From Reality TV to Global Supermodel: The Rise and Controversies of Kendall Jenner

Staff Reporter | PNN

Kendall Jenner, who first appeared in front of cameras through the Kardashian family's reality television show, is now a familiar face in the international fashion industry. Alongside walking the runways for some of the world's most prestigious fashion brands, she has built her own identity through advertising campaigns and business ventures.

However, her journey has not been limited to success. Her personal relationships and controversies surrounding several advertising campaigns have repeatedly brought her into the spotlight.

Kendall was born on November 3, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, United States. Her father, Caitlyn Jenner, is an Olympic gold medal-winning athlete, while her mother, Kris Jenner, is a well-known personality in the entertainment industry. She grew up in a celebrity environment alongside her older sisters Kourtney, Kim and Khloé, as well as her brother Rob.

At just 12 years old, Kendall appeared in the family's reality television show Keeping Up with the Kardashians in 2007. However, remaining a familiar face on television was not her ultimate goal. She had dreamed of becoming a fashion model since childhood. Her professional modelling career began at the age of 14 when she signed a contract with Wilhelmina Models.

During the early stages of her career, Kendall worked on clothing advertisements and photo shoots. Her popularity began to grow after she participated in New York, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks in 2014 and 2015.

She subsequently walked the runways for internationally renowned brands such as Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Givenchy, Versace and Balmain.

In 2017, she became the world's highest-paid model, according to Forbes. She retained that position the following year as well.

Beyond modelling, Kendall earns money through international brand advertisements, social media activities and business ventures.

She has participated in promotional campaigns for Calvin Klein, Estée Lauder and Adidas. She has also appeared on the covers of prestigious fashion magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

According to Celebrity Net Worth's 2026 estimate, her net worth stands at approximately $150 million, equivalent to more than Tk 18 billion. In 2021, she also entered the business world by launching her own beverage brand.

Kendall's personal life has remained a subject of public curiosity for years. However, compared with other members of her family, she generally prefers to keep her romantic relationships private.

Speculation about her relationship with musician Harry Styles began in 2013. The two were also seen together in 2016. However, neither of them officially confirmed their relationship.

Reports have also linked Kendall to basketball stars Blake Griffin, Ben Simmons and Devin Booker.

Her relationship with Devin Booker reportedly lasted from 2020 to 2022. Later, reports emerged about her closeness with Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. In 2024, reports suggested that the two had reunited, although subsequent media reports indicated that they had separated again.

In January 2026, Kendall said during a podcast appearance that she currently wanted to focus on herself rather than enter into a romantic relationship.

After being involved in several significant relationships during her twenties, she said that prioritising herself had now become her main focus.

Despite her celebrity status, controversies have also followed Kendall throughout her career.

In 2017, she appeared in a soft drink advertisement in which she joined a protest march and handed a can of the beverage to a police officer.

Critics accused the campaign of using the struggles of real protest movements, particularly the movement against racial discrimination in the United States, to promote a commercial product.

Following widespread criticism, the company withdrew the advertisement and issued an apology.

That same year, another controversy emerged involving a T-shirt collection from the clothing brand Kendall and Kylie, which she launched with her sister Kylie Jenner.

The T-shirts featured images of the sisters superimposed over photographs of music legends Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.

After allegations that the photographs had been used without permission, the two sisters withdrew the products and apologised.

Kendall was also involved in promoting the failed music festival Fyre Festival in 2017.

Reports later emerged that she had promoted the event through social media in exchange for payment and had been required to make a payment as part of a legal settlement related to the festival.

Kendall Jenner has successfully transformed the recognition she gained from reality television into a strong position in the global fashion industry.

Her achievements on the runway, in advertising and in business, alongside her personal decisions and controversies, continue to keep her in the public eye. Her journey reflects the complex realities that often accompany international celebrity status.