Bar Refaeli recently made headlines. The model was convicted of tax evasion, resulting in a large fine and a sentence of nine months community service.
The 35-year-old Israeli had a very different kind of fame before that though. She commanded attention in the fashion world for her good looks.
Refaeli has been featured in Vogue, GQ, Elle, Maxim, Esquire and Marie Claire, among many other magazines. Her impressive resume includes modelling for brands the likes of Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Victoria's Secret and Escada.
While having started at a very young age (she first appeared in commercials as an eight-month-old baby), Refaeli only caught widespread attention when she turned 15.
"Since I was a baby, I was a very, very cute baby – ridiculously cute. Then when I was 12 I had braces on my teeth. I couldn't do anything for three years," she related in a 2015 Elle interview.
It seems Refaeli's mother (who was also convicted of tax offences) played a big role in influencing her career. Her mum was previously a model too.
Read more: Beautiful mother-daughter double acts in past fashion campaigns
So how did Refaeli go from being "wholesome" to "bombshell"? Practice, it seems.
"I used to buy a lot of fashion magazines and see all the poses of the girls," she told Cosmopolitan in 2013.
"I'd buy Sports Illustrated and see the specific poses and how girls look better and the best angles – it's like reading up on material for a test and learning what's good."
Leggy, blonde and slim, Refaeli was described as a "picture perfect" model. She was said to have the sort of of fresh face cameras would simply love.
Although, it has to be pointed out that it was a time before the issue of diversity came into the picture. These days, the industry celebrates all women of all shapes and sizes.
Read more: Who are the models making headlines for the 2020 fashion season?
Refaeli received the World Style Award in 2009. It was presented by the Women's World Awards for her "natural elegance, sense of style and compassion". She has been named as a supermodel by various media publications, as well.
In 2015, Refaeli's net worth was estimated at US$ 20 million (RM85 million). She was also the highest-paid model in Israel according to Forbes Israel in 2013.
That said, her life was not without drama. The model, who previously dated actor Leonardo DiCaprio and hosted the 2019 Eurovision song contest, has been involved in various controversies during her career.
She has faced anger from the Israeli army for not completing military service and in 2018 appeared in a controversial advert featuring the niqab. In 2015, her request to close the air space over her wedding venue sparked a row.
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