The Billion-Dollar Strut — The Most Expensive Top Models of All Time
In the world of fashion, faces aren’t just beautiful—they’re billion-dollar brands.
The top models who’ve defined eras and redefined the value of style have walked more than just runways—they’ve built empires.
Here’s a look at the most expensive and highest-paid top models ever, the ones who turned catwalks into cash machines.
1. Gisele Bündchen – The Untouchable Reign
Estimated Net Worth: $400 million+
Before Instagram influencers, there was Gisele. The Brazilian powerhouse dominated the 2000s, commanding $25–50 million per year at her peak. She was Victoria’s Secret’s highest-paid Angel, but that was just a sliver of her income. Gisele made her fortune through mega endorsements (Chanel, Pantene, H&M), smart investments, and licensing deals with her name on everything from sandals to lingerie.
Power move: She turned down most runway work after 2008 but still out-earned every other model for over a decade.
2. Kendall Jenner – Reality to Runway Royalty
Estimated Net Worth: $60 million+
Kendall took the Kardashian fame engine and turbocharged it into high fashion clout. With contracts from Estée Lauder, Calvin Klein, Versace, and Marc Jacobs, she’s become one of the most bankable faces in the game. While critics called her success a product of privilege, the industry doesn’t hand out multimillion-dollar deals for nothing—brands know she sells.
Power move: In 2017, she became the highest-paid model in the world, ending Gisele’s 14-year streak.
3. Gigi & Bella Hadid – The Power Sister Act
Combined Estimated Net Worth: $60 million+
Separately, they’re stars. Together, they’re a phenomenon. Gigi brings the sunny all-American vibe, Bella the high-fashion edge. Their bookings include campaigns for Prada, Dior, Burberry, and Fendi. Gigi was also a guest designer for Tommy Hilfiger, while Bella recently signed big contracts with Charlotte Tilbury and Swarovski.
Power move: They’ve made family branding the new frontier in modeling.
4. Cindy Crawford – The Original Supermodel Mogul
Estimated Net Worth: $225 million+
Cindy didn’t just walk for Versace and appear on Vogue covers—she built a business. She was one of the first to transition from modeling into a product-driven empire. With skincare lines, furniture collections, and a legacy that includes daughter Kaia Gerber (also a model), Cindy redefined the model as entrepreneur.
Power move: Licensed her name and face long before it was the norm.
5. Kate Moss – The Cool Factor Cashed In
Estimated Net Worth: $70 million+
Discovered at 14, dismissed at first for her size, Kate Moss proved everyone wrong. She turned her “anti-supermodel” aesthetic into a career of longevity and relevance. Calvin Klein, Dior, YSL, Burberry—she’s fronted them all. Her deal with Topshop made her a designer. Today, she runs her own modeling agency.
Power move: Made being an icon look effortless—and got paid like one.
6. Tyra Banks – From Runway to Media Empire
Estimated Net Worth: $90 million+
Tyra blended beauty with brains, going from Victoria’s Secret Angel and Sports Illustrated cover star to TV producer, talk show host, and CEO. America’s Next Top Model and The Tyra Show weren’t just hits—they were empires. She’s also taught at Stanford and built businesses in beauty and tech.
Power move: Made herself the face and the boss of the fashion world.
7. Adriana Lima – Victoria’s Secret’s MVP
Estimated Net Worth: $95 million+
Adriana was the longest-serving Angel and arguably the most commercially successful. Her Victoria’s Secret contracts were legendary in scale, and she parlayed them into massive deals with Maybelline, Puma, and more. She also pulled top dollar for runway exclusives even after 20 years in the industry.
Power move: Got paid more for one show than most models make in a year.
8. Liu Wen – Asia’s First Supermodel Superstar
Estimated Net Worth: $40 million+
Liu Wen became the first Chinese model to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway and the first Asian model to make Forbes’ highest-paid list. With contracts from Estée Lauder, Chanel, and H&M, she’s a market-breaking icon in Asia and a luxury brand ambassador worldwide.
Power move: Changed the global modeling game—without Western overexposure.
Legacy & Leverage: Why These Models Made Millions
It’s not just about beauty. The most expensive models made smart moves: they turned themselves into brands, negotiated royalties instead of one-off payments, and used every platform to expand their reach. Modeling might be about the image—but serious money comes from vision.
They didn’t just wear the clothes. They sold the dream—and made fortunes doing it.
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