Models are renowned for their lavish lifestyles and unlimited access to the finest couture. But we're not here to talk about their time on the runway. We're talking about something just as striking - their income...
30. Paulina Porizkova - $10 Million
The 90s were iconic for many reasons - one of them being Paulina Porizkova. The Swedish beauty dominated just about every runway, earning her an estimated $10 million - per Celebrity Net Worth.
She was just 18 when she became the first Central European to grace the cover of the 1984 swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated. In 1988, she signed the highest-paying contract of the time with Estée Lauder for $6,000,000. "You're young and beautiful, and you have money, and you just kind of go nutty for a while," she reflected.
29. Naomi Campbell - $80 Million
Naomi Eline Campbell and "supermodel" practically go hand in hand - but she's also known for acting roles, singing, and business ventures. After starting her modeling career at the young age of 15, she embarked on a successful journey - securing her an $80 million net worth, per Wealthy Gorilla.
Campbell was first discovered in 1986, after being scouted by the head of Synchro Model Agency while window shopping. With a face to be seen, she kicked off her career by appearing on the cover of British Elle before her 16th birthday. Today, her star power has driven her towards other ventures, including an R&B album and TV cameos.
28. Alessandra Ambrosio - $80 Million
Alessandra Ambrosio hails from a small town in Brazil and became one of the highest-paid models in the world. At the age of 12, she found a new love for modeling and enrolled herself in classes. By 14, she was a finalist in the Elite Model Look competition and was later discovered by one of the largest agencies in the world.
Ambrosio was one of the first Victoria's Secret angels to walk the runway and was also chosen to be the spokesmodel for the PINK range. Today, at the age of 31, she continues to walk like an angel - even after having 2 children. And with a cool $80 million net worth - per Wealthy Gorilla - this boss lady has lots to be proud of.
27. Tyra Banks - $90 Million
Tyra Banks is renowned for her iconic runway career and her time on TV. After being teased at school for her height, she proved bullies wrong at the age of 17, and was spotted by several agencies. Eventually, she signed a contract with Elite Model Management, leading to her $90 million net worth - per Celebrity Net Worth.
Banks became the first African American woman on the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition and the first to star in a Victoria's Secret campaign. Not only did she redefine the world of beauty, but she ventured into acting and helped create America's Next Top Model, a modeling competition that ran for 20+ seasons.
26. Elle Macpherson - $95 Million
Macpherson is an Australian supermodel, businesswoman, television host, and actress. Prior to continuously appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated's 80s swimsuit edition, she starred on the cover of Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, and Cosmopolitan. In addition to modeling, she's also explored other areas of success.
Today, her $95 million net worth - per Wealthy Gorilla - is largely thanks to her time as the creative director and founder of the best-selling lingerie brand, Elle Macpherson Intimates. Moreover, after Time nicknamed her 'The Body' in 1989, she dropped a skincare product, The Body. One may also recognize her for her cameo in Friends.
25. Adriana Lima - $95 Million
Adriana Lima is a Brazilian model, famous for the longest-running career as a Victoria's Secret Angel. She has even been crowned as the most valuable angel to support the lingerie brand. She walked as an angel from 1999 until 2018 - however, prior, she won 1st place in Ford's Supermodel of Brazil model search at 15.
Her unique beauty has landed her incredible opportunities, from walking the runway for Fendi, Vera Wang, and Christian Dior to covering Marie Claire Brazil in 1998. By 2000, she was on the cover of Vogue. She's also recognized as the Maybelline spokesmodel - contributing to her $95 million earnings, per Celebrity Net Worth.
24. Sarah Murdoch - $100 Million
This British / Australian model was initially a graceful ballerina, studying in Western Sydney at Strathfield's The McDonald College of the Performing Arts. However, her dancing dreams were shattered when she was told she was too tall and would never pursue success as a ballerina. Nevertheless, fate had other plans.
Her modeling career kicked off at 17 after signing with Vivien's Management in Sydney. She soon moved to Paris and strutted for Karl Lagerfield, Chanel, and more. Later, she married billionaire heir Lachlan Murdoch and landed her famous host role on Australia's Next Top Model, adding to her $100 million net worth, per several sources.
23. Sale Johnson - $100 Million
Born in the 1950s, Johnson was a small-town girl from St. Louis, Missouri. She spent most of her childhood in her hometown but crept into the world of fashion. Later, she modeled for a range of brands and married the billionaire owner of Johnson & Johnson, in 1977, leading to her $100 million earnings - per Wealthy Gorilla.
