The Supermodel's New Chapter: 5 Shocking Truths About Linda Evangelista Nowadays
Linda Evangelista, the iconic supermodel whose face once defined an era, has re-emerged in the public eye not just as a fashion legend, but as a powerful symbol of resilience, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. As of December 23, 2025, the narrative surrounding Evangelista has shifted dramatically from the glamour of the 90s to a deeply personal story of survival, both physical and emotional, detailing her life after a highly publicised cosmetic procedure trauma and a secret, harrowing health battle.
Her current life is marked by profound honesty, a courageous career comeback, and a commitment to advocacy. She is actively redefining what it means to be a "supermodel" in the modern age—one who embraces her scars, speaks her truth, and continues to influence the global fashion landscape while navigating severe personal challenges.
Linda Evangelista: A Biographical Profile
Linda Evangelista's career is one of the most celebrated in fashion history, establishing her as one of the original "Big Five" supermodels. Her current profile reflects both her legendary past and her challenging present.
- Full Name: Linda Evangelista
- Date of Birth: May 10, 1965
- Place of Birth: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
- Current Age (as of May 2025): 60 years old
- Nationality: Canadian
- Known For: One of the original 'Big Five' supermodels; her chameleon-like ability to transform; the iconic quote, "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day."
- Key Career Milestones: Over 700 magazine covers; muse to photographer Steven Meisel and designer Karl Lagerfeld; defining the 90s supermodel era alongside Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, and Tatjana Patitz.
- Major Health Battles (Revealed): Breast Cancer (diagnosed 2018 and recurrence 2022), requiring a bilateral mastectomy.
- Major Personal Challenge: Suffering from Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) after a CoolSculpting procedure, leading to "disfigurement" and multiple corrective surgeries.
- Recent Projects: Apple TV+ docuseries The Super Models (2023), Fendi campaign, various high-profile magazine covers (e.g., Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar).
The Unseen Battles: Double Cancer Diagnosis and Survival
One of the most profound revelations about Linda Evangelista's life nowadays is her private, years-long battle with breast cancer. This health crisis, kept secret from the public until recently, adds a layer of extraordinary strength to her public comeback.
A Secret Fight: 2018 and 2022 Diagnoses
Evangelista was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 following a routine mammogram. The diagnosis led to aggressive treatment, including a full bilateral mastectomy. This surgery, while preventative, was a necessary and invasive measure to combat the disease. Tragically, the supermodel faced a recurrence of the cancer in 2022. She has since undergone extensive treatments to manage her condition.
The decision to keep this battle private for so long underscores the intense pressure and desire for normalcy that even global icons seek. When she finally revealed the diagnosis in an interview, she spoke candidly about her struggle and the fear that still lingers.
"A Survivor on Standby"
In discussing her current health status, Evangelista has adopted a strikingly honest and humble perspective, describing herself as a "survivor on standby". While her prognosis is considered "good," she acknowledges that it is "not great," reflecting the reality of living with a history of cancer recurrence. This terminology highlights the ongoing mental and emotional toll of the disease, where the threat of a return is a constant shadow. Her openness about this vulnerability has resonated deeply with fans and cancer survivors worldwide, positioning her as an accidental health advocate.
Her focus now is on embracing life, a sentiment powerfully captured in her recent features with publications like Harper’s Bazaar. The entity of breast cancer, coupled with the invasive treatments, has fundamentally reshaped her priorities, focusing on gratitude and living authentically.
The CoolSculpting Aftermath and The Journey to Self-Acceptance
The other major component of Linda Evangelista's life nowadays is the lasting physical and psychological impact of a cosmetic procedure. This chapter of her life details a painful transformation and a powerful journey toward self-love, scars and all.
The Trauma of Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH)
In the mid-2010s, Evangelista underwent several CoolSculpting treatments, a non-surgical fat-freezing procedure known as cryolipolysis. Instead of reducing fat, she developed a rare and severe side- effect called Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH). PAH causes the treated fat cells to unexpectedly harden and enlarge, resulting in permanent, painful, and disfiguring masses of tissue. The supermodel described the effect as being "brutally disfigured" and was forced to retreat from the public eye for years.
This trauma led to a highly publicised lawsuit against Zeltiq Aesthetics, the parent company of CoolSculpting, which was settled out of court. The experience required her to undergo multiple, invasive full-body reconstruction surgeries to correct the damage.
Embracing Scars and Reclaiming Her Voice
Evangelista's return to the spotlight is intrinsically linked to her newfound acceptance of her post-PAH body. She has been incredibly candid about the emotional toll, including depression and self-loathing, that the disfigurement caused. Her decision to step back in front of the camera, notably with her body partially concealed in earlier campaigns, was a gradual process.
However, her recent interviews and photoshoots show a model who is "trying to love" herself again. She has spoken about the importance of truth and embracing her "scars," both visible and invisible, as part of her story. This shift from hiding to honest visibility is perhaps the most compelling part of the Linda Evangelista narrative today, offering a powerful message about body image and the toxic pressures of perfection in the fashion industry.
The Resurgence: *The Super Models* and Legacy Cemented
Linda Evangelista’s professional life in the 2020s has been defined by a carefully managed and highly anticipated comeback, solidifying her legacy for a new generation.
The Apple TV+ Documentary: A Cultural Phenomenon
A major catalyst for her return was the 2023 Apple TV+ docuseries, The Super Models. The four-part series reunited her with her legendary peers—Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford—to chart the rise, dominance, and lasting cultural impact of the "Supers".
Evangelista’s participation was crucial, as she used the platform to openly discuss the CoolSculpting incident and her subsequent isolation, offering an intimate look behind the flawless facade of the supermodel world. The documentary not only celebrated her past but cemented her current role as an industry elder statesman who values honesty over illusion.
New Campaigns and 60th Birthday Milestone
Following the documentary’s success, Evangelista has been highly sought after for high-profile campaigns, marking a true career resurgence. She has featured in major fashion editorials and campaigns, including a notable appearance for Fendi, often photographed by her long-time collaborator, Steven Meisel.
In May 2025, Evangelista marked a significant milestone, celebrating her 60th birthday. Her stylish public outing in New York City to celebrate the occasion served as a quiet but powerful statement: the supermodel is back, stronger, and more authentic than ever. Her continued presence in high fashion, despite her health and physical challenges, is a testament to her enduring influence and the industry’s respect for her talent.
Linda Evangelista nowadays is a testament to the power of the human spirit. She has faced down two of life’s most formidable challenges—cancer and a devastating physical trauma—and chosen to share her journey with the world. Her story is no longer just about the clothes or the covers; it is a profound narrative about survival, truth, and the beautiful, complex process of learning to live and love oneself again, scars and all. She remains one of the most compelling and relevant figures in modern culture.
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