The 2015 New York Fashion Week is over, and what a week it has been. CNN reported that this year's run was the most successful season yet, with more than 70 shows and over $900 million in revenue. While designers and investors are busy computing their earnings, it was the supermodels who took front and center.
But with the growing number of in-demand models, who is really on top?
Forbes has recently announced its list of the world's highest-paid models and declared that the Brazilian beauty, Gisele Bundchen, is clearly still the girl to beat. Bundchen has held this title since 2007. This year alone, she is reported to have banked more than $44 million.
Aside from her runway gigs, Bundchen's income comes from a slew of fashion and beauty endorsements. This includes high-profile campaigns for Under Armour, Isabel Marant, Chanel, Stuart Weiztman, and Balenciaga, to name a few.
Besides modeling, the 35-year-old mother of two has also turned herself into a brand, designing sandals for Grendene, a Brazillian shoe line. She also her own line of lingerie with Hope, from which she also gets a cut of sales.
Tied in the second spot are Adriana Lima and Cara Delevingne, with $9 million each, although this is a far cry from Bundchen's lucrative income.
Adriana Lima, a fellow Brazillian, doesn't have her own line of underwear, but she is the longest-running Victoria's Secret angel. She is also brand ambassador for Maybelline Cosmetics and Vogue Eyewear, among other endorsement deals.
Although a relatively newcomer, Cara Delavigne has already made quite a name for herself, thanks to being popular with the younger crowd. Delavigne is very active in social media, and has even snagged the lead role for this year's hit movie, "Paper Towns." Forbes reported that from June 2014 to 2015, the young blonde beauty has appeared in numerous ads for 13 different brands, including DKNY, Topshop, and YSL beauty.
Another newcomer in the modeling scene is Kendall Jenner, making her way to the top 10 for the first time, with a reported paycheck of $4 million. She comes after Doutzen Kroes ($7.5 million), Natalia Vodianova ($7 million), Miranda Kerr, and Joan Smalls ($5.5 million each).
Jenner, who is famously known as Kim Kardashian's younger sister, has made a name for herself in this niche. In the short time since she's broken out into the runway, she's already secured campaigns with major brands such as Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfield, and Estee Lauder.
Last April, Gisele Bundchen announced her retirement on her Instagram account, saying, "I am grateful that at 14, I was given the opportunity to start this journey. Today after 20 years in the industry, it is a privilege to be doing my last fashion show by choice and yet still be working in other facets of the business."