As she continued her modeling career, she redefined her status as an American socialite and actress after appearing as an R&B singer in the 2003 film Death of a Dynasty. Aside from her career, after a 25-year marriage and 3 children, she re-married American sportscaster and ex-football player Ahmad Rashad in 2007.
22. Sabrina Guinness - $100 Million
The name Guinness should ring a loud bell. That's right - Sabrina Guinness is an heiress to the Guinness clan, an extensive Irish family known for banking, politics, religious expression, and, most importantly, their renowned brewing business. However, Sabrina redefined her image as a British socialize, business owner, and model.
While her family is one of the most famous in the world, Sabrina also managed to secure a large amount in her own bank account. According to Wealthy Gorilla, she's worth about $100 million today. But not only due to modeling. She later turned to TV as well, ultimately becoming the world's biggest Irish television producer.
21. Lydia Hearst-Shaw - $100 Million
Lydia Maria Hearst-Shaw is an actress, model, and more. Hailing from Wilton, Connecticut, she is also the great-granddaughter of newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst and daughter of Patty Hearst, a kidnapping survivor. Today, she's secured roughly $100 million, per Wealthy Gorilla.
Despite her infamous family name, Lydia studied communications and technology at Sacred Heart University prior to entering the modeling biz. She was discovered by photographer Steven Meisel who offered Lydia to be on the cover of Vogue Italia in April 2004. Since then, she has tapped into Harper's Baazar, GQ, and more.
20. Christie Brinkley - $100 Million
Michigan bombshell Christie Brinkley was born to be a star. After her family relocated to L.A. early on, her mother re-married successful TV writer Don Brinkley, who ended up adopting Christie. Christie grew up with a surfer girl aesthetic and was quickly discovered by an American photographer whilst studying art.
She was soon snatched up by Elite Model Management, and it was only uphill from there. After moving to the Big Apple in the late 70s, she transferred to Ford Model Agency. Her Sports Illustrated debut kicked off, leading to her icon status - and $100 million earnings, per Wealthy Gorilla.
19. Chloe Green - $100 Million
Meet Chloe Green: daughter of British businessman and retail fashion mogul, Philip Green. The model is used to lavish dinners in St. Tropez with her fellow runway pals and even spent time as a TV personality on the British reality show, Made in Chelsea. Still, she has been in the spotlight for quite some time.
The Topshop heiress spent the years from 2017 to 2019 with on and off ex-boyfriend, primarily known as 'the hot felon,' Jeremy Meeks. They were papped on many exotic vacations, but Chloe also remained in the tabloids for her varying business ventures. Today, she's worth about $100 million, per Celebrity Net Worth.
18. Amanda Hearst - $100 Million
This beauty is a model and socialite who has made her name well-known in the industry. The daughter of Anna Hearst, a publishing heiress, she's also an heiress to William Randolph Heart. She is also the founder of the 'Friends of Finn' charity. Thanks to all her ventures, she's worth around $100 million, as Wealthy Gorilla estimates.
Although she has devoted most of her current time to philanthropy, she is also well-known for her modeling career. She has appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan and international Harper's Bazaar magazines while also working in editing for Marie Claire. It's safe to say Hearst knows her way around the fashion world.
17. Heidi Klum - $160 Million
This German bombshell kicked off her career at 18, when she entered the 'Model 92' beauty contest. Klum was one out of the 25,000 contestants but astonishingly won 1st place and a $300,000 contract with Metropolitan Models in NYC. Since her career launch in 1993, she has gone on to reach global stardom.
Klum became the first German model to become a Victoria's Secret Angel and appeared on the cover of Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire. Eventually, she became the host of Germany's Next Top Model and Project Runway, as well as a judge on America's Got Talent. Today, she's secured a cool $160 million, as several sources estimate.
16. Sofia Vergara - $180 Million
Ever wonder where this Colombian bombshell was before she dominated our screens? It all began when a photographer spotted her on a beach, resulting in Vergara ditching her then-dentistry career. Before starring as the iconic Gloria Pritchett in the ABC sitcom Modern Family, she hosted native TV shows and secured many roles in films.
At the age of 23, Vergara began her time on the runway. Years later, she went on to perform in Chicago and was nominated for 4 Emmy Awards. According to Forbes, she was the highest-paid actress from 2013 to 2020, beating Kim Kardashian. Perhaps that's no surprise, considering her $180 million net worth, per Wealthy Gorilla.
