Forbes released their list of the world’s highest paid models recently and while we certainly agree that these long limbed beauties are worth their pay checks, we decided to take a closer look at just why everybody loves them.
Tenth on the list is none other than Aussie beauty Miranda Kerr, who’s grossing total is US$6 million in the last year, having contracts with Escada and Royal Albert as well as her own organic skincare range Kora Organics. The Aussie beauty is a crowd favourite and exhibits girl-next-door vibes and also knows how to rock a snapchat filter (she’s also engaged to snapchat creator Evan Spiegel).
Next on the list in ninth place is Liu Wen who earned US$7 million. The Chinese supermodel has navigated her way onto the global stage nabbing campaigns with Estee Lauder, H&M and Mango along with having Asia exclusive deals with brands such as Puma.
At number eight we have Candice Swanepoel, the Victoria’s Secret Angel earns US$7 million. Swanepoel swans between her VS contract and other modelling contracts with brands such as Maxfactor and both Versace and Givenchy perfume campaigns. The blonde beauty has also gained admirers through her close friendships with other Victoria’s Secret models who all give us major #squadgoals. Swanepoel is currently pregnant with her first child, a boy, to which she has received much love and support from her legion of followers.
Not surprisingly number seven on the list is Brit Cara Delevingne. Delevingne earned US$8.5 million, though previously higher on the list her earnings have only dropped marginally, while other models are increasing their earnings. The much loved Brit has been a public favourite for some years now, with her rule-breaking tendencies and not allowing her kooky personality to be reined in by the intimidating fashion industry.
Gigi Hadid, a newcomer to the list, ranked fifth, raked in US$9 million last year having turned her social media presence into an income. Hadid is genetically blessed as daughter of former supermodel Yolanda Hadid and was introduced to the industry from an early age while her mother appeared in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Gigi has proven herself a supermodel in her own right nabbing campaigns for bigwigs Maybelline, Versace, Topshop and has a collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger on an upcoming collection.
Also ranked fifth was British model/actress Rosie Huntington Whiteley who earned US$9 million. Rosie gained much of her income from her own collaborative lines of lingerie, makeup and fragrances with Marks & Spencers and continues to model for major fashion house Burberry.
The model coming in third place is from the Kardashian clan, Kendall Jenner. While Jenner has separated herself somewhat from the associated image of ‘Kardasian’ she earned US$10 million, increasing her earning by 150% from last year. Her largest, most recognisable campaigns come by way of Estee Lauder and Calvin Klein. Though Jenner also models for Mango, Fendi, Marc Jacobs and Karl Lagerfeld to name a few. Jenner is also a public favourite due to her immense social media presence and obvious family connections.
Tied for third place is Miss Karlie Kloss, who also bagged US$10 million. This girl has a good head on her shoulders, with her Kode with Karlie as well as her own cookie company Karlie’s Kookies, of which the proceeds go towards the starving children of the world. Kloss also gained fame from her public friendship with Taylor Swift which helped her marketability. Which would help explain why she has more campaigns currently than any of the models listed on the Forbes list.
Brazilian Beauty Adriana Lima takes out the second highest position earning US$10.5 million. Lima has modelled for Victoria’s secret for 16 years, earning her an increased pay packet. The supermodel marks her largest
earnings at the age of 35, through deals with Maybelline and Vogue Eyewear and Marc Jacobs fragrance Decadence, to name a few. Lima is a favourite for the boys too, as she has shown with her GQ cover being the highest selling cover of that year for the magazine and with her solo VS Super Bowl XLII advert being the most watched ad of the night. Though recently divorced this supermodel shows no signs of slowing down!
In first place we have another Brazilian beauty Gisele Bundchen grossing US$30.5 million, which is quite the gap from second place. Bundchen is said to retain most of her earnings from campaign deals with fashion powerhouse Chanel and also with Pantene and Carolina Herrera. Gisele Bundchen is also married to footballer Tom Brady, whose relationship was under some controversy as Brady’s previous girlfriend became pregnant around the time he began his relationship with Bundchen, however the two are now married with two children so they got their happily ever after. Bundchen is also affiliated with many charity groups including being a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nation Environment Programme.
Many of these models are featured in our Top Models titles available here.
These Top Models have not only beauty but strong intellect and human compassion, making them worthy of their lucrative pay packets. What do you think of the top paid models? Are they worthy in your eyes? Let us know in the comments below!
