Gisele Bündchen has been named the highest paid model in the world 2012. The Victoria's Secret star has topped a list compiled by Forbes.com, which takes in estimated earnings for the 12 months after May 1 2011.
It is the second year running the Brazilian star has come in at number one, making $45 million this time around. "As the world's most powerful supermodel, she racks up modelling gigs, spokesperson deals, and independent licensing ventures at every turn," the site reports. Victoria's Secret models dominated the top ten list, with Miranda Kerr, Candice Swanepoel and Alessandra Ambrosio also appearing. Ed Razek of the lingerie provider's parent company Limited Brands discussed why the women who work for the firm are so special.
Gisele has deals with companies such as Pantene, Espirit and Versace, models for many big name brands and is currently looking for the next big model in her native country.
British star Kate Moss came second with $9.2 million, down over $4 million from her previous annual earnings. She has deals with Mango and Longchamp which helped her rake in the cash. "In the entire history of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, 140 separate women have walked that runway," he told Forbes.com. "There are seven billion people on the planet. That makes each of them not one in a million, not one in five million, not one in ten million. That literally makes them one in 50 million humans."
Heidi Klum could have clinched the second spot as she earned around $20 million but as she is no longer a Victoria's Secret Angel and is now known for appearing on TV show Project Runway, the publication considerers her a mogul rather than a model. Rounding out the top five are Natalia Vodianova with $8.6 million and Adriana Lima with $7.3 million.
Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 1. Gisele Bündchen - $45 million
Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 2. Kate Moss - $9.2 million
Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 3. Natalia Vodianova - $8.6 million
Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 4. Adriana Lima - $7.3 million
Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 5. Doutzen Kroes - $6.9 million
Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 6. Alessandra Ambrosio - $6.6 million
Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 7. Miranda Kerr - $4 million
Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 8. Lara Stone - $3.8 million
Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 9. Carolyn Murphy - $3.5 million
Forbes.com list of highest paid supermodels: 10. Candice Swanepoel - $3.1 million
