Victoria’s Secret Model: I Won ‘Genetic Lottery’ [Video]
Victoria’s Secret model Cameron Russel has a secret that she’d like to share: She won the ‘Genetic Lottery.”
Russell, who has modeled for brands like Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren, gave a very frank speech about the modeling industry during a TED talk earlier this month.
The 25-year-old model begins her talk by saying that she’s going to answer common questions about the modeling industry but with an honest twist.
“The first question is how do you become a model. And I usually say that I was scouted but that really means nothing. The truth is that I won a genetic lottery and I am the recipient of a legacy. For the past few centuries we have defined beauty, not as just health and youth and symmetry, but also as tall slender figures, and femininity and white skin. And this is a legacy that was built for me and this is a legacy that I have been cashing out on.”
Russell’s TED talk has been viewed more than 1.3 million hits and even inspired the model to write a piece for CNN.
The model reinforces her belief that she is successful simply because she won a genetic lottery by saying that the most important part of her job is to have a 23-inch waist. But in addition to her beauty landing her modeling jobs, Russell said that the way she looks also lands her offers from television shows, interviews, and makes what she has to say newsworthy.
The TED talk, for instance, may have not been front page news if it was given by an unattractive man. But since Russell is undeniably beautiful, since she won a genetic lottery, people are listening to what she has to say.
“I’m not saying I’m lazy. But the most important part of my job is to show up with a 23-inch waist, looking young, feminine and white. This shouldn’t really shock anyone. Models are chosen solely based on looks. But what was shocking to me is that when I spoke, the way I look catapulted what I had to say on to the front page.”
Here’s the video of Cameron Russell’s TED talks.
