Selected group of individuals whose names are synonymous with opulence and elegance. These extraordinary men and women are not just models; they are the embodiment of a global industry that celebrates aesthetics and allure.
They are the highest-paid models, whose striking looks and unparalleled talent have propelled them to the zenith of success, not only gracing the covers of prestigious magazines but also amassing fortunes that rival some of the wealthiest celebrities in the world.
In this article, we delve into the lives and careers of these iconic figures, exploring the factors that have catapulted them to the pinnacle of the fashion world and examining the lucrative contracts and business ventures that have transformed them into veritable superstars.
Join us as we unravel the captivating journey of the highest-paid models, where beauty meets business and success knows no bounds.
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Highest Paid Model In The World: Top 25
While the rankings and details of the highest-paid models can change from year to year, I can provide you with a list of some of the highest-paid models up to that point.
Keep in mind that these rankings may have evolved, and it’s advisable to check the latest reports for the most current information. Here are the top 25 highest-paid models, along with some details about each of them:
1. Kathy Ireland – $500 million
The richest model in the world is Kathy Ireland. She earned a fortune of half a billion dollars by appearing on magazine covers, becoming an actress, and participating in various business ventures.
Kathy Ireland was born on March 20, 1963, in Glendale, Los Angeles, California, United States. Her father, John Ireland, is an accountant of English descent, and her mother, Barbara Ireland (née Jones), is a housewife of Norwegian descent.
“I’m living in Paris, and it’s been a really tough time,” she told Fox News about her Christian life and her efforts to start different businesses.
2. Gisele Bundchen – $400 million
Brazilian Gisele Bundchen is an extremely famous model all over the world, speaks many languages, and has done almost every type of modelling possible. Gisele Caroline Bündchen was born on July 20, 1980, in Três de Maio, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. She is from Germany.
She modelled for Victoria’s Secret, strutted the runway, starred in advertising campaigns, and was the face of various brands. Bundchen is also married to a very famous and wealthy man, Tom Brady, who has just announced his retirement from the NFL but is worth $400 million thanks to his success as a model.
3. Cynthia Crawford – $400 million
Cindy Crawford is one of the most famous models in the world. She has been listed as one of the most beautiful women in the world by many publications. Her career spanned decades, and she was also one of the first women to be named a model.
Cynthia Ann Crawford entered the world on February 20, 1966, in DeKalb, Illinois, USA. Her ancestral heritage is a captivating blend, comprising English, and one-eighth Danish, along with a mix of Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, Scottish, German, distant Irish, and Welsh, as well as remote French and Jersey Channel Islander roots.
In a 2013 episode of “Who Do You Think You Are?” featuring Crawford, she humorously expressed her ancestry, stating, “I always just say I’m an American mutt because I know all of my grandparents were born here, and I’m pretty sure all of my great-grandparents were too. I’m just like, ‘We’re Midwestern potato-eating people.'”
4. Iman – $200 million
Iman boasts a career spanning decades in the modelling industry, collaborating with renowned photographers like Annie Leibowitz.
While a significant portion of Iman’s wealth is attributed to her late husband David Bowie’s fortune, she has independently amassed a substantial income, solidifying her own career and reputation as a model.
Her talents and dedication to her craft have propelled her to earn millions upon millions of dollars, establishing her as a formidable force in the world of fashion.
5. Heidi Klum – $160 million
Heidi Klum, a renowned German model, catapulted to stardom through her captivating appearances on the covers of numerous fashion magazines. Her prominence extended over a decade as a distinguished figure in the world of Victoria’s Secret, and she is widely recognised for her role as the host of Project Runway.
Born on June 1, 1973, in Bergisch Gladbach, within the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis of the Cologne Bonn Region, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany, Heidi Klum proudly embraces her German heritage.
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6. Elle Macpherson – $95 Million
Elle Macpherson, the iconic Australian supermodel, first gained international acclaim during the 1980s. Originally intending to model temporarily to fund her law school ambitions, she found herself on an extraordinary journey of modelling success that led her to continue in the industry.
Born Eleanor Nancy Gow on March 29, 1964, in Killara, New South Wales, Australia, Elle Macpherson’s roots trace back to Scottish heritage, with possible additional European ancestry enriching her lineage.
7. Adriana Lima – $95 Million
Renowned Brazilian model Adriana Lima has achieved worldwide recognition primarily for her extraordinary contributions to Victoria’s Secret.
With an impressive tenure of 18 years as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, surpassing all other models in the brand’s history, Lima’s illustrious career extends to prestigious runways like Vera Wang, Valentino, and Christian Dior, among numerous other esteemed designers.
Born on June 12, 1981, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, Adriana Lima proudly embraces her Brazilian heritage, comprising a rich blend of Portuguese, Indigenous, Swiss, African, and Japanese ancestry.
