The fashion business is a prominent part of life in the UK. British models are sought after by London Fashion Week and by British magazines and clothing brands. There is, however, a disparity in the earnings of models. In this article, we will focus on the models earning the highest in the United Kingdom. These models are well known for their style, image, and public presence apart from their beauty.
This list covers both modern and older models. Some were active for over twenty years, but there are younger, more upcoming models as well.
Cara Delevingne
Estimated yearly earnings: £10 million
Cara Delevingne is one of the most recognised models in Britain. She started her modelling career when she entered her teens. Big brands like Burberry, Chanel and Dior signed her as their face model. Her bold nature, lively character, and thick eyebrows made the lady stand out from the rest.
Besides modelling, Cara has also featured in many movies, such as Paper Towns and Suicide Squad. She is a very vocal person with strong likes and dislikes. Aside from acting and modelling, she gets into the spotlight quite often for voicing her opinions on mental health and many other topics. She makes millions in a year due to the work she does in the fashion industry and films.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Estimated yearly earnings: £8 million
From a young age, Rosie started modelling and gained recognition after her association with Victoria’s Secret. She later worked for other high-end brands such as Burberry, Marks & Spencer and Versace.
She starred in the movie “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”, which makes her an actress. Besides that, she also runs her own beauty brand, Rose Inc., which contributes to her income. Currently, Rosie stays with actor Jason Statham and commands a significant following on social media.
Naomi Campbell
Estimated yearly earnings: £6 million
Naomi Campbell is one of the original supermodels. She has been part of the fashion world since the 1980s. Even today, she is highly respected and earns well.
She has worked with every top brand you can think of — Chanel, Prada, Gucci, and many more. Naomi has also done TV work and charity projects. Her long career, strong name, and grace help her stay at the top.
Jourdan Dunn
Estimated yearly earnings: £5 million
Jourdan Dunn is another top name in British fashion. She became famous after walking for Prada as one of the first Black British models to do so.
She has appeared in ads for Maybelline, H&M, Burberry, and Balmain. Her work with high-street and luxury brands makes her a top earner. She is also praised for speaking up for diversity in the fashion world.
Kate Moss
Estimated yearly earnings: £4 million
The mentioned models shall not be complete without the iconic Kate Moss. Her career began in the 90s, yet she still remains one of the best-paid models today. Kate used to model for the face of Calvin Klein and was featured in almost every major fashion magazine.
She runs her very own agency, “Kate Moss Agency” where she scouts and develops new talent. Despite her age, her strong market value and steadfast style keep her amongst the highest-paid UK models.
Adwoa Aboah
Estimated yearly earnings: £3 million
Adwoa is a comparatively new entrant in the world of fashion, but she has attained tremendous success in a short period of time. Her collaboration has been with top fashion houses such as Fendi, Coach, and Dior.
Besides modelling, Adwoa is a very strong advocate of women’s rights and mental health. To strengthen her commitment, she has founded a group called Gurls Talk, which is a platform that works towards empowering young girls and allowing them to express themselves fearlessly.
Lily Donaldson
Estimated yearly earnings: £2.5 million
Lily has walked the ramp for some of the leading designers, which include Valentino, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton. She has also featured on the covers of Vogue and Elle.
She participated in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and became one of the known faces of the country. With her subtle expression and poised walk, her career was built over the years and is still going strong.
Erin O’Connor
Estimated yearly earnings: £2 million
Erin’s tall stature and very elegant facial features make her a sought-after model. She started her modelling career during the late 1990s and quickly established herself as a leading face of the British fashion scene.
She has walked the runway for John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, and other major designers. Erin supports the British Fashion Council while using her platform to promote new talent in the fashion industry.
Suki Waterhouse
Estimated yearly earnings: £1.5 million
Suki is a multi-talented individual who has made a name for herself in modelling, acting, and singing. In the realm of fashion, she has partnered with Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, and H&M.
Outside of the film industry, she launched her own venture, Pop & Suki, further diversifying her skill set and solidifying her finances.
Stella Tennant (Honourable Mention)
Career peak earnings: £2–3 million per year
Stella was a British supermodel who worked from the early nineties until her death in 2020. With her strong self, she worked with Chanel and Alexander McQueen.
Stella made a mark on British style. She was an integral part of the fashion world for almost three decades.
Why Do These Models Earn So Much?
These models are not just pretty faces. They work hard and travel often. Their income comes from many sources:
- Brand ads: Big companies pay a lot for a known face.
- Runway shows: Fashion weeks in London, Milan, Paris, and New York.
- Product lines: Some models have their own brands.
- Acting: Models like Cara and Rosie also act in films.
- Social media: They earn from sponsored posts on Instagram.
Top models need more than looks. They need discipline, strong values, and the ability to stay in the public eye.
Final Thoughts
The UK has given the world many amazing models. Each one has built a career with care, effort, and talent. These models have not only made money but also made a strong impact on British culture.
Whether they work with luxury fashion houses or speak out for social issues, they show what British models can achieve. If you love fashion or want to model one day, these names can inspire you.
