for People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on December 7, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)more pics »
ANNA NICOLE SMITH
Born:
November 28, 1967 in Harris Co., TX
Died:
February 8, 2007 in Hollywood, FL
Modeled for:
Playboy, Guess, H&M, New York Magazine
Endorsement Deals:
TrimSpa
Measurements:
5'6", 160lbs, 36DD, 26, 38
Beginnings.
Vicky Lynn Marshall, aka Anna Nicole Smith, worked at Jim’s Krispy Fried Chicken, Wal-Mart, and Red Lobster before becoming an exotic dancer. Needless to say, her white trashiness was authentic - and we mean that in the most affectionate way possible. She was larger than most models, but she had a very American look. Smith even told several people she planned to be “the next Marilyn Monroe.”

Career Highs.
Doors swung wide when she was named Playboy Playmate of the Year in 1992. Later that year she signed a contract to replace Claudia Schiffer as the Guess? Jeans girl, a role that thrust her headlong into the mainstream. Those for whom she modeled (H&M, New York Magazine) all seemed to capitalize on the popcorn blond’s resemblance to Jayne Mansfield/Marilyn Monroe with great success.
I'm sick of everyone saying I married my husband for money. It just so happens I get turned on by liver spots.
- Anna Nicole Smith

Career Lows.
The E! Channel unleashed the trainwreck that was The Anna Nicole Show on August 4, 2002, and while most reeled in horror at seeing Smith ballooning in weight (she reached size 18 at one point) and stoned on pills, a certain cult following found the schadenfreude amusing. She appeared on the American Music Awards in a rather stunning Pol Atteu gown only to confirm any suspicion that she was in fact blitzed. Check out the video. Many suspect oxycontin.

Legacy.
Anna Nicole Smith was the answer to the waif movement. She revived the buxom, platinum blond bombshell sensation with a vengeance that would eventually kill her. The Texas-born ex-waitress, ex-stripper, ex-Wal-Mart clerk is as American as it gets, for better or for worse.

You can take the girl out of Texas but not the Texas out of the girl.
Get the Look.
Anna Nicole insisted on having two implants stuffed into each boob, so that’s a good place to start. Work your way up from there with big fake lashes, red lipstick and enough peroxide in your hair to blind an albino. Dress it all up with tight jeans and a white blouse knotted just above the navel. Probably best to pass on the diet pills and pain killers.

- John