15. Iman - $200 Million
Next up, we have the widow of David Bowie. The Somali supermodel and actress, Iman Abdulmajid, was discovered in her native country, Kenya's capital, Nairobi. A photographer spotted her and immediately knew she had star power. And well, they weren't wrong. $200 million - per several sources - and endless covers later, here we are.
She has been the muse for Calvin Klein, Gianni Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent, but it also commended for her philanthropic success. Iman is a supporter of many foundations, including Action Against Hunger, the American Foundation for AIDS Research, and Champions For Children -and is also passionate about fashion diversity.
14. Juanita Jordan - $200 Million
The ex-wife of Chicago Bulls player Michael Jordan comes in at no. 14. Juanita Vanoy was married to the NBA for 17 years, but she is known for much more than that. Vanoy began her modeling career during her beloved teenage years and worked on several projects. However, she grew tired of posing in front of the camera.
And so, Vanoy decided to spread her wings. From becoming executive secretary of the American Bar Association and the founder of the Michael and Juanita Jordan Endowment Fund, she's done it all. While she may have $200 million to her name, per several sources, she clearly continues to give back. And we love to see it!
13. Jeffree Star - $200 Million
He may not be known as a runway or cover model, but this next star has made his name known in the fashion world. After growing his online presence through makeup tutorials, he welcomed millions of followers. His electric personality and appearance have helped him become one of the highest-paid influencers, creating his own beauty empire.
His high-profile presence enabled him to tap into fashion, music, and modeling. In 2014, Jeffree Star Cosmetics launched, which, according to Forbes, earns $100 million annually. While he started off working behind counters, he has grown to live behind the camera. And with $200 million earnings, per Celebrity Net Worth, we can see why!
12. Jane Holzer - $200 Million
Jane Holzer, nicknamed 'Baby Jane Holzer,' is an ex-model and actress. She inherited most of her earnings from her real estate mogul father's Trust, but also made a substantial living through her own career. She dived right into the industry, kicking off her career with modeling in England and Paris as a teenager.
Not only did she become art icon Andy Warhol's muse, but Vogue editor Diana Vreeland dubbed her "the most contemporary girl I know." Now, Holzer is an avid art collector and dreams of being the largest in the U.S. And considering her $200 million net worth, per Wealthy Gorilla, anything is possible...
11. Irina Abramovich - $232 Million
The now 55-year-old bombshell was once known for her high-profile marriage. From 1991 until 2007, Irina was married to Roman Abramovich: a Russian billionaire, investor, politician, and owner of the English Premier football team, Chelsea FC. He is also the owner of the private investment company, Millhouse LLC.
While these funds were primarily split with his ex-wife, Irina, she also welcomed her own success through modeling. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she's secured a cool $232 million. Today, she prefers to stay low-key, removing almost all of her social media and spending most of her time traveling and connecting with the outdoors.
10. Tamara Ecclestone - $300 Million
The Italian heiress, born in Milan, is the daughter of Slavia Ecclestone and billionaire Bernie Ecclestone, former Chief Executive of the Formula One group. With two prestige parents, she was destined for greatness. Tamara went on to become a model, TV personality, and millionaire - with a $300 million net worth, per several sources.
Tamara made it apparent she did not want to be known as a billionaire's daughter. Today, she has her own range of hair styling products and even launched her own reality show Billion $$$ Girl, on Channel 5. When it came to modeling, she welcomed opportunities in front of the camera for Armani and even Playboy magazine in 2013.
9. Paris Hilton - $300 Million
Paris Hilton is the granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, the founder of Hilton Hotels. However, throughout her career, she has trialed almost every sector. From being a TV personality to becoming an international DJ, model, and socialite, she has made her own name for herself and become a determined businesswoman.
She might have starred on The Simple Life, but her reality is anything but that. With roughly $300 million to her name, per several outlets, she is living large. From a shoe line to perfume collection, the blonde beauty has just about done it all. Though she was born into fame, she became her own boss.
8. Rande Gerber - $400 Million
The Gerber genes are definitely supreme. American businessman and former model Rande Gerber is the husband of Cindy Crawford. Not to mention, he is also the father to two models, Presley Gerber and Kaia Gerber. However, though his looks sold for big bucks, he turned to other opportunities.
