18. Bella Hadid: $12M, IMG Models
Bella Hadid’s modeling career began at 16, though she initially aspired to compete in equestrian events at the Olympics before Lyme disease altered her trajectory. The younger Hadid sister has since walked for virtually every major fashion house—Chanel, Dior, Versace, and countless others—while gracing numerous Vogue covers internationally. In 2022, she was named Model of the Year, cementing her status at the industry’s pinnacle despite being only in her mid-twenties.
What makes Hadid fascinating is how drastically different she appears without professional styling. Paparazzi photos catching her during casual moments reveal someone who looks surprisingly girl-next-door compared to her high-fashion editorial appearances. At 28, she’s been remarkably candid about her struggles with anxiety, depression, and Lyme disease treatment, often sharing bare-faced selfies during difficult health days. Her willingness to show acne, under-eye circles, and unfiltered skin has earned respect from fans tired of unrealistic beauty standards. She’s discussed regretting rhinoplasty at 14, wishing she’d kept her ancestral nose. Her natural beauty—high cheekbones, striking eyes, and unique features—shines through even when she’s not camera-ready, reminding everyone that models are real people with real skin concerns, not the airbrushed images that grace magazines.