The 10 Richest Models in the World and How They Built Their Fortunes

When people think of wealthy models, runway earnings and fashion campaigns come to mind. But the richest models in the world have built empires far beyond the catwalk—through cosmetics, shapewear, strategic divorces, and business ventures that have nothing to do with posing for cameras.

Here's a breakdown of the top 10, along with what actually drives their wealth:

1. Kim Kardashian — $1.9 Billion

The reality star turned mogul earns most of her fortune from SKIMS, her shapewear brand valued at $5 billion as of late 2025. She owns roughly one-third of the company, making that stake alone worth over $1.6 billion on paper. Annual earnings reportedly range from $50–80 million.

2. Slavica Ecclestone — $1.2 Billion

The Croatian former model's wealth came almost entirely from her 2009 divorce from Formula One billionaire Bernie Ecclestone. It remains one of the largest divorce settlements in history.

3. Kylie Jenner — $700 Million

Once declared the world's youngest "self-made" billionaire by Forbes—then famously stripped of the title—Kylie still commands a massive fortune. Kylie Cosmetics, her 2019 sale of 51% to Coty for $600 million, and ventures like Kylie Skin and fashion label Khy drive most of her income.

4. Kathy Ireland — $500 Million

The former Sports Illustrated cover model quietly built one of the most successful celebrity licensing businesses in history. Kathy Ireland Worldwide sells everything from furniture to skincare, generating billions in retail sales annually.

5. Jackie Siegel — $500 Million

The former model and beauty pageant director became famous through the 2012 documentary "The Queen of Versailles." Her fortune came through her late husband David Siegel, founder of Westgate Resorts, who passed away in April 2025.

6. Gisele Bündchen — $400 Million

The Brazilian supermodel was the highest-paid model in the world for 14 consecutive years. Unlike many on this list, her fortune is entirely self-made through modeling contracts, brand deals with Victoria's Secret, Chanel, and Pantene, plus business ventures in skincare and footwear. Her wealth is separate from her ex-husband Tom Brady's $250 million fortune following their 2022 divorce.

7. Paris Hilton — $400 Million

The heiress and socialite started modeling young but built her fortune through DJ residencies, fragrance lines (reportedly generating over $4 billion in sales), and media ventures. Her great-grandfather founded Hilton Hotels, but most of her personal wealth comes from her own business deals.

8. Cindy Crawford — $400 Million

One of the original supermodels, Crawford's wealth is a combination of her modeling career, her furniture line, skincare brand Meaningful Beauty, and investments. This figure includes assets shared with her husband, Casamigos co-founder Rande Gerber.

9. Petra Ecclestone — $400 Million

Like her mother Slavica, Petra's wealth stems from the Ecclestone family fortune. The British heiress has pursued modeling and fashion design but is primarily known for her real estate investments, including the famous Spelling Manor in Los Angeles.

10. Heidi Klum — $160 Million

The German supermodel and Project Runway host built her fortune through modeling, television hosting and producing, and brand partnerships. She remains one of the highest-earning models in television.