The Top Ten Most Valuable Models

Filed Under: Kate Moss Fashion Smashion Models Gisele Bundchen Stella McCartney Adriana Lima Gucci Dolce & Gabbana Vogue Walk It Out Miranda Kerr

The Daily Beast recently ranked the top ten most valuable models, not to be confused with the highest paid or wealthiest.

Rather than a given model's net worth, the Beast ranked models by weighing different aspects of a model's career. The rankings were based 40% on annual income from retail licensing contracts, "because they are the most difficult to get, bear the largest salaries, and indicate a very high level of success," (think Victoria's Secret). Ten percent of the ranking was based on the number of campaigns a model currently has, while the monetary value of the model's most valuable campaign was weighted 30%. Runway work was weighted a mere 10% since models do less runway work the more successful they become, and cover appearances were weighted 10%.

The results gave a pretty interesting, albeit not particularly surprising, list.

Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Issue regular Carolyn Murphy came in at number ten. The model has virtually no runway presence and very few fashion covers, but the all-American girl is a major player on the retail scene, facing the likes of Banana Republic and Lord & Taylor. She also has a lucrative deal with Estee Lauder. Girlfriend made $3 million last year alone, not too shabby!

One of our fave pretty faces, Miranda Kerr, clocked in at number 9. The Victoria's Secret Angel and face of XOXO has also had deals with Maybelline and walked the runway for Balenciaga. That's a pretty impressive resume! The versatile Aussie model makes about $3 million a year.

Number 8 is a model we've loved for years, pretty girl Natalia Vodianova. On the older end of the model spectrum, the 27-year-old has opened for Stella McCartney, is the face of lingerie company Etam as well as Calvin Klein's fragrance Euphoria. What's more, Natalia appeared on five major covers in the past year, including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar UK, and French Elle. The little lady earned $5MM in the past year, putting her a step ahead of Miranda and Carolyn.

Gorgeous gal Christy Turlington is number 7 on the list, with a long roster of impressive gigs over the years. With campaigns like Yves Saint Laurent and Bally, a contract with Maybelline, and several covers in the past year, it's almost surprising that the modeling vet doesn't come in a little higher on the list, but considering she has taken a lot of time off in recent years to go back to school and work on other business endeavors, it makes sense.

It should come as no surprise, though, that Alessandra Ambrosio made it onto the list at number 6. The Victoria's Secret veteran (she's been with the lingerie powerhouse for over five years and is the face of their PINK line) earns roughly $6 million per year. She is also the face of C&A and Liverpool.

Another one of our faves makes the top 5, Miss Daria Werbowy. While you may not know this doe-eyed beauty's name yet, you definitely know her face: she's the face of the ubiquitous Lancome ads, as well as H&M and Roberto Cavalli. She makes somewhere between $4 and $5 million a year and still does runway, opening for Balmain's S/S 2010 show, as well as facing the brand's S/S campaign. What's more, magazine editors love her: she is second only to #2 in top mag covers. Very impressive. Get to know her!

The drop-dead gorgeous Doutzen Kroes comes in at number 4, which tickles us with joy. We've been a big Doutzen fan for years. The Dutch model became a Victoria's Secret Angel last year, and has also face the prominent campaigns of Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, L'Oreal, Calvin Klein's fragrance Eternity and 7 For All Mankind. Dayum! Girlfriend is busy! She reportedly earned $6 million last year.

Hot (new) mama Adriana Lima is number 3 on the list, having worked for Victoria's Secret for nearly ten years now. One of the most famous Angels, she also does considerable commercial work, including a campaign for Givenchy. The beautiful Brazilian earned approximately $8 million dollars in the past year.

The final two are pretty obvious, but we were surprised that Kate Moss didn't come in first. The girl is EVERYWHERE. Seriously, everywhere: she has contracts with Rimmel, Longchamp, David Yurman, Stella McCartney and Yves Saint Laurent. Not to mention Topshop and her own fragrances. She has been on the cover of nearly every top magazine in the past year. Her agent calls her, "a role model for the rest of the models," and we have to agree. She knows how to make her career go on and on and on - the lady has been front and center on the scene for a whopping twenty years! But, while she reportedly earned $8.5 million last year, it was another high profile model who took first place…

Mommy-to-be, Gisele Bundchen came in at number one. One agent says, "she's the most well-known model in the world," though we feel that's up for debate. The ex-Angel has a litany of lucrative contracts, including Ebel watches, Dior, Versace, Rampage, True Religion, Max Factor, Gucci, and many more. She still graces myriad covers and if her relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio didn't make her a household name, her marriage to NFL Quarterback Tom Brady certainly has. The girl has made an estimated $25 million over the course of her career. That's quite the little nest egg!!

Congrats to all the valuable models. Pays well to be beautiful!

[Image via WENN.]

Posted: November 17, 2009 at 2:56 pm