Today, when one looks at the recently released FORBES’ list of the world’s ten highest-paid models, there is one glaring similarly among the elite: diversification and business acumen.
Full List: The World’s Highest Paid Models of 2013
Topping this year’s list is the unparalleled Gisele Bündchen, who has held the top spot now for seven consecutive years. At a whopping $42 million in earnings, Gisele made seven times that of her closest competitor, second place Miranda Kerr.
The 33-year-old Brazilian model and Mom has diversified her fashion empire to include a partnership with Brazilian footwear company Grendene, ownership of eco-friendly cosmetics firm Sejaa, and multi-year endoresement contracts for high-profile products like Pantene and Oral-B.
Second place Miranda Kerr brought in $7.2 million, making a significant move from 2012 when she occupied the No. 7 spot at $4 million in total earnings. The 30-year-old Victoria’s Secret model has taken a lesson from the Bündchen playbook, creating a brand for herself through endorsement contracts and other business ventures. The model has launched her own skin care line Kora, and inked deals to pitch Lipton Tea and Bold detergent.
“Because international exposure is so much greater in value, there’s been this sudden shift in the industry where models are all finding ways to expand their brands and partnerships. It’s a smart business model for them,” says Ed Razek, president and chief marketing office of Limited Brands, Victoria’s Secret’s parent company.
And of course, what would a top-ten list be without the iconic Kate Moss who, at 39 years-old still managed to pull in $5.7 million (landing at the No. 7 spot). Kate drops five spots this year, from her No. 2 ranking in 2012. Nevertheless, the quasi-hippie, famously thin supermodel is still one of the fashion world’s most in demand models.
This year’s two most notable newcomers Liu Wen (No. 5) and Joan Smalls (No. 8) share their list-mate’s passion for personal branding. Liu managed to bring in $4.3 million over the examined time period through deals with Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss and Estée Lauder. The 25-year-old stunner has huge earning potential as the fashion market of her home country of China continues to explode.
Since being made the first Latina ambassador for Estée Lauder in 2010, Puerto Rican bombshell Joan Smalls has diversified her portfolio to include such big names as Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Fendi and Givenchy.
One thing is for certain, beauty and brains can be a very lucrative combination.
