Some people rise to fame quickly. Others build their success step by step. Slavica Ecclestone took the second path, moving from model to motorsport insider to wealthy businesswoman over decades.

Early life in Croatia

Slavica Radić entered the world on June 2, 1958, in Rijeka, Croatia. Her parents came from Serbia but moved to Croatia for better jobs.

Life changed for young Slavica when her parents divorced. She was only seven years old. Her mother raised her in Maglajani, a small town in northern Bosnia.

These early challenges taught Slavica to be tough. This strength would help her succeed in the competitive fashion world later.

Stepping onto the runway

Teenage Slavica stood out in crowds. At 6 feet 1 inch tall (185 cm), she towered over most people around her.

Her height caught the eye of modeling scouts. By her late teens, Slavica began posing for cameras and walking runways.

Famous designer Giorgio Armani hired Slavica for his shows. She quickly became known for her striking look and professional attitude.

Fashion shows took Slavica across Europe in the 1970s and 1980s. Her success opened doors for other models from Eastern Europe, who weren’t common in the industry then.

The meeting that changed everything

In 1982, Slavica worked at an Armani fashion event during the Italian Grand Prix race in Monza. There she met Bernie Ecclestone, the boss of Formula One racing.

Their meeting seemed unlikely to lead anywhere. Bernie was 28 years older than Slavica. He spoke only English while she spoke Croatian and Italian. He stood just 5 feet 3 inches tall – nearly a foot shorter than her.

Yet something clicked between them. Despite these differences, they fell in love.

Moving into the world of racing

Bernie and Slavica married in 1985. This marriage transformed her life.

Suddenly, Slavica moved from fashion shows to race tracks. People saw her at Grand Prix events worldwide, standing beside one of the most powerful men in sports.

While Bernie ran the public side of Formula One, Slavica worked behind the scenes. She helped with business decisions and provided valuable insights.

The couple had two daughters – Tamara and Petra. Both girls later found their own fame in fashion and television.

Life after divorce

After 23 years of marriage, Slavica filed for divorce in 2008. The split became final in 2009.

Reports claim she received over $1 billion in the settlement. This made it one of the largest divorce payouts in history.

Slavica proved herself a smart businesswoman after the divorce. She managed family trust funds and made wise investments that grew her wealth even more.

Giving back

Money and fame didn’t change Slavica’s generous heart. She supports many charities, especially those helping children.

Her giving nature comes from her own modest beginnings. She knows what it means to struggle and wants to help others facing challenges.

A lasting impact

Slavica’s story shows how far determination can take someone. She started as a girl from a small town and became a top model, then a powerful figure in racing, and finally a wealthy businesswoman.

Young models, especially those from Eastern Europe, look up to her path. She proved success knows no borders.

Today, Slavica enjoys a quieter life away from cameras. But her influence on both the fashion and racing worlds remains strong.

Common questions about Slavica Ecclestone

What is Slavica Ecclestone’s net worth?

Slavica Ecclestone’s net worth sits around $1.2 billion. She received approximately $1 billion in her 2009 divorce settlement from Bernie Ecclestone. Smart investments have grown her wealth since then. Many financial experts believe she may now be richer than her ex-husband. Her money comes from family trust funds, property investments, and business ventures she’s managed since her divorce.

Why is Slavica Ecclestone famous?

Slavica Ecclestone became famous first as a top model for Giorgio Armani in the 1970s and 1980s. Her fame grew when she married Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone in 1985, despite their 28-year age gap. For over two decades, she played a visible role in the Formula One world. The couple’s high-profile divorce in 2009, with its billion-dollar settlement, kept her in headlines. She’s also known as the mother of socialites Tamara and Petra Ecclestone.

Is Slavica Ecclestone the richest model of all time?

Slavica Ecclestone ranks among the wealthiest former models but isn’t the richest of all time. Her $1.2 billion net worth comes mainly from her divorce settlement rather than modeling earnings. Other wealthy models include Kathy Ireland (worth $500 million from business ventures) and Gisele Bündchen (worth $400 million from modeling and endorsements). The richest model-turned-businessperson is likely Kylie Jenner, whose cosmetics company pushed her net worth over $1 billion.

Featured image courtesy: Sarajevo Times.