When Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid joined forces in Paris in June to ride horseback across the Place Vendome, they represented a new era of success and ultra-wealth previously unknown to even the world’s top supermodels: a record-breaking combined net worth of $90 million.
For decades, supermodels have commanded their own appearance and endorsement fees – think 1990s' Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bundchen – but nothing compares to what these two 28-year-olds are raking in just to post a selfie on social media. Jenner and Hadid have harnessed the power of supermodeling, but also doubled down on the influencer market, as well as distributing products they personally developed and outright own. All this is ushering in a new generation of multi-disciplinary supermodels.
Jenner, who grew up on the set of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, isn’t the wealthiest member of her family, but she claims the title of the world’s highest-paid model. For the 2023 holiday season, she was the face of Jacquemus, Gucci, Longchamp and L’Oreal, while she maintained fashion endorsement deals with Calvin Klein, Estée Lauder, Marc Jacobs, Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld. While it’s hard to pinpoint what Jenner can exactly command from a runway appearance or social media post, she was famously exposed for receiving $250,000 to promote the Fyre Island Festival on Instagram before the festival was discovered to be completely fraudulent.
With over 170 million Instagram followers, Jenner’s social media presence amplifies her brand collaborations and personal projects. Like her famous siblings, she leverages her social media presence and fame to sell, promote and endorse not only the brands she loves, but also the products she personally owns and distributes, pouring untold wealth directly back into her net worth.
Gigi Hadid, of course, hails from another supermodel family; famous only, perhaps, for being beautiful, but nonetheless famous. Gigi’s modeling career took off at 17, leading to high-profile campaigns with Tom Ford, Versace, and Chanel. Her versatility and professionalism on set have made her a favorite among designers and brands. Hadid has also ventured into television and fashion design, collaborating with Tommy Hilfiger and Reebok. Hadid boasts over 75 million Instagram followers. She supports organizations like UNICEF and uses her platform to raise awareness about social issues, including the refugee crisis.
The elder and edgier Hadid, Bella, slips right behind her cover-story sister in the pay scale and net worth. Bella’s career began earlier, in 2012, with Dior, Bulgari and Calvin Klein. Bella boasts 43 million Instagram followers, where she promotes Save the Children and advocates for social issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement.
Naomi Campbell, at 53, is nearly twice Jenner’s and Gigi’s age, yet she still commands one of the highest paychecks in the business. She started modeling at just 15 years old, landed the cover of British Elle at 16, and is one of the original supermodels. Campbell broke barriers as the first Black model to cover Time Magazine, French Vogue, and Russian Vogue, and she’s been on hundreds of magazine covers throughout her career, has walked hundreds of runways for top designers (Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Versace), and has been the face of campaigns for some of the most major fashion and beauty brands including NARS, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Burberry. Campbell recently closed the Alexander McQueen SS24 show.
Campbell’s fellow 90s supermodel, Linda Evangelista, now 59, once supposedly joked that the models of her caliber didn’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day, but the supermodels have all disavowed that statement, saying Evangelista was joking amongst friends and it was repeated out of context.
Evangelista still commands both attention and respect while teetering on the verge of retirement age. She was photographed by Steven Klein in January for the spring V Magazine.
Evangelista cemented the fact she is fashion’s ultimate chameleon, courtesy of her extreme versatility. For the cover of V Magazine, Evangelista rocked an array of hairstyles, bold makeup looks and show-stopping creations from the likes of Miu Miu, Ocean Savage, Dolce & Gabbana and Aziz.
Chrissy Teigen made a name for herself far beyond modeling. Her career began in 2006, and she has since worked with brands like Sports Illustrated, Victoria’s Secret, and Target. Teigen’s modeling achievements are complemented by her roles in television, including co-hosting “Lip Sync Battle” and judging on “MasterChef.” Teigen is a bestselling author with cookbooks like “Cravings” and is a social media influencer with over 35 million Instagram followers. Her relatable personality and openness about personal struggles have endeared her to fans.
British model Cara Delevingne has made significant strides in modeling, acting, and music. Starting her career in 2009, she quickly became a sought-after model for brands like Burberry, Chanel, and Dior. Delevingne’s acting credits include “Paper Towns” and “Suicide Squad,” and she released her music album “I Feel Everything” in 2017. Today, this supermodel’s net worth is estimated to be $50 million.
Delevingne’s unique look and charismatic personality have earned her over 44 million Instagram followers. She is also an ambassador for the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up campaign and advocates for women’s rights and mental health.
If Gigi and Bella Hadid are famous for being from a family of beauties, what does that make Kaia Gerber? The daughter of 90s supermodel icon Cindy Crawford is a spitting image of her maven-mother. Though her net worth is estimated at only $5 million right now, she’s on the young side of the supermodel pack and has recently expanded into television with HBO.
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