Alexandra Shulman, the editor of British Vogue,

“Kate has had such a long and successful career as a model because she is sensationally good at it,” she says. “She understands what it means to model and I think she enjoys the skill she has in this role. I know all my fashion editors and photographers love working with her because of this and also because it’s nearly impossible to take a bad picture of her.”

In September, Christie’s auctioned a series of art works inspired by Kate Moss for more than $2.6 million. A three-foot-high glass figurine of Moss sold for $214,000.

Some might say she is being consigned to history. A more generous interpretation is that collectors understand that her value will continue to soar.

The British Fashion Council honored the 39-year-old model with a Special Recognition Award for her 25 years in the industry.

During her glittering career she has appeared on 34 covers of British Vogue. She’s fronted campaigns for Burberry and Chanel. And she’s remained one of the world’s best-paid models, even as twenty-somethings like Hilary Rhoda, Lara Stone and Joan Smalls have stomped onto the catwalk.

 

Despite all of those achievements, Moss seemed starstruck as she accepted her trophy from Marc Jacobs. “Oh my god. It’s so weird, very very surreal,” she said on stage. “Thank you everyone who has worked with and kept booking me. I am really very grateful.”