Linda Evangelista was one of the original 1990s supermodels and, alongside Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, dominated the catwalk and fashion magazine covers in the 80s and 90s. However, she says she is “permanently deformed” after a non-surgical cosmetic surgery gone wrong.
In a post on Instagram, Evangelista said after having a procedure known as “CoolSculpting” (which involves “freezing” fat on the body and is similar to body conturing) she developed complications which have resulted in a radical change in her appearance.
“I have developed Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia … (it) has not only destroyed my livelihood, it has sent me into a cycle of deep depression, profound sadness and the lowest depths of self-loathing. In the process, I have become a recluse.”
The model says that she has kept to herself for five years. “I have been left, as the media has described it, ‘unrecognisable’.”
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in Cannes. Photograph: Ian West/PA
Writing in the comments of her post, members of the fashion community showed support for Evangelista. “You are and always will be a supermodel,” wrote the fashion designer Jeremy Scott. Marc Jacobs, another designer, said: “I love you dear Linda.” The editor of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, echoed the sentiments saying: “Always brave and inspiring.”
Naomi Campbell wrote: “I applaud you for your courage and strength to share your experience and not be held hostage by it any more. I can’t image the pain you [have] gone through mentally these past 5 years.”
Evangelista’s post mentioned a lawsuit and she said she intended to move “forward to rid myself of my shame.”
The Guardian have approached Allergan, owners of CoolSculpting, for comment.
