Models are often pigeonholed as being, well... not the sharpest eyeliner pencils in the makeup bag. But to make it through the cutthroat modeling industry, Anne V says, you've got to actually be smart and savvy.
Speaking to Fashionista, the Victoria's Secret runway walker said models need to be prepared to make it in the biz:
"You need to have a brain to be a model," she explained, emphasizing why it's important for models to speak up for themselves. "You need to have a voice because you’re not going to last in this business just being stupid."
Having a brain, Anne V suggests, means that models should stick up for themselves and be the ones in control of their careers, rather than allow bookers, designers or photographers to call the shots. The vulnerable position of models, particularly young ones, has been widely discussed; yet more and more incidents seem to arise, from the 17-year-old who was forced to trade sexual favors for a modeling gig to the 17-year-old who worked for days on end during Fashion Week without monetary compensation.
The message to speak up and, as Anne V put it, "have a brain" has been echoed by Coco Rocha, another strong advocate for her younger peers. "When I talk about it, people realize, 'She has a voice, she's going to say something, so maybe we should worry about that and worry about Coco's needs and wants instead of how she looks,'" Rocha once told The Huffington Post. "But the girls that don't say much, it probably still could be hard for them."
She added, "But I think it really is up to the girls to stand up for themselves and have that courage to do it."
Hearing this sentiment from more models like Anne V who have successfully "used their brains" -- and more importantly, voices -- is a good place to start.
Let them serve as inspirations:
Models Who Were Bullied
Cindy Crawford(01 of10)
Open Image ModalLindsey Wixson(02 of10)
Open Image ModalRosie Huntington-Whiteley(03 of10)
Open Image ModalTyra Banks(04 of10)
Open Image ModalLara Stone(05 of10)
Open Image ModalChanel Iman(06 of10)
Open Image ModalNewcomer model Chanel Iman rose to fame in the blink of an eye. At only 16 years old, she's the youngest model to be featured on the cover of Vogue! However things haven't always been so easy for the Victoria's Secret Angel. Chanel's had her fair share of bullying for being super skinny and tall, as most models are. But she's learned ignore the haters, saying, "I've always been judged and bullied for being tall and skinny my whole life. Early on I listened to others and failed to appreciate what God gave me until I at last excepted what an amazing blessing it was to love me for me."
Lily Cole (07 of10)
Open Image ModalSupermodel Lily Cole was unsurprisingly bullied for her most well known asset as well, and the very trait that helped boost her career: her red hair. The model-turned-actress has admitted to being teased on the playground, saying, "When I was younger I definitely did face anti-ginger prejudice. As a child all teasing hurts, whether it's because you're fat or a different race or have red hair. I had enough comments from a couple of people to make it a sore point." But, Lily says, "I sympathize with children who are going through it but when they get older and are away from stupid children making comments, most people grow to love their red hair." Okay, let us just say: we love Lily's red hair! (Getty photo)
Crystal Renn(08 of10)
Open Image ModalIn an interview special with Ford Models, the "plus-size" model has spoken out about her eating disorders and pressure to be thin. Crystal claims she was bullied by the fashion industry to maintain her stick-thin figure. The model has said, "I feel pressure from -- more than anyplace -- from the public, and the media." Crystal is nowhere near "plus-size" these days, as the former plus-size model has lost a considerable amount of weight that she claims was unintentional. If you ask us, Renn looks just right.
Lea T.(09 of10)
Open Image ModalKimora Lee Simmons(10 of10)
Open Image ModalLong before her reality show career, the Baby Phat empire and her "Simmons" last name, Kimora Lee was a successful runway model. She, too, claims she was bullied by schoolmates for being tall, as she was a whopping five foot ten by the time she was 10 years old. She was also poked fun of for her half-Asian heritage and not fitting the African-American stereotype. She recalls, "All the black kids said, 'She thinks she's white!'" Now Kimora's got enough success to leave all the teasing behind. (Getty photo)
Want more? Be sure to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram at @HuffPostStyle.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.