Linda Evangelista Net Worth

What is Linda Evangelista’s Net Worth? The Supermodel’s Career, Earnings, and Life

Linda Evangelista, a name synonymous with the golden age of supermodels, has captivated the world with her striking beauty, chameleon-like adaptability, and undeniable influence on the fashion industry. But beyond the magazine covers and runway appearances lies a fascinating story of ambition, reinvention, and financial success. This article delves into the life and career of Linda Evangelista, exploring her net worth, earnings, personal life, and lasting impact on the world of fashion.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Linda Evangelista was born on May 10, 1965, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. She was the second of three children born to working-class Italian immigrants. Her mother, Marisa, worked as a bookkeeper, while her father, Tomaso, was employed by General Motors. From a young age, Evangelista showed an interest in the world of beauty and fashion. At the age of 12, she took a self-improvement course at a modeling school, which would prove to be an early step towards her illustrious career. During her teenage years, she attended Denis Morris Catholic High School and began modeling locally.

Evangelista’s journey to international fame began in 1981 when she participated in the Miss Teen Niagara beauty pageant. Though she didn’t win, she caught the attention of a representative from Elite Model Management. This initial encounter would set the stage for her future success. In 1984, she signed with Elite Model Management, embarking on a path that would lead her to the pinnacle of the fashion world.

After signing with Elite Model Management, Evangelista moved to New York City. Her career quickly took off, and she became a favorite of top designers and photographers. The company subsequently moved her to Paris, where she established her international fashion modeling career at the age of 19. In November of 1984, Evangelista graced her first major magazine cover, for L’Officiel. She went on to appear on the covers and in the pages of myriad global publications, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Allure, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, Newsweek, and Elle. During this time, she began working with Chanel head designer Karl Lagerfeld and modeled for many fashion brands, including Versace, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, Donna Karan, and Oscar de la Renta. In 1986, Evangelista began perhaps her most famous collaboration yet with photographer Steven Meisel, to whom she became a muse.

The Supermodel Era (1989-1998)

Linda Evangelista’s career reached new heights in 1989, marking the beginning of her reign as a supermodel. The pivotal moment came when she decided to cut her hair short, a bold move that redefined her image and the fashion landscape. Photographed by Peter Lindbergh, her gamine haircut, though initially met with resistance, quickly became a sensation, launching a fashion trend dubbed “The Linda.” This bold transformation cemented her status as a trendsetter and innovator in the industry. During this time she was considered one of the top five supermodels in the world along with Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Tatjana Patitz.

In an interview, she famously stated, “We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day.” This statement became an iconic quote, reflecting the high demand for her services and the substantial earnings of supermodels during that era. The same year, she had her hair dyed platinum blonde, and then bright red, causing the fashion industry to label her a chameleon. She was known for her ability to constantly reinvent her image, making her a favorite on runways and in high-fashion campaigns. She graced countless magazine covers, including Vogue, and became a muse for designers like Gianni Versace and Karl Lagerfeld.

In the early 90s, Evangelista became known for her appearances on billboards in Times Square promoting the fashion brand Kenar; the ads were done in conjunction with the Ads Against AIDS campaign to raise awareness of the disease. Later, she attracted more attention when she and various other supermodels graced the cover of the 100th anniversary issue of Vogue, which remains that publication’s best-selling issue ever. Evangelista had further famous appearances on the covers of the Canadian fashion magazine Flare and the September 1992 issue of Harper’s Bazaar. In 1994, Evangelista was one of a number of models to grace the cover of the 30th anniversary issue of Vogue Italia. The next year, she participated in Thierry Mugler’s 20th anniversary fashion show. Evangelista chose to retire from modeling in 1998, and settled down on the French Riviera.

