The World's Top 10 Best Paid Models of 2016 are...
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Business
London - Although some may argue that the 'it-models' of today are a far cry from the supermodels of the past, their influence and appeal is undeniable. For the few chosen models, who have managed to use their looks, skills and universal pull to create a universal following, a single appearance at an event or strut down the catwalk can earn them a six numbered figure. The rise of social media channels, such as Instagram and Snapchat, has abided the likes of Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid climb to the top of Forbes annual ranking of the world's best paid models.
Forbes ranks top wealthiest models of 2016
However the title for the world’s highest-paid model is still firmly in the hands of Brazilian beauty Gisele Bündchen, in spite of her retirement from the catwalk last year. This makes it the 14th consecutive year that the supermodel has retained her title. Bündchen, who graced the spotlight earlier this month when she took part in the Olympic Opening Ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, generated 30.5 million US dollars since June 2015, according to Forbes. This impressive sum is in part thanks to her high earning deals with brands such as Carolina Herrera and Pantene as well as her own lingerie and skin care labels.
Second place goes to fellow Brazilian model Adriana Lima, who earned 10.5 million US dollars over the past year. Her ranking is said to be in part thanks to her long-term contract with Victoria's Secret, which makes her the longest walking Angel in the lingerie brand's history. As the ranking highlights the power the new generation of models holds thanks to the rise of social media, it comes as no surprise that Kendall Jenner is listed as the third highest earning model of 2016. She is said have earned the most over the year, and saw her earnings grow 150 percent to 10 million US dollars. Unsurprisingly she also commands the largest Instagram following of the list, with 64.6 million followers.
Jenner shares third place with top model Karlie Kloss, who doubled her income over the past year to hit 10 million US dollars by signing more campaigns than any model on the list. They are closely followed by Gigi Hadid and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who both generated 9 million US dollars. Hadid, who is a newcomer to Forbes annual ranking, has managed to make her way towards the top of the lise through a number of lucrative deals with Maybelline and Tommy Hilfiger, which were boosted by her 22.1 million Instagram following. Together, the top 10 of the list made 107.5 million US dollars between June 1, 2015 and June 1, 2016 (prior to taxes and fees) according to Forbes. Bündchen earnings accounted for an impressive 28 percent of the total top 10 earnings. To see Forbes Top 10 best paid models of 2016 and their Instagram following scroll down.
Photo: Victoria's Secret, Facebook