Victoria’s not-so-Secret Angels are flying higher than the catwalk these days, with many of the current and former models having a considerable net worth now stretching into the hundreds of millions of dollars, as perhaps befits those owning bodies which display jewel-encrusted lingerie pieces, which in turn often sell for millions.
Of course many Angels have gone on to other careers such as acting, TV or in business – or been side-tracked from other careers to the lure of displaying unique creations – but there is no doubt that their greatest attraction is just that, very attractive ladies capable of showing-off these creations without really needing to ‘show-off’ themselves.
Victoria’s Secret was founded in 1977 by Roy and Gaye Raymond, after Roy was embarrassed at trying to buy very uninteresting lingerie for his wife. The company manufactured and sold lingerie mainly through stores, and was then sold to Leslie Wexner in 1982 for $1 million, after which the number of boutiques grew from three to 350 within five years. The first catwalk, runway show was in 1995 – Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show – utilising super models of the time, some of whom have indeed stood the test of time. The actual ‘Angels’ line of lingerie was first marketed in 1997, the show was webcast from 1999, attracting two million viewer-subscribers within the year, and is now one of ‘the’ fashion shows of the year, broadcast on American TV during prime time.
In 20 years, almost 200 models have strutted their stuff on the annual catwalk show, but less than 40 have actually become Victoria’s Secret Angels. So who has made the most in terms of net worth? The top 10 as of late 2015 may surprise; they include three Americans (all Californians), three Brazilians, and one each from Australia, Germany, Holland and the Czech Republic.
Karolina Kurkova (2005-2009), Czech, Net Worth $10 million – actress.
Doutzen Kroes (2008-2014), Dutch, Net Worth $20 million – actress, magazine contributor.
Marisa Miller (2007-2010), American, Net Worth $70 million – actress.
Miranda Kerr (2007-2013), Australian, Net Worth $38 million – business woman (skincare products).
Alessandra Ambrosio (2004-present), Brazilian, Net Worth $45 million – actress, spokeswoman Victoria’s Secret, National Multiple Sclerosis Society Ambassador.
Adriana Lima (2000-present), Brazilian, Net Worth $49 million – actress, spokesmodel Maybelline Cosmetics.
Lily Aldridge (2010-present), American, Net Worth $58 million – actress, photographer (Rag & Bone).
Heidi Klum (1999-2010), German, Net Worth $70 million – television actress, host and producer, fashion designer, businesswoman (clothing, jewellery).
Tyra Banks (1997-2005), American, Net Worth $90 million – actress, author, singer, TV talk show host, producer.
Gisele Bündchen (2000-2007) Brazilian, Net Worth $345 million – actress, producer, UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment.
