The 1990s were the golden era of supermodels, when they dominated the fashion industry and became household names. They graced the covers of magazines, walked the runways of prestigious brands, and starred in iconic campaigns and commercials. Some of them even ventured into acting, music, and business.
But who were the highest-paid models in 1995, the mid-point of this glamorous decade? How much did they earn, and what made them stand out from the rest? In this article, we will reveal the top 10 highest-paid models in 1995, based on Forbes’ list, and explore their achievements and legacy.
10. Bridget Hall
Bridget Hall was only 17 years old in 1995, but she had already made Forbes’ top 10 highest-earning models list. The Texas-born beauty was discovered at 10 and started modeling at 14. She appeared on the covers of ELLE, Cosmopolitan, and Allure, as well as in campaigns for Chanel, Versace, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren. She was also a regular on the Victoria’s Secret runway and catalog.
Hall was known for her versatile look, which ranged from girl-next-door to sultry bombshell. She was also praised for her professionalism and work ethic. She earned $3.5 million in 1995.
9. Claudia Schiffer
Claudia Schiffer was one of the most recognizable faces of the ’90s, thanks to her resemblance to Brigitte Bardot and her association with Karl Lagerfeld. The German model was discovered at 17 in a nightclub and soon became the face of Chanel. She also worked with other major brands like Valentino, Versace, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Schiffer was a media darling, appearing on over 1,000 magazine covers, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. She also starred in several movies, such as Richie Rich and The Blackout. She earned $4 million in 1995.
8. Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell was one of the first black supermodels to achieve global fame and break racial barriers in the fashion industry. The British model was scouted at 15 and quickly rose to prominence with her stunning features and fierce walk. She was part of the legendary Big Six group of supermodels, along with Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss, and Claudia Schiffer.
Campbell worked with almost every major designer and brand in the ’90s, from Gianni Versace to Calvin Klein. She also appeared on countless magazine covers, including the iconic January 1990 American Vogue cover that featured only black models. She earned $4 million in 1995.
7. Christy Turlington
Christy Turlington was another member of the Big Six group of supermodels. The American model was discovered at 14 by a local photographer and soon became a favorite of Calvin Klein, who signed her to an exclusive contract in 1987. She also worked with other top brands like Chanel, Prada, Valentino, and Maybelline.
Turlington was known for her classic beauty and elegant style. She graced over 500 magazine covers, including Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair. She earned $4 million in 1995.
6. Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford was arguably the most famous supermodel of the ’90s, with her trademark mole and all-American appeal. The Illinois-born model was discovered at 16 by a newspaper photographer and soon became a sensation in the fashion world. She worked with brands like Versace, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Revlon.
Crawford also crossed over to mainstream media, hosting MTV’s House of Style , appearing in Pepsi commercials , and starring in movies like Fair Game . She was also the first supermodel to pose for Playboy . She earned $4.5 million in 1995.
5. Linda Evangelista
Linda Evangelista was the leader of the Big Six group of supermodels and one of the most influential models of all time. The Canadian model was discovered at 16 by a talent agent and soon became known for her chameleon-like ability to change her look with different hairstyles and colors. She famously said that she wouldn’t get out of bed “for less than $10,000 a day”.
Evangelista worked with every major designer and brand in the ’90s, from Chanel to Versace to Christian Lacroix. She also appeared on over 700 magazine covers, including Vogue , Harper’s Bazaar , and W . She earned $6 million in 1995.
4. Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks was one of the most successful and influential black supermodels of the ’90s. The California-born model was discovered at 15 by a modeling agent and soon became a sensation in the fashion industry. She was the first black model to appear on the covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and GQ , as well as the first black model to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway and become an Angel.
Banks also ventured into acting, starring in movies like Higher Learning and Life-Size , and hosting her own talk show, The Tyra Banks Show . She also created and hosted the reality show America’s Next Top Model , which launched the careers of many aspiring models. She earned $6 million in 1995.
3. Elle Macpherson
Elle Macpherson was one of the most successful and popular supermodels of the ’90s, earning the nickname “The Body” for her stunning physique. The Australian model was discovered at 18 by a modeling scout and soon became a sensation in the fashion industry. She appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue a record five times, as well as on the covers of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan.
Macpherson also branched out into business, launching her own lingerie line, Elle Macpherson Intimates , and becoming a co-founder of WelleCo , a wellness company. She also acted in movies like Sirens and The Edge , and hosted the reality show Fashion Star . She earned $7.5 million in 1995.
2. Kate Moss
Kate Moss was one of the most influential and controversial supermodels of the ’90s, ushering in the era of “heroin chic” with her waif-like figure and rebellious attitude. The British model was discovered at 14 by a modeling agent and soon became a sensation in the fashion industry. She worked with brands like Calvin Klein, Gucci, Burberry, and Chanel.