8. Tyra Banks – $90 Million
Tyra Banks is one of the world’s most renowned and instantly recognisable models. Her modelling journey commenced during her high school years, leading her to grace the covers of prominent magazines and prestigious runways.
Born Tyra Lynne Banks on December 4, 1973, in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States, she proudly identifies with her African-American heritage. Over the years, her illustrious modelling career has propelled her to extraordinary fame and yielded significant financial success.
9. Naomi Campbell – $80 Million
Naomi Campbell, the celebrated British model renowned for her striking runway presence, boasts an extensive portfolio of hundreds of magazine covers. She achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first black model to grace the covers of three distinct magazines:
Time, Vogue’s French edition, and Vogue’s British edition. Campbell is revered as one of the pioneering supermodels of her era.
Born Naomi Elaine Campbell on May 22, 1970, in Lambeth, London, England, she takes pride in her Jamaican heritage, with intriguing hints of Chinese ancestry through her paternal grandmother.
10. Claudia Schiffer – $70 million
She holds the distinction of gracing more magazine covers than any other model globally. Her illustrious career has seen her adorn the covers of renowned publications such as Vogue, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and many more.
Claudia Schiffer proudly claims her German heritage, born on August 25, 1970, in Rheinberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany.
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11. Kate Moss – $70 Million
Kate Moss stands as one of the globe’s most illustrious supermodels, ranking among the highest-earning in the industry’s history.
This British beauty embarked on her modelling journey as a teenager, garnering attention for her distinctive appearance, which diverged significantly from the prevailing standards at the time. Moss’s rise to fame was characterised by her notably shorter stature compared to other models and her slender physique, even by the industry’s stringent standards.
12. Brigitte Bardot – $65 Million
Brigitte Bardot, renowned as one of France’s most iconic models, boasts a legacy that extends far beyond her modelling career. While she achieved global fame as an actress, her journey commenced in the world of modelling, where she graced the cover of Elle magazine at the tender age of 15.
Born Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot on September 28, 1934, in Paris, France, her heritage proudly combines French roots with distant German ancestry. Bardot’s multifaceted career and enduring influence have contributed to her financial success, which has seen her amass a substantial fortune valued at $65 million.
13. Miranda Kerr – $60 Million
Hailing from Australia, Miranda Kerr has achieved remarkable success in her modelling career, collaborating with esteemed brands such as Betsey Johnson and Roberto Cavalli while gracing the pages of publications like Vogue Australia.
Born Miranda May Kerr on April 20, 1983, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, her lineage reflects a rich blend of English, Scottish, French, and Irish heritage. Over the years, Kerr’s modelling prowess has catapulted her to international recognition and contributed to her significant financial success.
14. Kendall Jenner – $60 Million
While her association with one of the world’s most famous families might be her claim to fame, Kendall Jenner has carved a successful career and amassed a significant fortune through her own merits in the world of modelling.
Born Kendall Nicole Jenner on November 3, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, she proudly traces her lineage to a diverse blend of English, Scottish, Irish, Dutch, German, Welsh, Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, remote Jersey Channel Islander, and Cornish ancestry.
Over the years, Jenner’s modelling talents have propelled her to substantial financial success, resulting in a considerable fortune valued at $60 million.
15. Cara Delevingne – $50 Million
Cara Jocelyn Delevingne, a versatile talent hailing from England, has made her mark as a model, actress, and singer, celebrated for her distinctive bushy eyebrows and striking red lips.
Born on August 12, 1992, in Hammersmith, London, England, Cara Jocelyn Delevingne’s diverse ancestry reflects English, Ashkenazi Jewish, Welsh, Dutch, German, French, Scottish, distant Irish, and Jersey [Channel Islander] roots.
Over the years, her multifaceted career has brought her recognition and contributed to her considerable financial success, amassing a fortune valued at $50 million.
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16. Twiggy Lesley Lawson – $50 million
Twiggy, whose real name is Dame Lesley Lawson DBE (formerly Lesley Hornby), has accumulated a substantial fortune of $50 million. This iconic English model achieved widespread fame in the 1960s, largely due to her distinctive appearance.
Her petite stature and iconic pixie haircut symbolised her generation’s aesthetic. Twiggy is of English descent, born on September 19, 1949, in Willesden, Middlesex, England.
17. Linda Evangelista – $40 Million
Linda Evangelista, the renowned Canadian model, enjoyed unprecedented popularity during the 1990s and was an integral part of the group often referred to as the first supermodels. Hailing from a Canadian family of Italian heritage, Linda Evangelista was born on May 10, 1965, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
Her parents, Marisa and Tomaso “Tom” Evangelista, embarked on a journey from Italy to Canada, making her a proud reflection of her Italian-Canadian roots. Over the years, her modelling career has garnered immense recognition and contributed to her substantial financial success, accumulating a fortune valued at $40 million.
