High-fashion models are some of the most recognizable faces and names in popular media today. While in the past pop stars and movie actors gained most of the fame, the rise of supermodels in the early 90s meant that suddenly all eyes were on them. Supermodels were suddenly on the covers of magazines and in the front row at fashion shows - and this trend has only intensified over time.

Today, the top supermodels have the most followers on Instagram and can command huge sums of money for shoots and brand endorsements. But modeling is not the only reason for their success and fortune. Many models have gone into business and built multi-million dollar empires.

Read on to find out which models have gone from catwalk to entrepreneur and how they did it.

Why are fashion models so popular?
Supermodels lead desirable lives. Thanks to the proliferation of social media, we can get a glimpse into their 'everyday' lives at any time. We see models traveling abroad to exotic locations, wearing the most expensive clothes and dating other A-list celebrities. Many of us can only dream of such a lifestyle, and we enviously follow them in the hope that we can at least emulate or experience parts of their lives through them.

And let's not forget that supermodels working in the fashion world have a physique that makes up only 2% of the world's population. Their height combined with their proportionally slim physique is incredibly rare. This means that many of us can only dream of achieving such a physique. Even if we ate just like her and worked out 7 days a week, most of us wouldn't be able to emulate her look.

High fashion brands love to appear exclusive; what better way than to hire people who don't look like the average?

Why have models turned to the business?
The modeling profession generally doesn't have a long lifespan. Most models reach their highest level of fame in their early 20s before looking for other sources of income to accompany them beyond their late 20s (the usual age for leaving the modeling business, at least in haute couture). This has led many supermodels into the corporate world where, perhaps surprisingly to some, they have increased their vast fortunes and made an even bigger name for themselves.

These models have proven that they are not just a pretty face. They have managed to create multi-million dollar brands through their modeling success combined with their influence, network and business acumen.

Models who became businesswomen
Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks is known for her modeling and catwalk career, but she is also very famous as a businesswoman in America. She created and hosted two television shows for which she won an Emmy. She also has her own production company, Bankable Productions, and has written 3 books.

Elle Macpherson
Elle "The Body" Macpherson started her own modeling agency before selling workout videos and creating her own lingerie line, Elle Macpherson Intimates. She has her own line of beauty products and hosted Britain's Next Top Model. Elle also has her own brand of nutritional supplements, WelleCo.

Naomi Campbell
One of the famous six, Naomi Campbell rose to fame in the early 90s as one of the world's first supermodels. She wrote a book (which was actually written for her) and then became one of the first celebrities to dabble in perfume.

Gisele Bündchen
Known for her time as a Victoria's Secret model, Gisele remains one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion world. The tanned beauty, who is originally from Brazil, owns her own hotel there and has created her own flip-flop and sandal collection called Ipanema, which sells better than the popular Havaiianas. Gisele is number one on the Forbes list of highest earning models.

Chrissy Teigen
In addition to her work as a TV presenter, Chrissy Teigen entered the food industry with her own cookbook series. This developed into her own line of kitchen appliances, which are sold exclusively in Target stores.

Iman
Iman started her own cosmetics line to appeal to more people of color. Despite strong competition from other celebrities launching their own make-up line, she is still successful today.

Kate Moss
Kate had her own clothing line and her own perfumes. She is second only to Gisele on Forbes magazine's list of the highest earning models.

Miranda Kerr
Miranda, another former Victoria's Secret angel, has developed her own natural skincare range called Kora Organics. It is now available in 25 countries and includes over 30 products.

Heidi Klum
German model Heidi Klum is an impressive businesswoman. She hosts and produces several television shows, including Germany's Next Top Model and Project Runway. She has designed numerous products, including shoes, jewelry, maternity wear, perfumes, deodorants and shower gels. She has also written two books.

Why are models so good at business?
Not everyone is good at business, but the above seems to show that models have an aptitude for it. This is not necessarily the case, and there are a number of factors that lead to models being successful in areas other than modeling.

They are rich
Top models earn a lot of money, and money always opens doors. Most top models are able to hire business and financial experts to help them navigate the business world and entrepreneurship.

They are popular
Their popularity means that they have a certain amount of influence and reach among the general population. They have a large following on their social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. This means they already have a large audience to sell products to. If a fan likes a celebrity, they are likely to buy something they put out, regardless of whether the product is actually effective or good. Influential people will always do better in business.

They are well connected
You know the old saying "It's not what you know, it's who you know"? This is certainly the case when it comes to models in business. Through their modeling careers, they have made many contacts and know many people who can help them in the business world.

They have access
A model's wealth and reach means that they have access to the best schools and training that money can buy. Many models choose to pursue an education after their modeling career to learn more about other industries, including business.