Life After The Catwalk

Modelling is a funny old business. We can’t think of many other careers where you peak as a teenager and retire in your mid 30’s. That said, according to TV documentary The Model Agency (Channel 4, 10pm), the girls can make between £5 and £15,000 a day. Yes – a day! The window of opportunity is relatively small but the girls stand to make a small fortune.

But what do you do when you hit the ripe old age of 35 and the newest 17 year old has stolen your crown? In a word – diversify.

Take a leaf from these ladies books who, according to Forbes magazine, were among the highest paid models in the world.

Tyra Banks

A former Victoria's Secret Angel, Tyra rakes in around £19 million a year thanks to her television endeavours. Her company, Bankable Productions, produces True Beauty (with Ashton Kutcher), Stylista, The Tyra Show as well as the worldwide franchised Next Top Model, which she hosts in America (which in our opinion is the original and best).





Iman 

Wife of David Bowie, Iman is famous for her revolutionary line of cosmetics for women of colour as well as for being a model. The 55 year old Somalian (who doesn’t look a day over 35) also has a home decor line, her Global Chic clothing and accessories collection and hosts The Fashion Show on US channel Bravo.






Gisele Bündchen 

Gisele was the highest paid model in the world for 2010, taking home almost £16 million. Another former Victoria's Secret Angel, Gisele lent her name to Brazilian flip flops Ipanema and earned herself over £5 million from the 30 million pairs sold in 2009.

She also launched environmentally friendly skincare line Sejaa in 2010 and owns the Palladium Executive Hotel in Brazil.

Despite giving birth in December 2009, just six weeks later she was on the cover of US Vogue and managed to keep her top spot on the list from last year with exactly the same earnings.