Who Is the Highest Paid Model of All Time?
Entering the world of modeling is both glamorous and challenging, where stunning looks translate into huge paychecks.
From Kendall Jenner to Gigi Hadid, these top models have not only captured global attention but also assembled considerable wealth through their work. These supermodels have redefined the fashion industry, showcasing their beauty in captivating photoshoots and advertisements that resonate worldwide. They are celebrated for gracing international runways, starring in high-profile campaigns, and shaping trends for major brands.
Are you curious to know who is the highest paid model of all time? Delve into the guide to look into the lives of these influential figures who have made an indelible mark as the highest-paid models in history.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Models in the World
1: Gisele Bündchen
Date of Birth: July 20, 1980, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Net Worth: $400 million
Source of Income:
- Modeling: Contracts with famous fashion brands and magazines.
- Endorsements: Pantene, Chanel, and Victoria’s Secret.
- Business Ventures: Skincare and underwear brands.
- Author: The bestseller book, ‘My Path to a Meaningful Life’.
Gisele Bündchen, the Brazilian supermodel, was discovered at age 14 in a Brazilian fashion mall in 1994. Since then, she has graced the covers of countless magazines, including Rolling Stone, Time, Forbes, Newsweek, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Harper’s Bazaar.
She has multi-million-dollar deals with major brands like Victoria’s Secret, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana. Her line of shoes, “Ipanema Gisele Bündchen,” has sold over 100 million pairs since 2001.
Known for her captivating presence and business acumen, Gisele has consistently topped the highest paid model’s list, earning accolades like the Fashion Icon Award at the 2019 People’s Choice Awards and the Green Carpet Fashion Awards.
2: Chrissy Teigen
Date of Birth: November 30, 1985, Utah, USA
Net Worth: $100 million
Source of Income:
- Modeling: Contracts with fashion brands and magazine appearances.
- Cookbooks: Bestselling author of “Cravings” series.
- Television: Host and judge on shows like “Lip Sync Battle.”
- Endorsements: Partnerships with various brands.
- Social Media: Income from sponsored content on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
Chrissy Teigen, an American model and television personality, is renowned for her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2010 and her appearance on its 50th-anniversary cover. She co-hosted “Lip Sync Battle” with LL Cool J and judged the comedy competition series “Bring the Funny.”
Beyond television, Teigen authored three bestselling cookbooks, starting with “Cravings,” and launched a successful cookware line. Her notable recognitions include the Glamour Award for Woman of the Year in 2018 and a spot on Time’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2019. Teigen’s engaging personality and savvy social media use have solidified her position among the highest paid model.
3: Adriana Lima
Date of Birth: June 12, 1981, Bahia, Brazil
Net Worth: $95 million
Source of Income:
- Modeling: Contracts with Victoria’s Secret and high-fashion campaigns
- Brand Partnerships: Maybelline and Vogue Eyewear
- Other: Income from public appearances and guest hosting
Adriana Lima is a globally renowned Brazilian supermodel, actress, and businesswoman. Starting her career at 15 by winning the Ford “Supermodel of Brazil” competition, she quickly rose to fame, finishing second in the “Supermodel of the World” contest.
Lima’s long-standing association with Victoria’s Secret, from 1999 to 2018, cemented her status as an icon, earning her the title of “the most valuable Victoria’s Secret Angel” in 2017. She made history with her 2009 Victoria’s Secret Super Bowl commercial, which reached 103.7 million viewers.
Lima has also graced runways for top designers like Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Prada and appeared on the covers of prestigious magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar worldwide.
Forbes recognized her as one of the highest paid models from 2014 to 2017, and her enduring success is attributed to her versatility and commanding presence in the fashion industry.
4: Naomi Campbell
Date of Birth: May 22, 1970, England, UK
Net Worth: $80 million
Source of Income:
- Modeling: Walked for top designers
- Acting and Music: Expanding into acting and music
- Endorsements: Backing numerous high-profile brands boosts her wealth.
