Behind every fantastic grooming brand, designer label, and menswear collection, there are a few faces that appear to have been selected from the genetic lottery’s top echelon.
While Ben Stiller’s Zoolander portrays the job of being “professionally good looking” as difficult, for these top models, it comes naturally.
While many men are blessed with rugged features such as a strong jaw-line and cheekbones that are so high and razor-sharp that they could slice through granite, we can say that modeling as a career for men is not as lucrative as it is for women in the same field.
However, these males are securing contracts with leading brands and designers, and their faces continue to be plastered across the globe on billboards and campaigns.
The following are the world’s 10 richest male models.
1. Sean O’Pry (US) – $1.5 Million
O’Pry is number one on our list of the top 10 richest male models; he was discovered in his late teens on his Myspace profile.
Sean was born in the US state of Georgia and has since collaborated with numerous global brands, including Calvin Klein, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors.
For nearly a decade, the model’s chiseled features and arresting blue eyes have been reflected in billboards and advertisements, not to mention nearly every reputable magazine.
And in case the name is unfamiliar, O’Pry is well-known as the dashing, ill-fated suitor in Taylor Swift’s Blank Space music video.
2. David Gandy (UK) – $1.4 Million
Gandy has established himself as the unofficial ‘Mr. Style’ of the United Kingdom through his work promoting British designers.
Despite this, he is equally well-known internationally, having starred in campaigns for Hugo Boss, Banana Republic, and Massimo Dutti.
Despite his appearances on billboards for nearly every brand, Gandy is famous as a “white pants man” for squeezing into an ultra-tight pair of swimming trunks to promote aftershave.
Since then, clothing brands have been vying for his endorsement, and Gandy has even designed his line of pants for Marks & Spencer.
3. Simon Nessman (CAN) – $1.1 Million
Nessman, originally from Canada, began modeling in 2007. He has quickly established himself as one of the industry’s most recognizable faces.
Nessman went on to become the face of industry heavyweights Giorgio Armani and Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and many more.
Nessman has now relocated from New York’s catwalks to the tranquility of Clayoquot Sound.
4. Arthur Kulkov (RUS) – $905,000
Most male models begin their careers juggling editorial work and a slew of runway shows, hopping from catwalk to catwalk and enduring a state of perpetual exhaustion.
This was not the case for Arthur Kulkov, who achieved instant success after modeling for Barneys, Sisley, and Russell & Bromley campaigns.
Kulkov earns the majority of his money from lucrative multi-year deals with Tommy Hilfiger and Dolce & Gabbana.
5. Noah Mills (US) – $740,000
Noah Mills is among the most successful models in the United States, having appeared in the Sex and the City 2 film.
He also appeared in Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” music video.
The model, born in the United States, has become a favorite of Italian fashion houses, particularly Dolce & Gabbana.
He has also appeared in each of the label’s campaigns since his debut. Noah has gone on to become the face of Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, and Gap.
6. Ryan Burns (US) – $610,000
Ryan Burns claims the 6th spot on our list of the top 10 richest male models in the world. He is an American model who is the face of Zegna’s men’s fragrance Uomo.
Burns earns the majority of his income from this contract, which he has had for several seasons.
7. Tyson Ballou (US) – $425,000
Originally from the United States, the male model began his modeling career at 15.
He has campaigned for brands like H&M, Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, and Salvatore Ferragamo.
Ballou began modeling after he was discovered at the age of 15. Ballou quickly rose to prominence due to his switch from Ford Models to IMG.
After switching, he began with the DKNY Jeans Spring/Summer 2000 collection.
8. Ollie Edwards (UK) – $410,000
Many people consider Edwards to be the top male model due to his extensive campaign appearances.
And his resume demonstrates this with campaigns for Trussardi, Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani, and Lacoste, Dunhill, and Cerruti.
However, his work with Ralph Lauren is incomparable. Ollie has been the label’s muse and a prominent figure in their campaigns since signing a contract with the brand in 2008.
9. Jon Kortajarena (ESP) – $290,000
In Spain, Kortajarena is almost idolized like a god. According to Wikipedia, the model is known for his “distinctive chiseled cheekbones, piercing stare, and full pout.”
His face is among the most recognizable in the industry, having appeared in a number of campaigns and films.
Kortajarena made his acting debut in Tom Ford’s A Single Man, where he played Carlos, a hustler whose brief encounter with Colin Firth reintroduced life to the protagonist’s world.
Ford and Kortajarena have a long history, having met in 2007 during the designer’s eponymous label’s launch.
Ford went on to hire Kortajarena for many subsequent campaigns.
10. Tobias Sorensen (DEN) – $265,000
Tobias Sorensen, known for his “bad boy” look, is the model who closes the list. The Danish sensation has established himself as a favorite of high fashion designers.
He has appeared in campaigns for ZARA, Diesel, Iceberg, Paul & Joe, and Dolce & Gabbana.