Moss also became a cultural icon, dating celebrities like Johnny Depp and Pete Doherty, and sparking scandals with her drug use and partying. She also appeared on over 300 magazine covers, including Vogue, W, Vanity Fair, and The Face. She earned $9 million in 1995.
1. Gisele Bündchen
Gisele Bündchen was the highest-paid model in 1995, earning a whopping $25 million. The Brazilian model was discovered at 14 by a modeling scout and soon became a sensation in the fashion industry. She worked with brands like Victoria’s Secret, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, and Versace.
Bündchen also became a global star, appearing on over 1,200 magazine covers, including Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Rolling Stone. She also acted in movies like Taxi and The Devil Wears Prada , and married NFL star Tom Brady. She is also an environmental activist and a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations.
Conclusion
The ’90s were a golden age for supermodels, who became celebrities in their own right and influenced fashion, culture, and media. They earned millions of dollars for their work and fame, and some of them are still active today. They are icons of beauty, style, and success.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: Who are the Big Six supermodels?
A: The Big Six supermodels are Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Kate Moss. They were the most famous and influential models of the ’90s.
Q: Who is the first supermodel?
A: The first supermodel is widely considered to be Lisa Fonssagrives , who was active from the 1930s to the 1950s. She appeared on over 200 magazine covers , including Vogue , Harper’s Bazaar , and Vanity Fair .
Q: Who is the richest supermodel of all time?
A: The richest supermodel of all time is Gisele Bündchen , who has an estimated net worth of $400 million as of 2021. She is followed by Kathy Ireland , who has an estimated net worth of $360 million.
Q: Who is the most famous supermodel of all time?
A: The most famous supermodel of all time is subjective, but some of the candidates are Cindy Crawford , Naomi Campbell , Kate Moss , Gisele Bündchen , Tyra Banks , Heidi Klum , Adriana Lima , Kendall Jenner , and Cara Delevingne .
Q: Who is the youngest supermodel ever?
A: The youngest supermodel ever is Thylane Blondeau , who was dubbed “the most beautiful girl in the world” when she appeared on the cover of Vogue Enfants at.
Q: Who is the youngest supermodel ever?
A: The youngest supermodel ever is Thylane Blondeau, who was dubbed “the most beautiful girl in the world” when she appeared on the cover of Vogue Enfants at the age of six in 2011. She is now 21 years old and still modeling for brands like L’Oréal and Dolce & Gabbana.
Q: Who is the oldest supermodel still working?
A: The oldest supermodel still working is Carmen Dell’Orefice, who is 90 years old as of 2021. She started modeling at 15 and has appeared on over 100 magazine covers, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and W. She is also a muse for designers like Ralph Rucci and Isaac Mizrahi.
Q: Who is the tallest supermodel ever?
A: The tallest supermodel ever is Amazon Eve, who is 6 feet 8 inches tall. She is also an actress, fitness trainer, and wrestler. She has appeared in magazines like Zoo Weekly and Maxim, as well as in TV shows like American Horror Story and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Q: Who is the shortest supermodel ever?
A: The shortest supermodel ever is Devon Aoki, who is 5 feet 5 inches tall. She is also an actress, known for her roles in movies like Sin City and 2 Fast 2 Furious. She has modeled for brands like Chanel, Versace, and Lancôme.
Q: Who is the heaviest supermodel ever?
A: The heaviest supermodel ever is Tess Holliday, who weighs about 280 pounds. She is also a body positivity activist and an author. She has appeared on the covers of Cosmopolitan, People, and Self, as well as in campaigns for H&M, ModCloth, and Torrid.
Q: Who is the most controversial supermodel ever?
A: The most controversial supermodel ever is Kate Moss, who has been involved in several scandals and controversies throughout her career. Some of them include her drug use, her relationship with Pete Doherty, her involvement in the phone hacking scandal, and her alleged racism.
Q: Who is the most successful supermodel-turned-actress?
A: The most successful supermodel-turned-actress is Milla Jovovich, who has starred in several blockbuster movies like The Fifth Element, Resident Evil, and The Three Musketeers. She has also modeled for brands like Calvin Klein, Dior, and Prada.
Q: Who is the most successful supermodel-turned-singer?
A: The most successful supermodel-turned-singer is Carla Bruni, who has released five albums and sold over five million copies worldwide. She has also modeled for brands like Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. She is also the former first lady of France, as she married Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008.
Q: Who is the most successful supermodel-turned-businesswoman?
A: The most successful supermodel-turned-businesswoman is Kathy Ireland, who has built a billion-dollar empire with her brand Kathy Ireland Worldwide. She has also modeled for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue , Vogue , and Cosmopolitan . She is also an actress, author, and philanthropist.
Q: Who is the most successful supermodel-turned-activist?
A: The most successful supermodel-turned-activist is Christy Turlington, who has founded two non-profit organizations: Every Mother Counts , which aims to improve maternal health around the world, and Sundari , which supports women’s empowerment in India. She has also modeled for Calvin Klein , Chanel , and Maybelline .