Bar Refaeli

About Bar Refaeli

Bar Refaeli was born on June 4, 1985, in Hod HaSharon, Israel, to Rafi Refaeli, a horse stable owner, and Tzipi Levine, a former model. Raised in a middle-class family with three brothers, she grew up in a rural setting near Tel Aviv. At 8 months old, she appeared in baby commercials, but her modeling career began at 12 after signing with an Israeli agency. By 15, she joined Irene Marie Models and later Elite Model Management, moving to Paris and New York to pursue international work while completing high school. Refaeli is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, with her family rooted in Israel, of Lithuanian, Polish, and Italian ancestry. She embraces her Israeli heritage, often highlighting her pride in representing her country globally. She is primarily known as Bar Refaeli, with no widely used aliases. In the 2000s, she was dubbed “Israel’s Supermodel” by media for her global success and Sports Illustrated fame.

Refaeli rose to fame in the mid-2000s as a supermodel, known for her radiant beauty and approachable charm. She appeared on over 50 magazine covers, including Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (cover in 2009), Vogue (Spanish, Russian), Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, GQ, and Maxim. Her breakthrough came with her 2007 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue debut, shot in the Grenadines, leading to her cover two years later. She starred in campaigns for Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Escada, and Passionata, and worked with Victoria’s Secret from 2007 to 2010, appearing in catalogs but not as a contracted Angel or in runway shows. She walked runways for Pierre Balmain and Israeli designers. Notable moments include her 2012 Maxim Hot 100 ranking as #1 and her 2008 Elle France cover. Refaeli continues modeling, appearing in Vogue Israel (2023) and Yamamay’s 2024 campaign.

Refaeli signed with Elite Model Management in 2000, later working with Storm Model Management and One Management. She maintains ties with global agencies for her ongoing work. Her editorial work includes Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Vogue (multiple editions), Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, and Glamour. A favorite of photographers like Pamela Hanson and Russell James, she embodied 2000s commercial glamour. Her Sports Illustrated work was featured in the magazine’s 50th-anniversary exhibition (2014).

Refaeli has a strong social media presence, with over 3.7 million Instagram followers (@barrefaeli). She shares modeling shots, family moments, and promotions for her L. Raphael beauty brand, engaging fans with her glamorous yet relatable persona.

At 5’9” with blonde hair and blue eyes, Refaeli’s measurements were approximately 34"-24"-34" during her peak, with a 34C bra size. Known for her glowing complexion, full lips, and athletic frame, she has not confirmed cosmetic surgeries, crediting her look to fitness and skincare. She has a small star tattoo on her wrist and ear piercings.

Refaeli’s appeal lies in her classic beauty and vibrant energy. Fans and brands, like Ralph Lauren, praise her as “a golden icon” for her timeless allure and professionalism. Her radiant smile, expressive eyes, and toned physique are often highlighted, with her business ventures setting her apart.

Her net worth is estimated at $30 million, earned through modeling, endorsements (Hublot, Carolina Lemke), her Victoria’s Secret work, television hosting, and her stake in L. Raphael and Carolina Lemke eyewear. She was a high-earning model in the 2000s, per Forbes, with additional income from investments.

Refaeli faced controversies, including a 2015 tax evasion case in Israel, where she was accused of underreporting income. She settled in 2020, paying fines and serving community service, maintaining her innocence. Her relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio (2005–2011) drew tabloid attention, but she avoided major personal scandals. Her Israeli military service exemption sparked debate, though she cited her modeling career as the reason.

Her acting roles include Session (2011, Israeli film) and Kidon (2013). She appeared in music videos, including Goo Goo Dolls’ Iris (1998, uncredited). Refaeli appeared on TV as a host for The X Factor Israel (2013–2018) and Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv. She guest-starred on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tyra Banks Show, and E! News, discussing her career and philanthropy. She featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit: 50 Years of Beautiful (2014) and The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (2009, TV special, as a guest).

Refaeli was married to Israeli businessman Adi Ezra since 2015, with whom she has three children: Liv (born 2016), Elle (born 2017), and David (born 2020). She lives in Tel Aviv, raising her children and balancing her career.

Refaeli’s legacy lies in her role as a 2000s supermodel, elevating Israeli models globally with her Sports Illustrated and Victoria’s Secret work. Her influence is seen in models like Gal Gadot, and her entrepreneurial ventures, like co-founding Carolina Lemke, broadened her impact. She supports charities like Project Sunshine and Israeli children’s hospitals.

As of 2025, Refaeli models selectively, appearing in campaigns for L. Raphael and editorials like Elle Israel. She promotes her beauty and eyewear brands via Instagram, engages in philanthropy, and focuses on raising her children. She maintains her status as a prominent figure in fashion and Israeli culture.

As of June 2025, Bar has amassed 3.8 million followers on Instagram.