Today, fashion divas have gained enough tabloid traction that they are currently serving in the most sought position in the fashion industry. Although it’s a tough industry to hold on to, once you’re there, you rake in millions per year. When you work super hard to gain enough exposure, then the rest will be taken care of by the industry. They will make you richer with every step you take forward. In fact, many people have gone from rags to riches.
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We have a long list of successful models who have risen to prominence in the last decade, including Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, and Bella Hadid. They have made their effort count with numerous runway and other modeling projects. Not only this, they are a bunch of models who have successfully amassed millions and billions, making them the richest models in the world.
In 2022, once again, we have the Jenner sister, Kendall, topping the list, as the highest-paid model in the world. It is one of the greatest successes that could ever meet a model face-to-face.
From newbies to retired runway behemoths, here we present the top 15 highest-paid models in the world in 2022, and we will also discuss their annual earnings.
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Table of Contents
15. Karlie Kloss – $13 Million
Karlie Kloss, an American fashion model who is also an entrepreneur, is ranked fifteenth. Kloss is definitely one of America’s most pretty models, and she earns $13 million per year. From 2011 to 2014, she was also a Victoria’s Secret Angel. No wonder the beauty queen is ranked 15th.
When she was just 17, Vogue named her one of the top 30 models of the 2000s. She is still continuing on the list of the highest-paid models in the world.
She is also admired by Taylor Swift, who expressed her desire to bake cookies with the supermodel one day. It was declared in a Vogue interview, and Kloss immediately responded to it by saying she loved Taylor’s comment and asking where to bake, whether from her kitchen or Taylor’s. They’ve been friends for a long time, and fans have long anticipated a Karlie Kloss cameo in a Taylor Swift album.
14. Alessandra Ambrosio – $16 Million
The Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio is renowned for working with Victoria’s Secret, where she eventually became the line’s first spokesperson.
She has been a Victoria’s Secret Angel since 2017 and has also modeled for fashion houses including Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, Armani, and Next. The icon has also appeared on a string of international magazine covers, including commercials for eminent brands.
She was one such kid who had been interested in modeling ever since she was just 12. Back then, she began to receive modeling classes, and she rose to fame in just 2 years. Her fame was a result of her participation in the 1996 Elite Look national competition.
Frequently, Ambrosio is dubbed the sexiest woman by the popular media. In 2007, she was included in the “100 Most Beautiful People in the World” list, which was definitely an honor, especially when it comes to models, and now, the model mogul is one of the richest models in the world, having earned $16 million a year. At present, Ambrosio is an ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
13. Miranda Kerr – $17 Million
Miranda May Ker is an Australian model whose beauty has confused millions of her fans. Mirada is also a businesswoman, but she has been earning a fortune from her modeling career alone. It is believed that she rose to prominence back in 2007 when she was chosen as a Victoria’s Secret Angel.
Miranda was the first Australian model to walk the famous Victoria’s Secret runway. She further represented David Jones, the Australian department store. Over the last few years, Miranda turned out to be an entrepreneur who launched KORA Organics, a skincare brand. She has also published a self-help book.
Miranda showcased her interest in modeling at the age of 13, and when she won the Dolly magazine model search competition in 1997, her entire destiny changed. Ever since she has consistently been featured on the Forbes list of the richest models in the world, and how could they not when she earns nearly $17 million a year?
12. Doutzen Kroes – $17 Million
Apart from the Australian star, the Dutch fashion model Doutzen Kroes also rakes in $17 million per year, which is not a joke. As a child, she was a professional speed skater. But later, she began to work for Paparazzi Model Management, which was based in the Netherlands. They later sent her to New York City, and then her career took a major turn.
Kroes was a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 2008 to 2014, and she was the second Dutch model to walk for the lingerie brand after Karen Mulder. In 2014, she was the second earning model, according to Forbes.
The former Victoria’s Secret Angel has been featured on a plethora of magazine covers, including Numero, Seventeen, Vogue, Time, Glamour, Avantgarde, Dazed & Confused, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and W. Currently, the legendary icon is working for L’Oreal.
11. Candice Swanepoel – $18 million
Candice Swanepoel, a South African model, and philanthropist, is known once again for her important work with Victoria’s Secret. She was chosen as an angel in 2010, and six years later, Forbes named her the eighth richest model in the world.
Over the past decade, she has appeared in editorials in American as well as Brazilian, Korean, Japanese, Mexican, Greek, German, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian. She managed to appear in Vogue: British, German, Brazilian, and South Africa and Elle: Chinese, Mexican, South African, British, and Romanian. She was also featured in the editorials of i-D, V, Allure, W, and others.