- Business Ventures: Entrepreneurial activities include releasing an R&B pop album and authoring books like “Swan” and “Naomi Campbell.”
- Fragrance Line: Launched 25 fragrances for women in collaboration with Cosmopolitan Cosmetics.
Naomi Campbell, a trailblazer in the fashion world, began her modeling career at age 8 and quickly rose to prominence. As one of the six models declared supermodels by the fashion industry, she became the first black woman to grace the covers of Time and Vogue France.
Beyond modeling, Campbell has ventured into music with an R&B album and acted in various films and TV shows. She hosted the reality show The Face and its international versions.
Her contributions to fashion were recognized when she was named one of Time magazine’s “25 Most Influential Names in Fashion” in 2019 and received the Fashion Icon award at the 2018 CFDA Awards. Despite the fast-paced changes in fashion, Campbell remains a symbol of enduring grace and talent.
5: Kendall Jenner
Date of Birth: November 3, 1995, California, USA
Net Worth: $60 million
Source of Income:
- Modeling: Runway shows & Campaigns for Estée Lauder, Calvin Klein
- Social Media: Brand partnerships on Instagram and other platforms
- Business Ventures: Co-founded 818 Tequila brand
- Television Appearances: Keeping Up With The Kardashians
Kendall Jenner is one of the highest-paid models. She rose from reality TV fame to become a global supermodel renowned for her striking beauty and massive social media following of 293 million followers. Starting her modeling career at just 14, Jenner gained widespread recognition in 2014 and 2015, bringing her to the fashion industry’s top echelons. She has graced numerous international Vogue shoots and has walked the runway for prestigious brands worldwide.
Jenner’s influence in the fashion industry extends far beyond the runway. Her endorsements with significant brands and collaborations across various fashion and beauty ventures are a testament to her versatility and impact.
Jenner leveraged her family’s fame from the reality show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” to build her brand. She consistently ranks among the highest-paid models globally. With a keen eye for style and a powerful social media presence, Jenner continues to shape trends and redefine contemporary fashion standards.
6: Liu Wen
Date of Birth: January 27, 1988, Hunan, China
Net Worth: $40 million
Source of Income:
- Modeling High-profile contracts: With luxury brands like Dior, Chanel, and Valentino.
- Endorsements: Faces of Estée Lauder and Maybelline, with potential for L’Oreal and Lancôme partnerships.
- Brand Partnerships: Collaborations with Shiseido, YSL Beauty, and others on Weibo.
From her humble beginnings, Liu Wen, an international fashion supermodel, has risen to become one of the highest-paid models in the world. Her journey, marked by her iconic work with Victoria’s Secret from 2009 to 2012 and her role as the face of Estée Lauder since 2010, is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Wen has graced the covers of top fashion magazines like Vogue, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar. She made history as the first East Asian model to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, become an Estée Lauder spokesmodel, and rank on Forbes’ Top Earners Model list.
Recognized as one of the ‘New Supers’ by Models.com and one of the ‘World’s Most Powerful Women’ by Forbes in 2013, Liu Wen’s success is a personal triumph and a testament to her influence and impact on the fashion industry.
7: Karlie Kloss
Date of Birth: August 3, 1992, Illinois, USA
Net Worth: $40 million
Source of Income:
- Modeling: Walking for brands like Dior and Versace, and campaigns with Adidas and Swarovski.
- Business Ventures: Founding Kode With Klossy and investing in startups.
- Social Media: Partnering with brands and sponsored content on platforms like Instagram.
- Television: Hosting Project Runway in 2019.
Karlie Kloss, a supermodel from Chicago, Illinois, is best known for her work as a Victoria’s Secret Angel and as a brand ambassador for high-profile companies. She came to highlights at a local benefit fashion show by Elite Chicago and signed with Elite New York at age 14.
Kloss walked the runways of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows from 2011 to 2014 and appeared in numerous international editions of Vogue. She has also led campaigns for top brands like Coach, Nike, Donna Karan, Lacoste, and Christian Dior.
