Kendall Jenner

Summary

Kendall Jenner is an American model, television personality, and entrepreneur who came to the spotlight through the reality television show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. and her rise as one of the world’s highest-earning fashion models. She has worked with major luxury brands, appeared on leading magazine covers, and built a strong business presence through beauty, fashion, and lifestyle ventures. Jenner has multiple editorial and cover shoots for LOVE and various international Vogue editions under her name and is also a brand ambassador for Estee Lauder.

In her maiden entry, Jenner was ranked no. 16 on Forbes magazine’s list of top-earning models of 2015 with an estimated annual income of US$4 million. In 2017, Jenner was recognised as the world’s highest-paid model by the same list. With global popularity, significant influence on social media, and work spanning modelling, television, and brand partnerships, she remains one of the most recognisable figures in contemporary pop culture.

Biography

Early Years

Kendall Nicole Jenner was born on 3 November 1995 in Los Angeles, California, to television personality Kris Jenner and Olympic decathlete champion  Caitlyn Jenner. She grew up in a large family and her childhood was largely spent in Calabasas, where she developed interests in horse riding, sports, and photography. Jenner attended Sierra Canyon School before switching to home schooling due to increased public attention with the reality television show and early modelling commitments. The flexible schedule allowed her to pursue professional opportunities while completing her secondary education. During these years, she balanced academic work with growing responsibilities in media and entertainment.

Career

Jenner began her career at the age of 14 when she signed with Wilhelmina Models on July 12, 2009. Her Wilhelmina portfolio was directed by cinematographer Nick Saglimbeni. Her first gig was with Rocker Babes with a Twist campaign for Forever 21 in December 2009 and January 2010. She got featured on a Teen Vogue Snapshot on April 19, 2010. This was followed by collaborations with Sheri Hill at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in September 2011, American Cheerleader, Teen Prom, Looks, Raine, GenLux, Lovecat and Flavour Magazine. By the end of 2012, her modelling career took off and this was cemented with successful campaigns with White Sands Australia, Leah Madden and Agua Bendita.

In November 2012, Jenner paired up with Victoria’s Secret photographer, Russel James for editorial work and joint projects. Throughout 2013 and 2014, their projects surfaced in Kurv, Miss Vogue Australia and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. Jenner was also featured in James’ Nomad Two Worlds: Australia book launches in Sydney and Los Angeles. This ushered in a new phase in Jenner’s career where she shifted focus to high fashion and signed with The Society Management on November 21, 2013.

Jenner’s first Society Management bookings included Marc Jacobs, Giles Deacon, Givenchy, Chanel, Donna Karan, Diane von Fürstenberg, Tommy Hilfiger, Fendi, Ports 1961, Bottega Veneta, Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Sonia Rykiel and Balmain. She also partook in two Chanel public relations events in 2014 which included a feminist rally-themed Chanel event and the company’s Metiers D’Art in Salzbur. She also shot covers and editorials for Interview, LOVE and Teen Vogue. She was also casted in campaigns for Givenchy and a December-themed LOVE advent calendar promotion with Doug Inglish. In November 2014, Jenner became an official Estee Lauder representative. Jenner was hailed as “the ‘It Girl’ of the season” by LOVE editor Katie Grand.

Jenner began 2015 by walking for Chanel, Alexander Wang, Diane von Fürstenberg, Donna Karan, Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Giles Deacon, Fendi, N°21, H&M, Balmain, the annual Dosso Dossi Fashion Show in Antalya, Turkey, Givenchy, Elie Saab, and Ports 1961. She also took part in publicity campaigns for Balmain x H&M and walked in the 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Jenner also appeared in the covers and editorials of Marie Claire Indonesia, Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, Vogue China, LOVE and Vogue issues in Japan, France and America. Jenner featured in campaigns for Marc Jacobs, Karl Largerfeld, Fendi, Balmain, Estee Lauder as well as a political campaign for Rock The Vote/Independent Journal Review voter registration, and a second LOVE advent calendar. Jenner also signed contracts with Calvin Klein Jeans in March and Penshoppe in May.

