It’s that time of the year again! A fleet of supermodels are strapping themselves into angel wings and strutting down the runway for the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This year’s show is going down Sunday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET on YouTube, and several iconic models are walking—including but not limited to Ashley Graham, Adriana Lima, Imaan Hammam, Candice Swanepoel, Gigi Hadid, Alex Consani, Paloma Elsesser, Anok Yai, Abby Champion, Joan Smalls, Liu Wen, and Precious Lee. And if you’re feeling mildly curious about how much everyone’s getting paid, let’s get into it.
How Much Do Models Make for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?
Depends on if they have contracts or not.
Victoria’s Secret hasn’t released details on how much it pays (and one time told Page Six, “We do not comment on the details of contracts with models”), but we do have some information thanks to sources and reports over the years. Like the fact that Heidi Klum renegotiated her contract with Victoria’s Secret back in 2008 for a rumored $3.8 million per year. I repeat: per! year!
There are also reports that former Angel Karlie Kloss made $5 million during her days as an official Victoria’s Secret model, and that once upon a time Gisele Bündchen signed a five-year deal with the brand that was reportedly worth $25 million.
Back in 2019, a source told FOX News that the payouts for Victoria’s Secret models have actually fallen over the years, saying, “In the heyday, Gisele made $5 million. [Later], the girls made $1 million plus bonuses.” And in 2015, an anon insider told Page Six, “The money isn’t what it used to be. Older contracts like Alessandra Ambrosio were in the millions, now they’re like $100,000.”
Of course, a lot can change since 2015/2019, so it’s unclear if the models are making more (or less!) circa 2026.
But, What If You’re NOT a Supermodel With a Fancy Contract?
About that! This year, Victoria’s Secret launched its first-ever reality show called Angels Among Us, where aspiring models compete for a place on the runway (and a set of angel wings). It’s unclear if the winner gets a cash prize along with their new title, but they do get a contract with IMG Models, which will give them representation.
Reminder: The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show airs Sunday, October 18 and includes performances from KATSEYE, Megan Moroney, Megan Thee Stallion, and Tate McRae. EVP and chief creative officer Adam Selman told People, “I wanted this to be bigger and bolder than last year, and we couldn’t find a space in New York that could house all the things that we wanted to do. It was a fun new challenge of like, okay, this is a different side of Americana and this sort of idea of the American dream, and I’m calling this year Fandemonium.”