In the glittering ambiance of Delilah supper club inside the opulent Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas last Sunday morning, Karlie Kloss, the 6ft 2in supermodel, adorned in a ruched mini dress and knee-high boots, strolled through the room alongside her friend, plus-size model Ashley Graham.
A Night of Glamour and Celebration
Among the attendees were A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Justin Bieber, Axl Rose, Balthazar Getty, Brooklyn Beckham, and rapper Lil Baby. The DJ for the night was none other than American record producer Questlove. These influential personalities, part of the privileged 0.01 per cent, were reveling in the aftermath of a star-studded Formula 1 Grand Prix.
However, for Kloss, 31, the celebration went beyond the typical glitz. The former Victoria’s Secret model had just made headlines by acquiring the bi-monthly British fashion publication i-D from Vice Media Group, rescuing it from the shadows of bankruptcy.
A Surprising Move into Media
This move follows her previous investment in W, a high-end fashion magazine, made three years ago with a group of prominent investors, including fellow model Kaia Gerber. This shift positions Kloss as more than just a glamorous party figure associated with controversial lingerie; she’s emerging as a significant player in the media industry.
i-D: A Strategic Business Opportunity
Founded in 1980 by designer Terry Jones, i-D gained fame as the home of Britain’s post-punk anarchic street style. Despite its historical relevance, the magazine experienced a decline in recent years, catching the attention of Kloss, who saw a prime business opportunity. Vice Media Group expresses confidence in Kloss’s ability to revive the magazine, citing her passion for technology, fashion, and global culture.
The Rise of Female Entrepreneurs
Kloss joins a new wave of female entrepreneurs, leveraging their fortunes in entertainment and fashion to build empires in diverse industries. From Gwyneth Paltrow to Rihanna, these celebrity businesswomen wield their public profiles and financial resources to influence various sectors.
Strategic Investments Beyond Fashion
With a net worth of £32 million and married to venture capitalist Josh Kushner, Kloss demonstrates a knack for strategic investments. Beyond fashion, she entered the virtual realm by launching a venture selling digital clothes in the popular online gaming platform Roblox. This diversification aligns with an industry worth billions, showcasing Kloss’s forward-thinking approach.
A Decade of Entrepreneurial Spirit
Kloss’s entrepreneurial journey began at 21, marked by a significant investment in an organic tampon delivery company called Lola. Her optimism and problem-solving mindset set the tone for subsequent investments, each surpassing £1 million. Notable among them is her recent involvement with Coterie, a new nappy firm, showcasing her commitment to ventures aligned with her personal experiences.
Balancing Business and Advocacy
Unlike some celebrity entrepreneurs, Kloss has not consolidated her ventures under a personal brand. Her highest-profile non-profit venture, Kode With Klossy, focuses on promoting computer coding among girls through scholarships and summer camps. Her business pursuits coexist with advocacy for reproductive rights, gun control, and admiration for figures like Hillary Clinton.
Complex Personal Life
Navigating a life of luxury and controversy, Kloss’s social circle includes Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Diane von Furstenberg, Barry Diller, Princess Beatrice, Ellie Goulding, and Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos. Her marriage into the Kushner family brought additional complexities, from reported pressure to convert to facing family controversies and differing political views.
A Defiant Journey
Kloss, known for her outspoken stance on issues, faced criticism for her support of Israel on Instagram. Her conversion to Judaism before marrying Kushner reflects her resilience and self-love. Despite challenges, she remains committed to her values and her role as an independent woman.
From Angel Wings to CEO
From her roots in Missouri to a colossal £33 million penthouse in New York, Kloss’s journey from a Victoria’s Secret Angel to a media mogul is marked by resilience, strategic investments, and a commitment to personal values. Now the CEO of i-D, a British fashion magazine, Kloss is poised to amplify her voice and influence in the ever-evolving landscape of media and culture.