18. Rachel Hunter – $40 million
She originally hails from New Zealand and transitioned her modelling career into a flourishing venture within the entertainment industry. This striking personality assumed the role of host in “Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty” on Imagination Television and served as a judge on “New Zealand’s Got Talent” for a year.
19. Christy Turlington – $40 Million
Christy Turlington, an esteemed model of remarkable acclaim, has graced the covers of numerous magazines and lent her captivating presence to iconic music videos for celebrated artists such as Duran Duran and George Michael.
Born on January 2, 1969, in Walnut Creek, California, Christy Turlington proudly embraces her diverse heritage, which includes English, Salvadoran, and distant Honduran roots. Over the years, her modelling journey has propelled her to extraordinary heights of fame and significantly contributed to her financial success.
20. Karlie Kloss – $40 Million
Karlie Kloss, the distinguished American model celebrated for her unique runway prowess, has left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Her journey has encompassed prestigious engagements, including appearances for Victoria’s Secret and modelling assignments with revered high-fashion brands like Gucci and Valentino.
Born on August 3, 1992, in Chicago, Illinois, Karlie Kloss proudly acknowledges her diverse heritage, a mosaic of German, Danish, Bohemian Czech, and potential Polish roots. Over the years, her modelling career has established her as a prominent figure and paved the way for substantial financial success.
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21. Doutzen Kroes – $35 million
A lot of the world’s highest-paid models have appeared in Victoria’s Secret fashion shows, and Doutzen Kroes is one of them.
By birth, she’s from the Netherlands. Like her parents when they were young, Kroes originally wanted to be a speed skater. However, after submitting her photo to a modelling agency, her career path took a different turn.
Doutzen Kroes was born on January 23, 1985, in Eastermar, Tytsjerksteradiel, Friesland, Netherlands. She is of Dutch and Frisian descent. The Frisians are a German ethnic group originating from the province of Friesland in the Netherlands.
22. Rosie Huntington – $30 million
Whiteley stands as a highly compensated high-fashion model. Hailing from a rural English farming community, she embarked on her modelling journey at age 15, subsequently traversing the globe, propelled by her successful career.
23. Gigi Hadid – 30 million USD
Bella Hadid’s younger sister, Gigi Hadid, has been modelling since she was a kid. She was the first of her sisters to walk in her mother’s footsteps and is now one of the highest-paid models in the world due to her work for brands like Versace and Tommy Hilfiger.
24. Joan Smalls – $26 million
A pioneering model with an impressive career, Joan Smalls made her mark when she appeared in five consecutive Victoria’s Secret fashion shows from 2011 to 2015. In a historic achievement, she became a model. Latino first represented Estée Lauder in 2015, and since then, she has remained a prominent face. brand spokesperson.
Joan Smalls was born on July 11, 1988, in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, and she is proud of her rich heritage. Her father’s ancestry combines African and Irish Virgin Islander origins, while her mother is from Puerto Rico with a mix of Hispanic, Taino, and Indian ancestry.
Smalls began her modelling career at the age of 16, and her rapid rise to stardom is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication.
25. Irina Shayk – $25 million
She is a famous Russian model celebrated for her stellar catwalk career. Shayk has collaborated with famous brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Guess, and Lacoste and appeared on the front page of GQ in a bold nude photo shoot.
Perhaps her greatest achievement as a model was becoming the first Russian model to appear on the Cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Magazine.
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Conclusion
The world of modelling has not only witnessed exceptional beauty but also a remarkable financial success. These highest-paid models, each with unique journeys and backgrounds, have risen to the industry’s top through their talent, hard work, and determination.
With their earnings reaching astonishing heights, they not only represent the pinnacle of the fashion world but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring models around the globe. As they continue to make their mark in fashion, their influence extends far beyond the runway, solidifying their status as iconic figures in the world of beauty and style.
FAQs for Highest Paid Model
Who is the highest-paid model in the world in 2023?
Topping the list as the highest-paid model of 2023 is Kendall Jenner, with a staggering $40 million in earnings.
What type of model pays the most?
Editorial and runway fashion models who can attain supermodel status are the highest-paid models. Supermodel status comes with a certain degree of celebrity factor that can play a big role in raising a model’s fees.
Who is the 3rd highest-paid model?
Gisele Bundchen. $10 million
Who is the most famous supermodel?
Cindy Crawford. Rising to fame in the ’80s and ’90s, she’s perhaps the best supermodel of all time. With an unforgettable, iconic look and one of the most successful careers in the industry, she’ll be hard to beat for the foreseeable future.
