Ever since the advent of print advertising, supermodels have been used to grab consumer attention and trick us into actually enjoying looking at ads. But throughout history, the most successful models haven’t been content to just be thought of as a pretty face or a clothes hanger. Instead, they’ve used their modeling success to launch larger careers, becoming mavens of fashion, media, and philanthropy. They gambled on their past success to boost their future success, and in most occasions it worked very well. Let’s take a look at a few of the most famous supermodels and their post-modeling activities.

Iman

Somali-born beauty Iman began modeling in the 1970s, when her exotic looks made her a favorite inspiration for many fashion photographers. During her two decades of professional modeling, she often had to hand-mix her own cosmetics to complement her copper skin. This experience led her to found her own company, Iman Cosmetics, which produces a makeup line specifically designed for ethnic skin tones and have received many positive reviews especially from the pokies king from cosmetic experts around the world.

Cindy Crawford

One of the most iconic models of the 80s and 90s, Cindy Crawford graced the covers of over 400 magazines and anchored major campaigns for big-name beauty companies like Maybelline and Clairol. After retiring from modeling in 2000, Crawford started several furniture and home goods lines based on her own designs. She is also very active in charities, including serving on the celebrity board of the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Kate Moss

Petite, waif-like Kate Moss was known as the anti-supermodel of the 90s, because of the extreme contrast she presented when compared to the tall, busty models that were in fashion at the time. She was most famous for her appearance in a major Calvin Klein underwear campaign, which also led to intense media criticism for her underfed appearance. Many appearances in high-fashion ad campaigns followed. Besides modeling, the British supermodel is also very interested in fashion. She is considered a trendsetter and a fashion icon, and in 2007 she designed her own line of clothes, shoes, belts, and handbags.

Giselle

A Brazilian of German ancestry, Giselle was on the forefront of the Brazilian wave that began dominating modeling in the late 90s, she is now being used as the face of casino classic. In 2000, she became one of the Victoria’s Secret angels and signed a record-breaking $25 million dollar contract. According to experts, she later became the world’s first and only billionaire supermodel. With all that cash, she hardly needed to focus on business, so instead she turned to philanthropy, primarily supporting environmental causes in her native Brazil. She is currently the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme.

Tyra Banks

Another Victoria’s Secret angel, the lovely Tyra Banks was the first African-American model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. She has since parlayed her supermodel success into a career in television. After appearing in TV and movies throughout the 90s, she founded a production company and produced a talk show (The Tyra Banks Show) as well as a reality show (America’s Next Top Model). The Tyra Banks show earned her a Daytime Emmy as well as accolades from the original talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey herself.