It’s no secret that today’s models and even supermodels don’t get rich by walking the runway or being on the cover of Vogue. Not directly anyways. So if you think that by walking a dozen shows in Milan you’ll get a pay day – don’t hold your breath! The secret of course is doing campaigns and brand ambassadorships. Those will get you into the six-figure range. But if you’re after those illusive seven-figures, you’ll need to think outside the modeling box.
Forbes just named 13 models banking millions of dollars each year thanks to lucrative deals in a myriad of markets. From signature fragrances, skincare, jewelry, shoes and clothing lines to television shows and the more esoteric organic food production.
On that list you’ll find Heidi Klum and Project Runway; Kate Moss and Topshop (and Longchamp); Tyra Banks and ANTM; Erin Wasson and LowLuv; Elizabeth Hurley and Elizabeth Hurley Food, and Gisele Bündchen and Grendene. Visit Forbes’ Models Turned Moguls for the whole list.
It’s safe to say that if you want to hit the jackpot as a model – forget high-fashion and get yourself a Victoria’s Secret deal.
Heidi Klum
This year alone the 36 year old Klum banked $16 million from Project Runway, Germany’s Next Top Model, jewelry, anti-aging skincare, two maternity wear lines and the more recent sporty clothing line for New Balance.
Kate Moss
Moss earns around $9 a year from the more high-fashion projects like a Longchamp handbags collaboration, four fragrances, campaigns for David Yurman, Vogue Eyewear and Versace, and the recently canceled Topshop line.
Tyra Banks
Banks has to be the most successful of them all. She earns around $30 million a year from her Bankable production company and of course her baby – America’s Next Top Model and it’s 17 international editions syndicated to 170 outlets worldwide. There’s also her talkshow and ANTM branded merchandise for Walmart. Yup, Tyra is an evil genius.
Erin Wasson
Wasson has a beachwear line collaboration with RVCA, a jewelry line – LowLuv – with Mouawad and an NYC club 100 Lafayette.
Elizabeth Hurley
Hurley is less about collaborations and more about the more lucrative signature lines. She has a swimwear line, Elizabeth Hurley Beach, and an various organic food products sold under her Elizabeth Hurley Food brand. She grows all the ingredients on her Gloucestershire land.
Gisele Bündchen
Bündchen’s yearly pull is almost as impressive as Tyra’s standing at $25 million. Her campaign deals list reads like the who-and-who of fashion world. She has a sandals line – Ipanema by Gisele – selling around 30 million pairs a year, and a skincare line – Sejaa. The woman even owns a hotel, the Palladium Executive, in Brazil.