« Back to article

Print this article

The highest-paid catwalk queens of 2009

They're the toast of international fashion runways, but just how much moolah did they pocket last year? Here's a list of the highest-paid models of 2009, according to

No 1: Gisele Bundchen

The 29-year-old, who gave birth to her first child, Benjamin, with her sports star husband Tom Brady in December, made a massive $35 million last year, bringing her estimated fortune to about $150 million.

Which means, effectually, that she beat some of her biggest rivals to the top spot even though she took a break from modelling for much of her pregnancy and as a result, much of the year.

Inputs: ANI

No 2: Heidi Klum

With her huge bank balance, Gisele pushed another yummy mummy, Klum, 36, to second place. Incidentally, the German stunner also gave birth last year, to her fourth (!) child in October and was back modelling lingerie on the runway in November -- so we'd say the $14 million she pocketed was well-deserved!

No 3: Kate Moss

Making $7.5 million in 2009 and taking third position was UK wildchild and supermodel Moss, 35. Although her private life and antics are always making headlines, it's good to know her work speaks for itself too.

No 4: Adriana Lima

The second Brazilian to make it to the list after Bundchen, 28-year-old Lima pocketed a cool $7 million last year. She also became a first-time mother in November -- what is it with the all the babies and financial gains, ladies?

No 5: Doutzen Kroes

Rounding off the top five is also the youngest of the lot so far -- 24-year-old Victoria's Secret Angel Kroes. And it's easy to see why! Her smouldering looks netted her $6 million over the last 12 months.

No 6: Karolina Kurkova

The Czech beauty, 25, raked in $5 million in 2009 and -- you guessed it -- had a baby in October! The stork's been busy with deliveries within the fashion fraternity these past few months and seemed to be carrying more than a few dollar bills to gift the lucky ladies too!

No 7: Natalia Vodianova

Collective earnings worth $4.8 million saw this Russian siren, 27, to seventh position. Besides modelling, Vodianova also designs lingerie and has tried her hand at acting.

No 8: Carolyn Murphy

American gal Murphy, 36, earned $4.5 million last year and was named Model of the Millenium by Vogue Magazine. That sees her grab eighth spot.

No. 9: Daria Werbowy

At 26, this lithe Ukrainian-Canadian model catwalked her way through 2009, which left her wealthier by $3.8 million. Not bad!

No. 10: Miranda Kerr

And finally, in last position, we have Orlando Bloom's girlfriend. Kerr, 26, made $3.5 million modelling last year and is also all set to launch her own skincare line. Maybe that will see her take a higher spot in next year's list!