In an interview with the New York Times, leading male model Brad Kroenig compared the pay gap between male and female modeling to that of the American W.N.B.A and the N.B.A. And that was a good example.
Forbes’ only rich list of male models, conducted in 2013, found that the earnings of top male earners of $1.5 million lagged far behind the massive earnings of female models. The highest-paid female model that year, Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen, earned $42 million.
Yes, modeling is indeed a woman’s world, but for those at the top, there is still money to be made in the less glamorous world of male models.
Here are 9 male models who have managed to stand out in a female-dominated industry.
David Gandy
David Gandy is not an average male model. Early in his career, which mainly consisted of catalog work in less glamorous locations, designers often told Gandy he was “too big” to be a successful male model, and it was difficult for him to fit into clothes often designed for a slimmer body.
But since the famous Dolce campaign, where the British piece was called “White Pants Man,” Gandy has become one of the most recognizable faces in the industry due to his macho look. Rest assured, Derek Zoolander would be impressed.
Lucky Blue Smith
The 18-year-old Mormon from Utah quickly gained supermodel status and is one of the few male models recognized worldwide. But Smith is not an ordinary model; he is known not only for his razor-sharp cheekbones and platinum blonde hair but also as an actor and musician.
Furthermore, Smith’s Instagram page has 2.7 million followers, more than any other male model, and combined with his ability to interact with fans through regular meet-and-greet sessions, Lucky Blue Smith is already a standout name in the modeling world.
Sean O’Pry
Sean O’Pry may be tired of being known as the hot guy in the undeniably catchy Taylor Swift music video Blank Space, but at 26, he is a very well-paid male model, a status expected to continue for years.
In 2013 alone, Forbes ranked Sean O’Pry as the highest-earning male model in the world. In just one year, he earned $1.5 million, a figure that has undoubtedly risen in subsequent years. Meanwhile, the American wishes to shift his focus from modeling to pursue an acting career, following the footsteps of many notable actors including Jamie Dornan and Channing Tatum.
Jon Kortajarena
Spanish model Jon Kortajarena is one of the highest-paid models in the world and has the famous sharp cheekbones that could seemingly cut diamonds. He is a favorite of renowned designer Tom Ford.
Kortajarena has appeared not only in modeling but also in a cameo in Tom Ford’s debut film A Single Man. Recently, he showcased his striking face in Kanye West’s music video Wolves.
According to reports from Spain, the male supermodel is in a relationship with British actor Luke Evans.
Noah Mills
Noah Mills is a prime example of why tall, dark, and handsome will never go out of style. The model is a favorite of the fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana.
While the actor was one of the top earners in the modeling industry, he also landed a few acting roles, including appearances in season 1 of 2 Broke Girls, a cameo in Sex and the City 2, and, you guessed it, in Taylor Swift’s video We Are Never Getting Back Together.
Mark Vanderloo
This man is a seasoned professional, having topped almost every Hugo Boss campaign and even serving as the inspiration for the cult character Derek Zoolander, whose last name is a variation of Vanderloo.
Mark, the eldest on this list, still works and even appeared on the 11th cycle of America’s Next Top Model.
Simon Nessman
The Canadian supermodel may not have the social media presence and fame of Lucky Blue Smith or Sean O’Pry, but Nessman’s popularity with designers has led to an incredible fortune of $10 million. Not bad for a 27-year-old.
However, Nessman likely has little time to spend his wealth, working on contracts with Versace, D&G, Givenchy, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Barneys, Gap, and many others.
Tyson Beckford
Beckford grew up in the tough and often unforgiving Bronx. His escape from poverty is largely attributed to his diverse heritage, which includes Jamaican, Panamanian, Chinese, and African roots.
With his expressive face and bone structure that few rivals can match, it’s easy to see why the New York-born Beckford became a favorite for Herb Ritts, Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein. People magazine even listed him among the 50 most beautiful people.
Nacho Figueras
Nacho Figueras has long proven himself as a professional polo player and model. It is therefore only fitting that he leads the fragrance campaigns for Ralph Lauren.
Figueras is often mistaken for actor Christian Bale and is ranked among the top 100 polo players in the world.
