Kathleen Marie Ireland is an American actress, author, entrepreneur, fashion designer, philanthropist, and former fashion model. Ireland was a supermodel in the 1980s and 1990s, initially known for appearing in 13 consecutive Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues, including three covers. In 1993, she founded a brand licensing company, kathy ireland Worldwide (kiWW), which has made her one of the wealthiest former models in the world. As a result of her career in business, she earned a $420 million personal fortune by 2015. In 2021 alone, her company generated retail sales of $3.1 billion. The brand became ranked number 15 in the world and Ireland entered the Licensing Hall of Fame.
Ireland in July 2012
Warren Buffett, Ireland, and Bill Gates at the 2015 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting
A supermodel is a highly paid fashion model who has a worldwide reputation and background in haute couture and commercial modeling. The term became popular in the 1990s.
Supermodels usually work for prominent fashion designers and clothing brands. They may have multimillion-dollar contracts, endorsements, and campaigns. Supermodels have branded themselves as household names and worldwide recognition is associated with their modeling careers. They have been on the covers of leading fashion magazines. Claudia Schiffer stated in 2007 that, "In order to become a supermodel one must be on all the covers all over the world at the same time so that people can recognise the girls."
Gisele Bündchen was the world's highest-paid supermodel between 2003 and 2016.
Lisa Fonssagrives at London Paddington station, 1951
Margaux Hemingway in 1976. In 1975, Hemingway landed a then-unprecedented million-dollar contract as the face of Fabergé's Babe perfume
Elle Macpherson, nicknamed "The Body" by Time magazine