She is one of the world’s wealthiest former supermodels after launching a lucrative brand licensing company at the height of her highly successful cover girl career.
After getting her big break in modeling in the 1980s, the brunette beauty’s initial claim to fame was appearing in 13 consecutive issues of Sports Illustrated, including three covers – one of which the magazine would name as its greatest swimsuit cover of all time in 2014.
But these days it’s not so easy to catch a glimpse of the 60-year-old married mother of three, who was almost unrecognizable during a rare appearance in Montecito last week.
Can you guess who it is?
The 13-time Sports Illustrated swimsuit model was seen stepping out in her Montecito neighborhood earlier this week
Dressed in a denim jacket, blue jeans, and flip flops, Ireland looked casual and laidback – a stark contrast to the glam bombshell image she was known for in her heyday
She was seen running errands at the local bank where she withdrew several one-hundred-dollar bills
It’s Kathy Ireland.
The model turned entrepreneur, who turns 61 later this month, was seen stepping out in her neighborhood on Tuesday, making a quick stop into Pierre LaFond & Co Marketplace to grab one of their popular large $4 cookies, exclusive DailyMail.com photos show.
Dressed in a denim jacket, blue jeans, and flip flops, Ireland looked casual and laidback – a stark contrast to the glam bombshell image she was known for in her heyday.
Her famous mane of tawny hair, however, was evident and flowing as she made her way inside the store. She spent only a few minutes picking up some goods before driving off.
Locals and patrons did not seem to recognize the down-to-earth local beauty that made such a big splash in the world of modeling and business.
Ireland, who grew up in Santa Barbara, was seen again the follow day running errands at the local bank where she withdrew several one-hundred-dollar bills.
At one point she appeared engrossed with her cellphone and carefully checked her receipt while she walked back to her car.
The model turned entrepreneur, who turns 61 later this month, was seen stepping out in her neighborhood on Tuesday, during a quick trip to Pierre LaFond & Co Marketplace to grab one of their popular large $4 cookies, exclusive DailyMail.com photos show
Ireland rose to fame as a supermodel in the 80s and 90s and has appeared in Sports Illustrated for 13 consecutive swimsuit issues and on three covers
Kathy was discovered by modeling agents at the ripe age of 17, while attending a finishing school
To Montecito locals, the brunette bombshell is just Kathy, the cute tomboy turned stunner who grew up surfing and riding her bike in the idyllic seaside town
Ireland rose to fame as a supermodel in the 1980s and 90s before launching her Kathy Ireland Worldwide (kiWW) business empire that reportedly brings in $2billion annually and generates her a personal net worth of around $400million.
But to Montecito locals she’s just Kathy, the cute tomboy turned stunner who grew up on Santa Barbara’s Hammond’s Beach surfing, riding her bike on Coast Village Road, and even had her own neighborhood paper route.
When she blossomed into a breathtaking beauty as a teenager, she could be seen working as a hostess at the popular Petrini’s family restaurant and pizzeria in nearby Santa Barbara.
One local tells DailyMail.com: ‘Let’s just say this, when Kathy had a shift, a hell of a lot of pizza’s were sold. She wasn’t stuck up back then either, she was—and is—one of the nicest people around.’
At the age of 17, Kathy was discovered while attending a finishing school.
Her 1989 Sports Illustrated cover became a top selling magazine, and was awarded the Greatest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover of all Time during the magazine’s 50th anniversary event
This was 40 years ago: The siren seen in an ad for a piece of gym equipment
These days Ireland runs a lucrative brand licensing business, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, that reportedly brings in $2billion annually and generates her a personal net worth of around $400million
Ireland married Dr. Greg Olsen (left) back in 1988, and the couple has three children, Erik, 29, Lily, 25, and Chloe, 20, (pictured right in 2019)
By the time of her high school graduation in 1981—from San Marcos in Santa Barbara – she was working full time at the Elite Modeling Agency.
She has appeared inside Sports Illustrated magazine for 13 consecutive swimsuit issues and on three covers.
In 1993 she started her KIWW business with a simple sock line that became a hit at the Kmart discount chain.
From there, her licensing deals included furniture, rugs, clothing, and a total of 15,000 products.
With her busy schedule, it’s no wonder she’s not seen out very much in Montecito.
These days Ireland’s social media shows she keeps very busy with her business, and family.
In 2018 sold her two-acre Tuscan style estate there for almost $13million, but still lives in the Santa Barbara area.
The devout Christian married Dr. Greg Olsen back in 1988, and the couple has three children, Erik, 29, Lily, 25, and Chloe, 20.