Modeling Comeback and Ongoing Career

Even after retiring from modeling in 1998, Evangelista’s story didn’t end there. In 2001, she made a triumphant return to the fashion world, gracing the cover of Vogue’s September issue. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career, and she continued to appear in high-profile campaigns and runway shows. She followed this by appearing in the ad campaign for Versace’s 2002 fall/winter collection, and then by returning to high-fashion runways. In 2004, Evangelista was in the spring/summer ad campaigns for Fendi and NARS Cosmetics, and walked the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier’s debut collection at Hermès. She continued to revive her former modeling dominance, appearing on the covers of Vogue and Fashion; becoming brand ambassador for L’Oreal Paris; and participating in campaigns for such brands as Prada, Talbots, Chanel, Loewe, and Moschino.

Evangelista’s influence extended beyond the world of magazines and fashion campaigns. She has also been featured on the covers of numerous books, including “In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World’s Most Famous Fashion Magazine,” “Philip Treacy: Hat Designer,” and “Age of the Supermodel.”

Earnings and Financial Success

During the 1990s, Linda Evangelista was one of the most highly sought-after and highest-paid supermodels on the planet. Her earning power was a testament to her talent, influence, and the booming fashion industry of the time.

• 1980s: Evangelista famously stated she wouldn’t “get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day.”
• 1990s: Her daily rate increased to $25,000.
• Peak Earnings: She regularly earned between $5 million and $8 million per year.
• 1994: She signed a multi-year deal with Clairol, worth $5 million per year.
• 1996: She landed a lucrative contract with Yardley of London, valued at $7.75 million.

These figures highlight the remarkable financial success Evangelista achieved during her career. Her ability to command such high fees demonstrated her status as a top-tier supermodel and her undeniable value to the fashion and beauty industries.

Real Estate and Investments

Like many successful individuals, Linda Evangelista has invested in real estate. In 1997, she purchased a luxurious penthouse apartment in a Manhattan building known as The Spears. The expansive unit spanned 4,000 square feet and featured four bedrooms and two bathrooms. This property reflects her taste for high-end living and her understanding of real estate as a sound investment.

In May 2024, Evangelista listed the Manhattan apartment for sale for $9.45 million. This demonstrates the potential for appreciation in value of real estate over time. The sale of the property would provide a good return on the original investment.

(Photo by Toni Anne Barson Archive/WireImage)

Personal Life, Relationships, and Activism

Linda Evangelista’s personal life has been as captivating as her professional career. In 1987, she married Gérald Marie, the head of the Paris office of Elite Model Management. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1993. Following the divorce, she dated actor Kyle MacLachlan, and the couple became engaged in 1995, but they called off the engagement in 1998. She subsequently entered a relationship with French footballer Fabien Barthez. They had a tumultuous relationship, including a miscarriage, and they ultimately separated in 2000, reunited in 2001, and broke up again in 2002.

In 2006, Evangelista had a son, Augustin, with French billionaire François-Henri Pinault. The relationship and subsequent child support trial gained significant media attention. Linda was seeking $46 thousand per month in support. Beyond her professional and personal endeavors, Evangelista has been involved in several activist causes, including HIV/AIDS and breast cancer awareness, and she also advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.

Other Media Appearances

Evangelista’s presence extended beyond the pages of magazines and the runways of fashion shows. She has made appearances in various films and television programs, showcasing her versatility and expanding her reach beyond the modeling world.

Evangelista has been featured in several documentaries, including “Models: The Film,” “Unzipped,” “Catwalk,” “Mademoiselle C,” and “George Michael Freedom.” In 2014, she appeared as a guest judge on the reality television competition series “Australia’s Next Top Model.” These media appearances have allowed Evangelista to connect with a broader audience and share her insights and experiences.

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Conclusion

Linda Evangelista’s net worth of $40 million is a testament to her extraordinary career, her financial acumen, and her lasting impact on the world of fashion. From her humble beginnings in Canada to her reign as one of the most sought-after supermodels, Evangelista has consistently redefined beauty and influenced the industry with her unparalleled adaptability, work ethic and unique style. Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how ambition, talent, and resilience can lead to enduring success. Linda Evangelista’s journey is a reminder that true icons not only achieve financial success but also leave a lasting legacy.