Most Famous Model Rankings 2025 – Who Leads the Pack?
If you’ve ever wondered which supermodel dominates the industry right now, you’re in the right spot. 2025 brings fresh numbers, new contracts, and a few surprising moves. Below you’ll find the latest list, quick earnings snapshots, and practical tips if you’re curious about how these figures are put together.
Who Tops the List in 2025?
Kendall Jenner sits at the summit again, pulling in an estimated $38 million this year. Her mix of runway work, high‑profile campaigns, and a booming Instagram shop drives the bulk of that cash. Close behind are Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid, each tipping the $30 million mark thanks to global brand deals and frequent magazine covers.
Europe’s royalty—Cara Delevingne and Adriana Lima—still rank in the top ten, but the real surprise is the rise of Asian talent. Chinese star Liu Wen has broken into the top five with $25 million, thanks to a partnership with a luxury tech brand and a string of high‑budget fashion films.
How Model Earnings Are Calculated
Most people think a model’s paycheck comes from runway shows alone, but that’s only a fraction. Earnings break down into four main buckets: campaign fees, licensing and usage rights, personal brand deals (like Instagram or YouTube), and occasional acting or TV work. For example, a single global perfume campaign can net a model $2‑3 million, and the usage fee—how long the brand runs the ad—adds another big chunk.
Licensing is another hidden gold mine. When a model’s image appears on a product line, they earn a royalty, sometimes ranging from 2% to 5% of sales. With the right partnership, that can outpace a runway salary within months.
To keep numbers realistic, analysts also factor in management cuts (usually 15‑20%) and taxes, which vary by country. That’s why you’ll see slightly different totals across reports, but the ranking order stays consistent.
Understanding these mechanics helps you see why a model with fewer runway gigs can still outrank a veteran who walks every fashion week. It’s all about diversified revenue streams.
So whether you’re a fan tracking the latest celebrity gossip or an aspiring model mapping out a career path, these rankings give you a clear picture of where the money—and the influence—are flowing in 2025. Keep an eye on emerging markets and digital collaborations; they’re the next big drivers for the most famous models of tomorrow.
