Top Richest Models in the World: Being a model is one thing, but turning modelling into a lucrative, long-term career (i.e. becoming the wealthiest model) is an entirely different ballgame. Supermodels such as Gisele Bündchen, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Kate Moss may have begun their careers on the catwalk, but they have since amassed enormous personal fortunes.
In a similar manner, younger models such as Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have made social media their primary selling point and brand agreements and endorsements their primary source of income.
Top Richest Models in the World
1. Kathy Ireland: USD $500 million
Ireland may be the dark horse on this ranking, but her immense wealth makes her the world’s wealthiest supermodel. Since appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for thirteen consecutive years, she has become a best-selling author and the billionaire owner of her own marketing firm, kathy ireland Worldwide.
2. Cindy Crawford: USD $400 million
Kaia Gerber, Crawford’s 21-year-old daughter, has been on the path to It-girl status in recent years, but Crawford has been a supermodel for decades and has garnered a staggering net worth. According to fashion designer Michael Kors, “Cindy changed the perception of the sexy American girl’ from a classic blue-eyed blonde to a more sultry brunette with brains, charm, and professionalism to spare.”
3. Gisele Bündchen: USD $400 million
As one of the most iconic Victoria’s Secret models of all time, Bündchen was discovered at the age of 14 while dining at a McDonald’s restaurant in So Paulo, Brazil, and is remembered for this accomplishment. From 2002 to 2017, she topped Forbes’ annual list of the world’s highest-paid models, until Kendall Jenner surpassed her.
4. Iman: USD $200 million
Iman, who was born in Somalia and has been an industry mainstay since the mid-1980s, is often regarded as the world’s first genuine supermodel of colour. She is also known for her notoriously private relationship with the late David Bowie, with whom she shares a daughter, Lexi Jones.
5. Heidi Klum: USD $160 million
Klum first appeared on Victoria’s Secret runway in the late ’90s (and soon became a certified ‘Angel’), but it’s her television career—hosting America’s Got Talent and Project Runway—that has increased her wealth.
6. Christie Brinkley: USD$100 million
After appearing in Billy Joel’s ‘Uptown Girls music video, Brinkley famously wed him. However, at age 65, Brinkley enjoys an entirely new level of fame for her youthful appearance (she has scarcely aged since the 1990s).
7. Elle Macpherson: USD $95 million
After growing up on Sydney’s North Shore, Macpherson’s life changed dramatically when she decided to pursue modelling employment in New York City to supplement her income. In addition to her wildly successful career, she has released a series of highly successful fitness videos and her own fashion, swimwear, and wellness labels.
8. Adriana Lima: USD $95 million
Similar to Alessandra Ambrosio, Lima has become one of Brazil’s most well-known model exports, balancing an illustrious Victoria’s Secret career with her work as a television host and numerous brand endorsement agreements.
9. Tyra Banks: USD $90 million
Banks was infamously rejected by five modelling agencies before she was signed in the early 1990s, but once she was, the rest is history. The 45-year-old may have walked for Chanel and had a successful Victoria’s Secret career, but it was her role as creator and presenter of America’s Next Top Model that helped her become a household name.
10. Naomi Campbell: USD $80 million
Few other models have Naomi Campbell’s experience, success, and industry reputation, and the 48-year-old British supermodel still walks the runway frequently.