In 2016, she was recreated as a wax figure for Madame Tussaud’s London Fashion Week Experience event. Jenner walked for Chanel, Diane Von Fürstenberg, Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Versace, Bottega Veneta, Balmain, Dior, Elie Saab, and Miu Miu. Jenner shot covers and editorials in Vogue Brazil, W Korea, LOVE, Vanity Fair, V, Self Service Magazine, and Harper’s Bazaar. Vogue’s editors dedicated a special edition editorial supplement to Jenner in April. She also featured in campaigns for Mango, CPS Chaps, Calvin Klein, Rock The Vote/Independent Journal Review and Denimlab. She announced her signing to Chilean retail chain Paris in April.

Jenner was named as the world’s highest-paid model of 2018 in the Forbes top-earning model list. Beyond modelling, Kendall and Kylie, launched a line of vintage T-shirts on their website for their lifestyle brand, Kendall + Kylie. The shirts retailed at $125 and featured logos or images of famous musicians or bands (Tupac Shakur, The Doors, Metallica, Pink Floyd, and The Notorious B.I.G.) with bright images or logos associated with the Jenners superimposed over them. In 2021, Jenner developed several business ventures, including the tequila brand 818. The brand expanded quickly through international distribution, marketing partnerships, and industry recognition. Jenner also collaborated with global brands on fashion and beauty collections, reinforcing her role as a business figure alongside her modelling work.

Awards and Recognition

Kendall Jenner has been recognised by fashion and entertainment media for her influence and commercial success. She has frequently appeared on lists of the world’s highest-paid models, including Forbes’ annual rankings and her work in fashion has received acknowledgements from publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. She has also been noted for her contribution to the popularity of digital-driven fashion marketing. Her tequila brand 818 has received industry awards, recognising its quality and growing market presence. Jenner’s combined achievements in entertainment, modelling, and business have secured her position as a prominent public figure.

References

1. “Kendall Jenner – Model Profile – Photos & latest news”. models.com. 
2. “Kendall Portfolio | The Society Management”. thesocietymanagement.com. 
3.  “10 Reasons Why Kendall Jenner Would Make the Perfect Sister in honor of her 20th birthday”. Teen Vogue. 
4. “The World’s Highest-Paid Models 2015: Gisele Leads, Kendall Joins”. Forbes. 
5. “Highest-Paid Models 2017: Kendall Jenner Takes Crown From Gisele With $22M Year”. 
6. “Kendall Jenner Announces Launch Of Her Own Tequila Brand, 818”. The Drinks Business. 
7.  “Introducing Caitlyn Jenner”. Vanity Fair. Condé Nast (Advance Publications). 
8. “Caitlyn Jenner on transitioning: ‘It was hard giving old Bruce up. He still lives inside me'”. Guardian. 
9. “Kris Jenner”. Biography. 
10. “Kendall Jenner explains the importance behind her middle name ‘Nicole'”. Cosmopolitan. 
11.  “Caitlyn Jenner’s Kids & Family 2015”.Heavy, Inc. 
12. “Who are the Kardashians and the Jenners? Your guide to Kylie, Kim, Caitlyn and the family”. BT Group. 
13.  “Kendall Jenner, a Sister Who Does More Than Keep Up”. The New York Times.
14.  “Kendall and Kylie Jenner Got a Crazy Surprise Graduation Party”. Elle. 
15.  “Where Would the Kardashians Be Without Kris Jenner?”. The New York Times. 
16. “Kardashians Ink $100 Million Mega-Deal with E!”. Time. 
17.  “‘Kardashians’ earns its keep”. The Hollywood Reporter. 
18.  “Kendall & Kylie Jenner: ‘Kardashians’ Spinoff Series in Works”. Variety. 
19.  “Official: E! Orders Reality Show Starring Khloe Kardashian, Lamar Odom”. The Hollywood Reporter. 
20. “E! Upfront Slate: More Kardashians, ‘Rich Kids,’ Lance Bass and ‘Gucci’ Miniseries”. The Hollywood Reporter.