She’s graced the pages of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues thirteen years in a row, but Kathy Ireland's legacy extends far beyond modeling. This powerhouse didn’t stop at being a cover girl—she built an empire. Starting in 1993 with eco-friendly socks sold at Kmart, she transformed her brand, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, into a global powerhouse offering everything from chic apparel and stylish luggage to elegant home furnishings and innovative design products.
As Forbes reports, Kathy's net worth sits at a staggering $360 million, making her one of the world’s wealthiest former models. In a candid interview with Closer, the 57-year-old reflects on her journey, saying, "I was the kid going door-to-door selling stuff. My first entrepreneurial adventure was at age four, painting and selling rocks from my wagon." Modeling, she admits, was never part of her grand plan. "It was a great education, but I always knew I belonged behind the scenes, not in front of the camera."
Where Does Her Business Savvy Come From?
Kathy credits her mom for instilling that entrepreneurial spirit early on. "My mom did it all—babysitting, housekeeping, even becoming an Avon lady," she recalls. "She sold dresses, and I’d create handbags and jewelry to match. Together, we’d sell them at beach fairs." Meanwhile, her dad worked in labor relations, fighting for those who were underrepresented. Watching him advocate for justice left a lasting impression on Kathy. "He taught me the importance of standing up for what's right," she says.
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Modeling: A Mixed Bag of Experiences
Kathy’s time as a model was a double-edged sword. "Yes, I loved the exposure and the chance to travel the world," she shares. "But I also saw the dark side. There were predators in the industry, and I even had to punch a photographer once and run away." These experiences left a mark, shaping her outlook on the modeling world. "It was a valuable lesson in resilience and staying true to yourself," she adds.
Did those experiences influence her recent novel, Fashion Jungle?
Definitely. "It’s fiction, but it’s based on real-life stories—mine and those of my roommates and colleagues," Kathy explains. "I didn’t intend to share these tales, but when I met co-author Rachel Van Dyken, I knew she could handle the truth. Fashion Jungle is a cautionary tale because modeling can be a tough business."
Did Modeling Open Doors for Kathy?
While modeling brought attention, it wasn’t always helpful in the right ways. "Some doors opened, but they weren’t the doors where people took my ideas seriously," Kathy reflects. "We wasted each other’s time. If you have anonymity, people don’t come with preconceived notions, and you can craft your own image." It’s advice she shares with others: use anonymity to your advantage.
Was Entrepreneurial Success Easy for Her?
Far from it. "We’ve faced failures and struggled through tough times," Kathy admits. "Bankruptcy with Kmart was one of our biggest challenges. It was rough, but we poured our hearts into it. That’s the message I want to share—if I can do it, anyone can."
What Lessons Did She Teach Her Kids About Success?
Kathy emphasizes the importance of values. "I tell my kids to figure out what matters most to them and set boundaries to protect those values," she says. "Life will test you, so know what you believe and why." For Kathy, faith, family, and serving others come first. "When priorities get out of whack, it’s always trouble," she warns.
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How Involved Is She in Her Products?
Very. "Some call me a control freak, but I prefer passionate," Kathy laughs. "I care deeply about every aspect, including how things are made. Are workers being treated fairly? We’ve invested heavily in human rights contracts, inspired by my parents and my modeling experiences."
Giving Back: A Passion for Philanthropy
Kathy is deeply committed to giving back. As an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, she honors Elizabeth’s legacy. "Elizabeth broke her heart over AIDS in the '80s," Kathy recalls. "She had the courage to act when others wouldn’t. Even in pain, she kept helping those in need. She became family to me." One cherished memory involves Elizabeth secretly installing a generator at Kathy’s home, which proved lifesaving during a fire.
