Why are modern fashion models so PLAIN?

Good question. Hahahaha.....You're right, that is sooo true! I remember those days, too. My guess is because the fashion industry is trying to make us, the consumers, feel better about ourselves when compared to models. If they're too beautiful, we tend to think to ourselves, "We'll never be able to reach those standards, so why bother to buy the clothes? We'll never look like that!" My second guess is budget cut, maybe? It costs too much to hire Christy Turlington type of models. It's probably cheaper to use actresses and singers, who also need some "publicity" for their career boost. It's all part of marketing strategy that's good for both sides (the magazine & the celebs).