As Linda Evangelista once said, “We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day”, the fashion world is a modern-day gold bullion. This happened in 1992, but now, after 21 years, female and male models are making more money than ever. They are paid to wear and promote the products of the top brands in the fashion industry and some of them also started their own businesses. Whether it’s their own fashion collection, fragrance line or TV show, some of these richest models are among the top earners in showbiz.
Let’s take a look at some of the worlds most successful models.
The Top 10 Richest Female & Male Models
1. Kathy Ireland
Kathy Ireland is a former model and actress, now working as an entrepreneur and designer. After a successful modelling career she launched her own line of clothing, for the American retailer Kmart. Kathy then managed to launch and extend her businesses, culminating with her famous company named Kathy Ireland Worldwide.
Kathy Ireland now resides in Los Angeles and is involved in numerous philanthropy causes.
Kathy Ireland’s net worth is estimated at $350 million, making her the richest model.
2. Gisele Bundchen
This famous Brazilian model needs no introduction. Having worked for the top brands in fashion, such as Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren and Dolce&Gabbana, she now owns her own businesses, her personal line of sandals and several hotels on the Brazilian coast.
Gisele Bundchen is also one of the Victoria Secret Angels and is featured in numerous international fashion magazines, including GQ, Esquire and Vogue. She acted in various commercials for Apple Inc., Ebel and Nivea.
Gisele Bundchen’s net worth stands at more than $270 million, making her one of the richest models.
3. Cindy Crawford
American model Cindy Crawford has graced 100’s of covers over the years, she quit modelling back in 2000 but still appears now and then in fashion magazines. Cindy launched a home goods line in J.C. Penney in 2009 and seems to be doing very well with this venture. Crawford has consistently ranked highly on lists of the world’s sexiest people.
Cindy Crawford has feature in documentaries, movies, TV Shows and any celebrity magazine that you can think of.
Cindy Crawford’s over all Net Worth to a whopping $100 Million.
4. Tyra Banks
Famously known as the first African-American female to be featured on the covers of Sports Illustrated and GQ, Tyra Banks has a net worth of over $90 million. She started her career as a model for various fashion designers and then started acting. Tyra Banks is also a singer, an accomplished businesswoman and TV personality, hosting the famous Tyra Banks Show. Moreover, she is a part owner and co-creator of the True Beauty line of products..
Tyra Banks earns an estimated $18 million yearly and has an estimated Net Worth of $90 Million.
5. Heidi Klum
Born in West Germany, Heidi Klum was discovered after a contest named “Model 92” where she beat some 25,000 contestants. After securing a contract with Metropolitan Models she landed numerous modeling jobs, eventually making her one of the best models of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Heidi Klum is involved in fashion design, with numerous items designed by her, including swimsuits, sport apparel, watches and jewelry for both men and women.
Heidi Klum has a total net worth of approximately $70 million and is also involved in various philanthropic causes worldwide.
6. Adriana Lima
Famous Brazilian model Adriana Lima initially entered the modelling business because she was trying to help a friend. She was only 15 when she was noticed by an American agency and she immediately started working for top brands in the fashion industry.During her career Adriana Lima worked for Giorgio Armani, Fendi, Mossimo, Versace and Vera Wang.
Now, she has an ongoing contract with Victoria Secret, where Adriana Lima earns $7 million yearly, while her net worth is estimated well over $35 million.
7. Tyson Beckford
Widely considered one of the best African-American male models in the USA, Tyson Beckford rose to prominence while working in television. Afterwards, he was employed by Ralph Lauren as a male model. His career also consists of numerous appearances in TV shows, commercials, print ads and fashion events. He appeared in Zoolander, a 2001 comedy film, and famous TV shows Half&Half (2002-2006) and Biker Boyz.
In 1995 Tyson Beckford was named Man of the Year and was also listed among the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World.
During his fruitful career Tyson Beckford amassed a net worth of $14 million.
8. Baptiste Giabiconi
Born in France, Baptiste is the male face for the famous fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. He rose to prominence after winning a high school beauty contest.
Baptists Giabiconi is considered to be a very well paid male model in the fashion world and has worked for the likes of Fendi and Chanel, and a number of other commercial brands.
Baptiste Giabiconi currently has a total net worth of about $12 million.
9. David Gandy
One of the most successful British male models ever, David Gandy is known for his work for numerous fashion brands and commercials. He works for Hugo Boss, H&M, Zara and Carolina Herrara. He was also featured on numerous fashion magazine covers, such as Vogue, GQ and Harper’s Bazaar.
David Gandy’s success was acknowledged by the fashion industry after winning multiple honors and prizes.
David Gandy’s net worth is estimated at around $10 million and he is involved in various humanitarian projects.
10. Sean O’Pry
Born in Kennesaw, Georgia, Sean is a successful American male model working for Calvin Klein, Dolce&Gabbana and Giorgio Armani among others. He was discovered by an agent after he posted a picture of himself on MySpace.
Sean O’Pry’s work also includes TV commercials and small appearances in TV shows.
Sean O’Pry’s net worth is approximately $6.5 million.
We hope you enjoyed this list of the Top 10 Richest Female & Male Models.