With special help from one of Gia’s lifelong best friends, Karen, we'll delve into Gia's early years growing up in Philly, her bond with best friends the “Bowie Kids,” her move to NYC at 18 and her ascent to the top of the modeling industry. 

Immortalized in the 1998 biopic Gia, Gia Carangi graced the covers of Vogue and walked the runways of Paris before falling deeper into her addiction, leaving only her photos behind.
Her rise to fame was meteoric, her fall was just as swift, receiving an HIV diagnosed when little was known about the virus, she passed away when she was only twenty six. Gia’s passing had a profound impact on the fashion world but her story became relatable for a much broader audience.
Finally, we’ll examine the legacy that Gia left behind, as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights, body positivity and owning who you are.

Who was this cover girl on the way to redefining beauty standards, sexual identity and what it meant to be a super model?
Special thanks to Karen (episode originally released in March of 2023)


Sources:

Gia: The tragic tale of the world's first supermodel
The Independent, September 2005

Gia The E! True Hollywood Story
E! 1996

Sandy Linter Reflects on Life with Gia, Interview, 2016

The Self-Destruction of Gia
2003, Documentary

"HIV and Its Transmission". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2003

Gia documentary, ABC Vanished

Gia Interview 20/20

Carolin, Louise. Gia the Tragedy of a Lesbian SuperModel
Diva Magazine, 2007

Fried, Stephen (November 1988). "Thing of Beauty".
Philly Magazine

Lo, Malinda (December 13, 2005). "Back in the Day: Out on the Catwalk".
AfterEllen

"Gia Carangi in Blondie's "Atomic" Video | Gia".

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