Heidi? Giselle? Kate? Who Were the Top (Earning) Models in the World– According to Forbes.com!

Everyone’s taking a hit in today’s current economy– including models. Forbes.com ran the list down of the top 10 (plus one) models in the world. Here’s their take on who’s walks the runway for the most cash.
Here’s an excerpt on the article by Lauren Streib,
Prominent fashion labels canceled or downgraded their runway shows, leaving models hoping for a break with fewer opportunities. Declining revenues at major beauty and retail companies left agents with less leverage to bargain for their clients.
While fashion magazines and retail brands still market their wares with stars from music and movies, models have moved off the runway in equal measure, expanding their brands into fashion, entertainment and philanthropy. The age of the multi-hyphenate model has replaced the age of the supermodel, giving the top girls more earning power than ever before.
The economy has increased the value of the versatile yet trademark beauty of those at the top of the industry. “After a few years of mixed results where the sole obsession was attaching the biggest name or celebrity to your brand, companies are searching for that face that won’t muddle their message,” says Chris Gay, president of Marilyn Agency, which represents Adriana Lima. “The models that possess that beauty are the faces everyone wants right now, but that’s a rare beauty.”
The models on the Forbes list were ranked according to estimated earnings from June 2008 to June 2009.
Gisele Bundchen

© Scott Wintrow/Getty Images
Gisele Bündchen, ( a return as #1) earned an estimated $25 million in the last year from numerous campaigns including Versace, True Religion jeans, Dior and Ebel watches. The Brazilian model has rare range–from high fashion to mass market–and measured impact on the success of the brands she represents. She also has her own Brazilian shoe line and tabloid fame on par with movie stars.
Heidi Klum

© Jeff Vespa/WireImage
Pregnant with baby No. 4 with husband Seal, Klum is a key member of Victoria’s Secret Angel entourage as well as host of Project Runway and Germany’s Next Top Model. Klum also designs a line of Birkenstock sandals along with endorsement deals with Diet Coke, Volkswagen, McDonald’s and LG. She recently came out with her own skincare line, In An Instant
Kate Moss

© Larry Busacca/Getty Images
The 35-year-old style icon has been under fire for a variety of reasons , however she’s enjoyed a resurgence of success in the last year. Moss is the face of Versace, Longchamp and David Yurman, and other brands. Her line for British retailer Topshop, which moved stateside earlier this year, continues to do well.

Adrianna Lima

© Mark Mainz/Getty Images
While her Maybelline contract will lapse later this year, Lima continues to climb to the top of her career thanks to the support of Victoria’s Secret. The Brazilian bombshell got her start as the winner of the Ford model competition “Supermodel of the Year.” She appeared September on the Ugly BettyDoutzen Kroes

© AP Photo/Jennifer Graylock
The Dutch model known for her lips was named the latest Victoria’s Secret angel last fall. Doutzen is also the face of cosmetic company L’Oreal and the fragrance Calvin Klein Eternity.
Alessandra Ambrosio

© AP Photo/Jennifer Graylock
Yet another Brazilian model that’s hot on the list, Ambrosio first made her name as the spokesmodel for Victoria’s Secret PINK line and is one of the Victoria’s Secret Angels. . Only three months after giving birth to her child, she appeared on the catwalk for the VS runway show. Alessandras is on contract with the European retail outlet C&A and Mexican department store Liverpool.
Natalia Vodianova

© George Pimentel/WireImage
Vodianova is a clear example of rags to riches: Raised in an impoverished family in Russia before becoming an international model, she works for Calvin Klein fragrance, Guerlain and jeweler Jacob & Co and has signed a three-year contract with Etam. As the brand’s ambassador, Natalia will design a collection each season. She runs the Naked Heart Foundation, a charity that raises money to provide playgrounds in Russia.
Daria Werbowy.

© Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images
The Polish-born Canadian is known for her doe eyes, which are the charm for campaigns for Balmain, H&M, Vogue Eyewear and Roberto Cavalli. Werbowy was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame along with musician K.D. Lang and filmmaker James Cameron.
Miranda Kerr
© Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
The first Australian addition to Victoria’s Secret Angels choir, got her break as the face of Maybelline. With a contract with XOXO. Kerr has also lent her legendary smile to help those affected by the Australian bush fires as a participant in the Australia Unites fundraiser.
Carolyn Murphy

© Sipa via AP Images
Murphy is an iconic American face. At 35, her Playboy and Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue days may be behind her, , but she is still incredibly successful as the l face of Estée Lauder and has valuable contracts with Banana Republic and Lord & Taylor.
New Kid on the block
Emanuela De Paula

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The biracial Brazilian model’s lucrative contract with British retailer Next, a contract that used to belong to Alessandra Ambrosio, De Paula is a prominent new face for Victoria’s Secret.
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