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United States Kathy Ireland has transformed from a supermodel to a global business magnate and philanthropic advocate.
In late 2019, Padlist launched with Ireland as the Chief Editor & Brand Strategist alongside Co-founders Blake Van Leer and Lindsay Van Leer.
Supermodel turned mogul Kathy Ireland, 60, partners with Luminesse brand to develop skincare collection to recapture that Sports Illustrated cover girl look.
Kathy Ireland Teams Up With Bagatelle International for Outerwear, Dresses and Denim. Kathy Ireland Expands Her Licensing Empire In A Fashion Line With HSN.
Ireland's company entered into a partnership with Camping World to bring her collections of RV furniture to retail locations and online stores.
In association with Paul Raps New York, Yaron Turgeman from Taly Diamonds and Roland Krainz from Krainz Creations, Ireland launched 'Diamonds by Kathy Ireland', a collection of jewelry pieces.
In January 2017, Ireland teamed with Michael Amini to create a new home-furnishings line.
In January 2017, American Family Insurance tapped Ireland for an ambassador role. To launch their relationship, Ireland was the keynote speaker for their Dream Fearlessly campaign.
In July 2018, Fox Business reported that Ireland had ventured into the shipping container business, partnering with SG Blocks, a company which has been designing and constructing container-based buildings and structures in the United States.
On May 8, 2019, singer and actress Vanessa Williams signed a management and partnership agreement with Kathy Ireland Worldwide.
In April 2021, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. released a new album called Blackbird Lennon-McCartney Icons for the first time in 30 years under Ireland's record label EE1 in partnership with BMG.
Kathleen Marie Ireland, born on March 20, 1963, in Glendale, California, began her career in modeling at the age of sixteen when she was scouted by Elite Model Management in 1979. This marked the start of a highly successful modeling career that saw her appear on the covers of numerous prestigious magazines, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, and Forbes. Ireland became particularly recognized for her appearances in Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues, gracing the covers three times and featuring in 13 consecutive issues. Her 1989 Sports Illustrated cover was later recognized as “The Greatest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Of All Time” during the magazine’s 50th Anniversary event.
Transitioning from modeling, Ireland founded her brand licensing company, kathy ireland Worldwide (kiWW), in 1993. This venture began with a successful line of socks for Kmart, selling over 100 million pairs, and later expanded significantly into diverse product categories such as home furnishings, fashion, and jewelry. Under her leadership as CEO, kathy ireland Worldwide grew into a global enterprise, generating billions in retail sales. By 2015, Forbes estimated her personal fortune at $420 million, and in 2021, her company’s retail sales reached $3.1 billion. Her business acumen led to her being ranked among America’s wealthiest self-made women and her brand, kiWW, being recognized as a major global licensor.
Beyond her business endeavors, Ireland has engaged in various other projects, including writing children’s books and her adult novel “Fashion Jungle.” She has also been active in film and television, appearing in series like “Melrose Place” and “Boy Meets World,” and participating in “Dancing with the Stars.” A committed philanthropist and activist, Ireland has supported numerous non-profit organizations such as the YWCA Greater Los Angeles, Dream Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She also serves as an ambassador for 9-1-1 For Kids and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, and has held roles on the boards of the NFL Players Association and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, advocating for various social causes.
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