Number 1 Female Model in 2025 – Who’s on Top?
If you’ve ever wondered who actually earns the most in the modeling world, you’re not alone. 2025’s leaderboard is led by a name you’ll recognize from runways, ads, and social feeds. That model isn’t just a pretty face – she’s a money‑making machine with a mix of contracts, endorsements, and media deals that push her income into the seven‑figure zone.
Most people think the top spot is about runway minutes, but the real picture is bigger. It’s about how many global brands a model signs, the reach of her social platforms, and the royalty deals she secures. In other words, the number 1 female model is the one who turns every appearance into a paycheck.
How Rankings Are Calculated
Rankings pull data from three main streams: runway fees, brand contracts, and personal brand monetization. Runway fees are the easiest – agencies report the amount paid per show, and the big fashion weeks pay the most. Brand contracts cover everything from cosmetics lines to luxury watches, and they usually include a base fee plus a percentage of sales. Finally, personal brand monetization looks at Instagram reels, YouTube videos, and product lines. Those platforms report earnings based on ad revenue, affiliate sales, and sponsored posts.
When you add those three together, you get a total earnings estimate. Sites that publish the rankings often cross‑check with public financial disclosures, press releases, and insider tips from agencies. This method gives a fairly accurate picture, even if some numbers are kept private.
What Influences a Model’s Earnings
Location matters. Models based in fashion hubs like New York, Paris, and Dubai command higher fees because the markets are bigger and the brands have deeper pockets. Experience also plays a role – a model who’s been on the scene for a decade can negotiate better terms than a newcomer.
Social media reach is a game‑changer. A model with a million followers can charge a premium for a single Instagram story because brands know she can push products to a huge audience instantly. Diversifying income streams – by launching a perfume, a clothing line, or a beauty brand – adds another layer of revenue that pushes the earnings higher.
Finally, timing and trends matter. In 2025, sustainability and inclusive beauty are hot, so models aligned with those movements get more brand deals. The number 1 female model has capitalized on this shift, landing contracts with eco‑friendly cosmetics giants and inclusive fashion houses.
So, who is the number 1 female model right now? Kendall Jenner tops the list for 2025, pulling in an estimated $45 million from runway work, high‑profile brand deals, and a thriving personal brand. Her earnings outpace other big names like Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid, who sit comfortably in the top five but haven’t cracked the same ceiling.
Understanding why Kendall leads helps anyone interested in the industry see what really counts: a blend of high‑paying runway gigs, strategic brand partnerships, and a massive, engaged social following. If you’re aiming to follow in her footsteps, focus on building a diverse portfolio, grow your online presence, and stay ahead of market trends.
