Sexy numbers for model Young Rich

David Jones ambassador Miranda is believed to hold Australia’s most lucrative modelling contact at $1 million a year. Photo: Wolter Peeters

Supermodel mum, Miranda Kerr, 29, showed off her multimillion dollar curves in Sydney last week at David Jones’ spring-summer showcase.

Kerr has been an ambassador for David Jones since 2007 on what is believed to be Australia’s most lucrative modelling contact at $1 million a year.

However, Kerr’s fame has since skyrocketed, featuring on the cover of multiple global fashion magazines, joining the prestigious Victoria’s Secret Angels and marrying Hollywood star Orlando Bloom.

With her contract due to expire in 2014, it is expected that David Jones will increase her contract fee considerably or risk losing her to other lucrative endorsements and modelling deals.

Kerr, a Qantas ambassador, is already one of the top model earners worldwide at $4 million a year. She has also developed her own successful Australian skin care product, Kora Organics, which if launched internationally may bring huge financial windfalls.

Jennifer Hawkins, 28, is another Australian model cum entrepreneur. Hawkins, who won the Miss Universe Pageant in 2004, has channelled her earnings into a property portfolio worth an estimated $5 million. (She may have received investment tips while working alongside property tycoon Donald Trump after she won her title.)

Hawkins is on a $4million contract with Myer and also receives up to $1 million a year as a television presenter at Channel 7.

Despite the successes of Kerr and Hawkins, their wealth is still dwarfed by international veterans Gisele Bündchen, 32, and Australian Elle Macpherson, 49. Bündchen who has an estimated wealth of $238 million is the highest paid model in the world. She is believed to have earned $45 million in the past 12 months through modelling, spokesperson deals and independent licensing ventures.

Although no longer modelling as one of famed Victoria’s Secret Angels, Bündchen’s record contract of $25 million contributed to her status as one of the fashion industries top models and the ability to command a charge out rate of $7000 an hour.

Macpherson’s wealth is estimated at $57 million, having had a successful modelling career. Macpherson has been dubbed “The Body” after gaining huge exposure through her record five cover appearances for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

She now owns her own lingerie brand, Elle Macpherson Intimates, and skin care line, The Body. Macpherson is also engaged in the TV production as an executive producer for Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model and NBC’s Fashion Star.

Pick up a copy of the BRW Young Rich, on sale from September 27, to find out who has made the list.

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