After switching from modeling to a career in business, Gerber became the proud founder of one of the fastest-growing tequila brands in the world, Casamigos. He also founded a chain of luxury restaurants and bars across the U.S. and Europe, accounting for his $400 million net worth, per several sources.
7. Petra Ecclestone - $400 Million
The now 33-year-old bombshell first kicked off her career at the young age of 19. The sister of millionaire Tamara Ecclestone, Petra grew up in the spotlight. But she also had dreams of her own, leading her to build a $400 million empire, per Celebrity Net Worth.
At just 19, Ecclestone launched her own fashion label, FORM. The brand ended up being sold into department stores such as Harrods. She continued forming her own brands, including an accessory line, Stark, which sells handmade bags from Italy - with some even being designed with 24-carat gold and Swarovski crystals.
6. Gisele Bündchen - $400 Million
Brazilian goddess Gisele has been modeling since 2001 and has been hailed as the highest-paid model since 2004. While Forbes marked her name on the list of the top-earning models in 2012, she was also dubbed the highest-paid model in the world from 2012 - 2017. Still, her claim to fame goes all the way back to the 90s.
At 14, Gisele was spotted in a mall by an Elite Model Management agent. Soon after, she became the face of many American fashion brands, including Victoria's Secret. She also marked her runway debut at NYFW while gracing the cover of Vogue more times than we can count. Today, she's secured a cool $400 million, per several outlets.
5. Cindy Crawford - $400 Million
This all-American beauty has been dominating the scene for longer than we can remember. But back in the 80s, Crawford was just another high school student when a photographer discovered her. And after publishing her picture in the local paper, the rest was history. She soon moved to NYC to pursue a professional career.
While studying for a degree in chemical engineering, she found herself thriving on the runway and on magazine covers. In 1985, she dropped out of college and became the cover model for Vogue in August 1986. Clearly, this hardworker knows how to turn heads - and we're not just referring to her $400 million net worth, per Wealthy Gorilla.
4. Kathy Ireland - $500 Million
Kathy Ireland's auburn hair and green eyes led her to become one of the most distinct models in the industry. She began modeling in her late teens and has since been featured on the cover of Vogue and Cosmopolitan. However, she is most proud of her cover for Sports Illustrated's 25th-anniversary edition of their swimsuit issue.
While soaring through covers and brand deals, Kathy went from model to entrepreneur. Although she landed a few acting roles, she idealized a fashion brand that was affordable to consumers. In 2003, she founded Kathy Ireland Worldwide, becoming a mogul. Today, she's raked in $500 million in earnings, per several sources.
3. Kylie Jenner - $750 Million
The youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan wowed the world with her entrepreneurial skills. While spending time filming Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Kylie found interest in modeling, taking after her sister Kendall. However, as time went on, she found a passion for being her own boss, becoming a self-made billionaire.
At the age of 18, the boss lady launched Kylie Cosmetics. The vegan products have been so successful, Jenner expanded the name, creating Kylie Skin and Kylie Baby - as well as collaborating with many family and friends. And given her $750 million net worth, per Celebrity Net Worth, she knows exactly what she's doing.
2. Slavica Ecclestone - $1.2 Billion
Coming in as the 2nd most successful model in the world in Slavia Ecclestone. The Croatian bombshell is the ex-wife of the Formula One CEO, Bernie Ecclestone. Ecclestone modeled for a variety of clients and was famously involved in Armani's 1982 Formula One event for the Italian Grand Prix, where she met her husband.
Ecclestone became a celebrity due to her own successes. Prior to working as a Page 3 model, she secured business with some of the most prestige designers and models in the world. Nevertheless, despite her success, she gained most of her wealth from her family's fortune, contributing to her $1.2 billion worth, per several outlets.
1. Kim Kardashian - $1.8 Billion
And finally, taking our #1 spot: We can't remember a time when we weren't keeping up with this KUWTK icon. After 20 seasons, Kim became a household name and used her fame to lead her to success. However, modeling was always just a side hustle. In 2019, she founded SKIMS, innovative shapewear, cementing her name in the fashion world.
Today, she's become widely recognized as a fashion icon - from appearances at the infamous Met Gala to her time modeling for Givenchy, Balenciaga, Balmain, and many more. She has also appeared on the cover of Forbes, Vogue, and Variety. And with $1.8 billion to her name, per Forbes, perhaps we could learn a thing or two from her...