As far as her runway is concerned, she has walked for Tommy Hilfiger, Jason Wu, Oscar de la Renta, Viktor & Rolf, Blumarine, Ralph Lauren, Jean Paul Gaultier, Donna Karen, Betsey Johnson, Fendi, Chanel, Elie Saab, Stella McCartney, Christian Dior, Off-Wjite, Givenchy, Sportmax, Rag & Bone, Dolce and Gabbana, Giambattista Valli, Michael Kors, Versace, and Diane von Furstenberg.
10. Liu Wen – $18 Million
Liu Wen is a Chinese model who was dubbed “China’s first bona fide supermodel” in 2012, by The New York Times. Her facial features, coupled with her astounding body language, make her one of the highest-paid supermodels, earning $18 million per year.
She currently has contracts with high-end clothing brand La Perla and also with Estee Lauder, which has been steadily contributing to her annual income. Indeed, she is the first Chinese model who got the golden opportunity to walk at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show as well as the foremost East Asian model who worked with Estee Lauder. So, how on earth could she not earn a staggering $18 million?
In 2017, Liu Wen became the first Chinese model to be featured on the cover of American Vogue and the second to be featured in Vogue. Once again, she was chosen by American Vogue to pose for their cover image in 2020. Thus, she is the first Chinese model to have appeared twice in Vogue.
9. Joan Smalls – $19 Million
The Puerto Rican model Joan Smalls was the first Latian model to represent Estee Lauder cosmetics in 2011. Two years later, people could read her name on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest paid models. In 2014, she appeared on the cover of the American Elle.
Back in 2011, Models.com ranked Joan Smalls as the #1 model in the entire world. During her early career, Smalls was signed by Elite Model Management, and she eventually began to do commercial modeling jobs, including for Sass & Bide and Liz Claiborne.
Smalls left Elle to join IMG Models, shifting her focus entirely to runway work. In January 2020, she was chosen by Givenchy for the Summer Haute Couture Show, and thereafter, she had a wonderful journey.
After the Givenchy contract, Smalls gained traction from the other top brands, and she eventually worked for Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Alexander Wang, Versace, Fendi, Balenciaga, Valentino, Tommy Hilfiger, and more, which is why she has been earning $19 million per year.
8. Bella Hadid – $19 Million
Here is the youngest model on the list of the highest-paid models. You’ve probably heard a lot about Bella Hadid, the face of Bulgari, Dior Beauty, and Tag Heuer.
The American supermodel Bella Hadid was voted the Model of the Year by Models.com in 2016. Over the past four years, Bella has literally appeared twenty-seven times on international Vogue covers.
Apparently, the young model began her modeling journey at age 16. She was initially signed to IMG Models in 2014, and the very next month she made her New York Fashion Week debut.
In 2017, Bella dethroned Doutzen Kroese by appearing on five Vogue covers in a single year, including Arabia, Brazil, China, Australia, and Spain.
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Apart from modeling, Bella’s career widened as a businesswoman as she launched Kin Euphorics, a non-alcoholic beverage brand. She controls the company, which is also co-owned by Jen Batchelor.
7. Gigi Hadid – $20 Million
Gigi Hadid is an American model and the founder of the clothing line Guest in Residence. In November 2014, she occupied her place on the list of the top 50 models by Models.com, and today, she is the seventh richest model in the world, earning $20 million per year. In 2016, the British Fashion Council dubbed Gigi Hadid the “International Model of the Year.” She has appeared on the cover of Vogue 35 times, more than her sister Bella.
Gigi has been a model ever since she turned three. She initially modeled for Baby Guess, and in 2013, she signed a contract with IMG Models. The following year, she made her New York Fashion Week debut.
So far, Gigi has appeared in a number of commercials and editorials, including those for the famous brand Maybelline. Indeed, her presence in the top 15 highest-paid models somewhere is due to deals with BMW, Topshop, Tommy Hilfiger, and Maybelline.
6. Cara Delevigne – $31 Million
Cara Delevigne is an English model, and her face must be familiar to many of you due to her movie appearance. After leaving school, she joined Storm Management in 2009. Eventually, she won the Model of the Year award twice at the British Fashion Awards, in 2012 and 2014.
Initially, Delevigne entered into the fashion industry at the age of ten when she was shot alongside model Lady Eloise Anson for Vogue Italia. Later, she went ro sign with Storm Management. But, her first runway offer landed after two years. She made her first catwalk appearance at London Fashion Week in 2011. During the next year, she walked at the Grand Palais for the Chanel Haute Couture spring show.
Earning a whopping $31 million a year, Cara Delevugne is definitely the richest model in the world.
Cara Delevigne made her acting debut in 2012 with Joe Wright’s film titled Anna Karenina. Films like Suicide Squad, Paper Town, and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets are her most renowned movies.