Beyond modeling, Kloss is a savvy businesswoman and an advocate for diversity and creativity in fashion. She also empowers young girls through her coding programs, showcasing her dedication to making a positive impact in the industry.
8: Doutzen Kroes
Date of Birth: January 23, 1985, Eastermar, Netherlands
Net Worth: $35 million
Source of Income:
- Modeling: Victoria’s Secret (former Angel), Valentino, Blumarine, H&M, Emilio Pucci, Tiffany & Co.
- Social Media: Beauty and lifestyle content.
- Brand Ambassadorship: L’Oréal Paris (since 2011), Hunkemöller (Dutch lingerie brand)
Doutzen Kroes stands out as a prominent figure in the modeling industry, renowned particularly for her tenure as a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 2008 to 2014. Her career grew after being named Model of the Year in Vogue’s 2005 readers’ poll, solidifying her status as one of the “New Supers” by Models.com.
Beyond Victoria’s Secret, she has been a prominent face for brands like L’Oreal and Miu Miu, enhancing her global influence and financial success. Married to DJ Sunnery Gorré since 2010, Kroes continues to be a celebrated figure in high fashion and mainstream media, reflecting her enduring impact and versatility in the modeling world.
9: Gigi Hadid
Date of Birth: April 23, 1995, California, USA
Net Worth: $30 million
Source of Income:
- Runway Shows: Gigi walks for Chanel, Versace, and other top brands, earning top fees per show.
- Campaigns: Face of Maybelline and Tommy Hilfiger
- Social Media: Platforms like Instagram
- Guest Designer Collaborations: Collaborations with brands like Tommy Hilfiger could involve a share of sales or a design fee.
Gigi Hadid, an American model, has significantly impacted the fashion industry since signing with IMG Models in 2013. She quickly ascended the ranks, debuting in the Top 50 Models ranking in November 2014 and earning the title of International Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council in 2016.
Gigi’s career highlights include walking in New York Fashion Week, starring in campaigns for major brands like Tom Ford, Fendi, and Moschino, and appearing on numerous Vogue covers.
She has also collaborated on a fashion line with Tommy Hilfiger and won the “Model of the Year” award at the 2015 Daily Front Row Fashion Los Angeles Awards. Her versatility and ability to adapt to various fashion styles have made her a favorite among designers, contributing to her status as one of the highest paid models globally.
10: Bella Hadid
Date of Birth: October 9, 1996, DC, USA
Net Worth: $25 million
Source of Income:
- Runway: Regular at Chanel and Versace, earning significant income.
- Campaigns: Face of Dior Beauty and Fendi, earning substantial fees.
- Partnerships: 60M+ Instagram followers, earning $30K – $80K per post.
Bella Hadid is a prominent American model known for her work with top fashion brands and designers. Initially aspiring to compete in the 2016 Olympics as an equestrian, Hadid had to give up her dreams due to chronic Lyme disease.
Her career highlights include walking for renowned designers such as Tom Ford, Chanel, and Givenchy, and appearing on multiple Vogue covers.
Bella has also featured in campaigns for Dior, Bulgari, and Versace, showcasing her versatility and appeal in the fashion industry. With a substantial social media following, she remains a significant influence and icon in modern modeling.
FAQs
Who is the world's highest-paid model?
Kendall Jenner is the highest-paid model who has captivated audiences worldwide.
Who is the richest supermodel ever?
Kathy Ireland is the richest supermodel ever with a net worth of $500 million.
How much is Kendall Jenner paid per show?
Kendall Jenner is paid $20,000 to $100,000 per show.
Who is the oldest paid model?
At 92 years old, Carmen Dell’Orefice holds the title of the world’s longest-working model. In an industry that frequently emphasizes youth, she stands as an inspirational figure.
Who is the youngest paid model?
Kendall Jenner became the youngest model to join the list of highest-paid models, earning $4 million a year.
