Less than two years ago, Claudia Schiffer declared that the age of the supermodel was over. Magazine covers and beauty contracts had become the province of celebrities. The industry’s newest generation had not quite attained the international, first-name basis fame that Naomi, Cindy, and Christy had pioneered.
A lot has changed in two years. While fashion magazines and retail brands still market their wares with stars from music and movies, models have moved off the runway in equal measure, expanding their brands into fashion, entertainment, and philanthropy. The age of the multi- hyphenate model has replaced the age of the supermodel, giving the top girls more earning power than ever before.
worlds top earner #2 Heidi Klum
A perfect example is the No. 2 earner on our list, Heidi Klum. While still a successful model at the age of 35 after having three kids, the majority of Klum’s earnings are driven by her TV and endorsement career. Klum remains a member of the Victoria’s Secret angel entourage as well as host of “Project Runway” and “Germany’s Next Top Model.” The German beauty also designs a line Birkenstock sandals and has endorsement deals with Diet Coke, Volkswagen, McDonald’s, and LG. Last year, she came out with her own skincare line, In An Instant. Klum earned $16 million from her various ventures.
worlds top earner #1 Gisele Bundchen
Returning at No. 1 this year is Gisele Bundchen, who earned an estimated $25 million in the last year from numerous campaigns including Versace, True Religion jeans, Dior, and Ebel watches. The Brazilian model has rare range–from high fashion to mass market–and measured impact on the success of the brands she represents. She also has her own Brazilian shoe line and tabloid fame on par with movie stars — thanks in part to her recent marriage to NFL superstar Tom Brady.
The models on our list were ranked according to estimated earnings from June 2008 to June 2009.
The modeling industry was hard-hit by the economic crisis. Prominent fashion labels canceled or downgraded their runway shows, leaving models hoping for a break with fewer opportunities. Declining revenues at major beauty and retail companies left agents with less leverage to bargain for their clients.
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