5. Adriana Lima – $31 Million
The Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima is equally rich as Delevigne, who earns $31 million per year. Lima is the longest-running angel in the entire history of Victoria’s Secret (from 1999 to 2018). Although she is renowned as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, she has also worked for the Super Bowl and Kia Motors.
Her modeling dreams began when she won a beauty pageant during elementary school. Later, she went to take part in the ‘Supermodel of Brazil’ competition, and she was only 15 at that time. However, she came in second at the event, which boosted her confidence. Shortly after, she moved to New York City and immediately signed with Elite Model Management.
Currently, models.com has referred to Lima as the “New Supers.” For a long time, she has been the second highest-paid model in the world, and now she is the fifth. Well, that doesn’t mean her income has declined, instead, it is the payment of the other models that have skyrocketed.
4. Rosie Huntington – Whitely- $32 Million
We have already reached the top 5 richest models in the world, which includes the most glamorous English model, Rosie Huntington- Whitely. She has been simply earning $32 million a year, which definitely deserves appreciation.
She is famed for working with the lingerie retailer Victoria’s Secret as well as with Marks & Spencer. Very recently, she heightened her popularity by collaborating with Paige, a denim focused fashion brand.
As a model, she made her debut by posing for a Levi’s jeans commercial. But later, she successfully made her catwalk debut in 2004, walking alongside model Naomi Campbell. A couple of years later, she was signed to Victoria’s Secret and made her first impression with the brand in a fashion show in Los Angeles. But she gained attention when she was cast against actor Sam Riley by director Christopher Bailey for a Burberry shoot.
3. Gisele Bundchen – $35 million
It is mind-boggling that the Brazilian fashion model Gisele Bundchen is still on the list of the richest models in the world even after retiring from the industry. For over a decade, Gisele has been at the top of this list, which sounds quite legendary.
Apart from being a model, Gisele is also an actress and producer who is based in Brazil. She began her modeling career in the early 90s, and by 1999, she had become one of the popular divas credited the end of the modeling industry’s “heroin chic” era.
Even when compared to the other models, Gisele Bundchen is frequently regarded as the only best supermodel. So, you can already imagine her power in the industry.
She was also a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 2000 to 2007. She is also credited with popularizing the “horse walk,” which is now imitated by a number of other supermodels.
But what is more interesting about the diva is that she has appeared roughly in more than 1,200 magazine covers.
2. Chrissy Teigen – $39 Million
The former sports illustrated cover star Chrissy Teigen is an American model and a television personality. She made her debut in 2010 with the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Later in 2014, she appeared with Lily Aldridge and Nina Agdal on its 50th anniversary cover.
Initially, she was a judge on a talk show titled FAB Life, which ran from 2015-2016. Following that, the beauty queen went on to co-host Lip Sync Battle and then Bring the Funny, a comedy competition series.
During the first season of the show Deal or No Deal, Chrissy Teigen was the briefcase model. She grew higher and higher with time, and today, she will be the second richest model in the world in 2022.
1. Kendall Jenner – $40 Million
And finally, we are there! She is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful women alive today, and it is no wonder why the beauty behemoth will be the most paid model in the world in 2022. She is number one in anything that she does, and the entire world admires her beauty and talent.
This is not the first time she has become the richest model, but Kendal Jenner has consistently owned the tag for 2 years now. Also, she doesn’t appear to be someone who will simply give away her position to anyone else. It is definitely a matter of appreciation that Kendall has grown a lot, which will be nearly impossible for any other model.
Conclusion
The fashion industry is not a joke, nor is being a model an easy job. These models have made more than enough sacrifices in their lives to live in a way that is healthy and impressive.
No one else other than the fashion models would know the impact their profession has had on their food habits. Apart from that, these people also have many restrictions to take care of. If they seem like they have been handling things effortlessly, then that is another talent that they have mastered.
However, once successful, these supermodels would be highly respected, and their pockets would also be stuffed and filled with cash. Over the past two years, we have witnessed Kendal Jenner owning the title of “highest-paid model in the world.” Now, we will have to wait and see whether she will come back again in 2023 with the same title or not.
FAQ
Who is the highest-paid model in 2022?
The highest-paid model in 2022 is Kendall Jenner and this is the second time she has come to snatch the tag as she was also the richest model in 2021.
Who is the world’s no 1 female model?
Kendall Jenner is the world’s no 1 female model. Her facial features and her body language are differently defined, which makes her the best.
Is Bella Hadid the highest-paid model?
No. Bella Hadid is not the highest-paid model. while she earns $19 million per year. Kendall Jenner earns more than twice her income, which is a whopping $40 million per year.
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