Karlie Kloss Net Worth and Career Overview

Karlie Kloss is a renowned American model, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, with a net worth of $40 million. Known for her distinctive “panther” walk, Karlie has achieved global recognition in the fashion industry. Her career took off when she was just 15, and she has since become one of the top-paid models worldwide. 

With notable endorsements, an expansive career, and involvement in various entrepreneurial ventures, Karlie’s journey is one of perseverance, dedication, and success. This article explores her net worth, career, personal life, and more.

What Is Karlie Kloss’ Net Worth and Salary?

Karlie Kloss’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million. She has accumulated her wealth through various channels, including her modeling career, brand endorsements, entrepreneurial ventures, and her role as the host of the popular reality show Project Runway. Karlie’s impressive runway career and her association with top brands, combined with savvy investments and personal projects, have secured her position as one of the wealthiest models in the industry.

In 2018, Karlie Kloss earned a staggering $14 million, making her the second-highest-paid model that year, according to Forbes. Her contributions to the fashion world are matched by her entrepreneurial spirit, especially through her tech-related endeavors, such as founding the Kode with Klossy camp, which teaches young girls how to code.

Early Life and Background

Karlie Elizabeth Kloss was born on August 3, 1992, in Chicago, Illinois, to a family of four sisters. She was raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and later moved to Goshen, New York, to pursue her modeling career. Karlie’s childhood was marked by a love for classical ballet, and she initially envisioned a career as a ballerina. However, her rapid growth spurt at age 13 caused her to reconsider ballet in favor of modeling.

Karlie attended high school in Missouri, where she was a cheerleader. Upon graduating in 2011, she focused entirely on her modeling career. At just 14, she appeared on the cover of Scene Magazine, which helped her catch the eye of Elite Model Management. This marked the beginning of a stellar career in modeling, with her family relocating to New York to help her explore greater opportunities.

Karlie Kloss’s Career

Karlie Kloss’s modeling journey began when she signed with Elite Model Management, but her true breakthrough came when she moved to NEXT Model Management. Within a short span, Karlie made her mark in the fashion world, walking for top designers at prestigious events like New York Fashion Week. By 2008, she had walked in over 60 shows worldwide, including Milan and Paris.

Her walk, characterized as powerful and moody, earned her significant attention. Though it faced some criticism, including a memorable moment when Tyra Banks mocked her, Karlie’s distinctive runway walk became one of her signature trademarks. At the height of her career, she worked with top designers like Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Versace, and Elie Saab, and appeared in advertisements for brands such as Jean Paul Gaultier, L’Oreal Paris, and Swarovski.

In 2011, Karlie Kloss first appeared in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and in 2013, she became an official Victoria’s Secret Angel. Her time with the brand, however, was somewhat controversial. Karlie later stated that her feminist beliefs did not align with the image Victoria’s Secret promoted, leading to her departure in 2015.

In 2018, she took on a new role as the host and executive producer of Project Runway, replacing Heidi Klum. This marked her transition from the runway to television, where she showcased her multifaceted talents. By 2019, Karlie had appeared on more than 40 international Vogue covers, cementing her status as one of the most recognizable models in the industry.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Investments

Karlie Kloss has expanded her influence beyond modeling through various entrepreneurial projects. One of her most notable initiatives is Kode with Klossy, a coding camp she founded to teach young girls how to code. The program has inspired thousands of girls to pursue careers in technology and has earned praise for its commitment to diversifying the tech industry.

Karlie is also an investor and part-owner of W Magazine, a position she took on in 2020 after a group of investors, including herself, acquired the magazine. This involvement allowed Karlie to take a hands-on approach in shaping the magazine’s future direction.

Her investments extend to other business ventures, and she has used her platform to advocate for women in STEM fields, showcasing the importance of empowering young girls to pursue careers in science and technology.

Brand Endorsements and Collaborations

Throughout her career, Karlie Kloss has signed lucrative brand endorsement deals with a range of high-profile companies, including Swarovski, Nike, Jean Paul Gaultier, Adidas, and Donna Karan. Her ability to work with such diverse and prominent brands has contributed significantly to her net worth.

Karlie has also had collaborations with companies in various industries, from fashion to tech. Her long-standing partnership with L’Oreal Paris is one of her most successful endorsement deals. Through these endorsements and collaborations, Karlie has become a global ambassador for some of the most sought-after brands in the world.

Personal Life and Relationships

Karlie Kloss is married to Joshua Kushner, a venture capital investor and the brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump. Karlie and Joshua tied the knot in 2018 after six years of dating. The couple is known for their philanthropic efforts, and in 2020, they announced that they were expecting their first child. Joshua’s net worth is estimated to be $800 million, contributing to their combined wealth.

Despite her connection to the Trump family, Karlie has openly supported Democratic candidates like Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. Her relationship with Joshua, who is from a prominent political family, has garnered significant attention in the media, although Karlie herself tends to keep her political views relatively private.

Real Estate Portfolio

Karlie Kloss and her husband, Joshua Kushner, have an impressive real estate portfolio, with properties in some of the most coveted locations in the United States. In 2019, Karlie sold her West Village townhouse in Manhattan for $2.75 million. The townhouse had a landscaped garden, 12-foot ceilings, and a library, making it a stylish and comfortable space.

In August 2024, the couple made headlines when they purchased the “Wave House” in Malibu for $29.5 million. The home, which was previously owned by rock legend Rod Stewart and music executive Mo Ostin, had originally been listed for nearly $50 million. The luxurious property, located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is a true testament to the couple’s sophisticated taste.

Additionally, they own a 15,000-square-foot mansion in Miami, purchased in 2020 for $21.5 million, and a penthouse in New York City at the Puck Building, acquired in 2021 for $35 million.

Conclusion

Karlie Kloss’s journey from a young ballet dancer to one of the world’s most successful models is a testament to her hard work, determination, and adaptability. With a net worth of $40 million, she has used her platform to explore various industries, from fashion and beauty to technology and media.

 Her dedication to empowering young girls through her Kode with Klossy initiative, alongside her successful career in modeling, continues to inspire many. As she navigates her personal life with Joshua Kushner and enjoys their shared success, Karlie’s legacy as a model and entrepreneur is set to endure for years to come.

Her ability to leverage her fame into business ventures, investments, and advocacy work has set her apart as not just a model but a multi-faceted entrepreneur. Whether on the runway, hosting Project Runway, or guiding young girls through her coding camp, Karlie Kloss is an example of how talent, determination, and a passion for making a difference can create lasting success.

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