Bar Refaeli, born on June 4, 1985, in Hod HaSharon, Israel, has carved a prominent path in the international modeling and business landscape. Her journey from a young model to a successful entrepreneur showcases a blend of talent, ambition, and business acumen.
Early Life and Modeling Career
Refaeli’s connection with the camera began early; she first appeared in commercials at just eight months old. Her mother, Tzipi Levine, a successful model in the 1970s, undoubtedly influenced her early exposure to the industry. However, her modeling career was temporarily paused during her early teens while she wore braces.
At the age of 15, Refaeli made a strong comeback, signing with Irene Marie Models. Her career quickly gained momentum, with campaigns for major Israeli fashion brands like Castro and Pilpel. In 2000 and 2001, she was recognized as “Model of the Year” in an Israeli beauty contest.
Her international breakthrough came in 2007 when she became the first Israeli model to appear in the prestigious Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, posing alongside the rock band Aerosmith. This marked a significant milestone, propelling her onto the global stage. In 2009, she graced the cover of the same issue, solidifying her status as a supermodel.
Throughout her modeling career, Refaeli has worked with numerous high-profile brands, including Garnier International, Subaru, Accessorize, Brazilian clothing line Besni, and Italian jewelry line Marco Bicego. She has also graced the covers of leading international magazines such as ELLE, Maxim, GQ, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, and Harper’s Bazaar. In 2012, Maxim magazine declared her No. 1 on their “Hot 100” list.
Beyond print, Refaeli ventured into television, co-starring in the Israeli TV series Pick Up in 2005. More recently, she has hosted The X Factor Israel since 2013 and co-hosted the Eurovision Song Contest Tel Aviv 2019.
Business Ventures and Net Worth
Refaeli has demonstrated a keen entrepreneurial spirit, extending her influence beyond the modeling world. In 2011, she co-founded Under.me, an e-commerce company focused on selling designer underwear. The venture successfully raised $1 million in venture capital within its first six months. While Under.me faced challenges and downsized later, it showcased Refaeli’s ambition to build businesses.
Another notable venture was Mika Look, an iPad application launched in 2013 that aimed to allow users to purchase clothing worn by models in pictures. Although the app did not achieve widespread success, it highlighted Refaeli’s interest in leveraging technology within the fashion industry. She has also reportedly invested in other Israeli technology and business ventures, including MyCheck, a mobile payment application.
As of 2015, Bar Refaeli’s net worth was estimated at US $20 million. This figure reflects her successful modeling career, endorsements, and entrepreneurial endeavors. In 2013, Forbes Israel recognized her as the highest-paid model in Israel.
Legal Issues
In recent years, Refaeli faced legal scrutiny regarding tax evasion. Israeli authorities investigated allegations that she had failed to declare her worldwide income for certain years, claiming to have resided abroad. In 2020, she signed a plea bargain agreement, admitting to providing incorrect tax information. As a result, she was sentenced to nine months of community service and ordered to pay a substantial fine, along with millions in back taxes. Her mother, who also acted as her agent, received a prison sentence and a fine in connection with the case.
Philanthropy
Beyond her professional endeavors, Refaeli has also been involved in philanthropic activities. She has volunteered for Project Sunshine, a non-profit organization supporting children facing life-threatening illnesses. Additionally, she has supported Ahava, an organization caring for abandoned pets in Northern Israel.
Personal Life
Refaeli was notably in a relationship with American actor Leonardo DiCaprio between 2005 and 2011. In 2015, she married Israeli businessman Adi Ezra, and they have since had three children.
Wrap up
Bar Refaeli’s journey is a testament to her enduring presence in the global fashion industry and her forays into the world of business. From her early start as a child model to becoming an internationally recognized supermodel and entrepreneur, she has consistently demonstrated her versatility and drive. While legal challenges have marked a recent chapter in her story, her significant contributions to modeling and her entrepreneurial spirit remain key aspects of her public persona.