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Karlie Kloss leaves Victoria's Secret for university - as did these 'famous beauties' who defied society's expectations

Contrary to tabloid beliefs, it is possible to be attractive and intelligent

Jenn Selby
Wednesday 25 February 2015 16:16 GMT
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The annual Victoria’s Secret pageant offers a ludicrous display of hyper-commercialism, promoted by the industry’s ultimate vision of human perfection.

That’s the genetically blessed ‘Angels’: muscle-bound women who undertake brutal diet and fitness regimes ahead of the big day, are spray-tanned to within an inch of their lives, covered in glitter and banned from using words like ‘feminism’ within a metre of a journalist.

But, contrary to popular headlines, academic life can indeed exist after lingerie. Karlie Kloss, one of Victoria Secret’s biggest names, is leaving the brand to enrol at New York University this autumn.

“Karlie and I met several months ago to discuss the many things she hoped to do in her life and career,” senior creative director Ed Razek said announced on Instagram today.

“As we talked, it became clear she would not have the time to fulfil her myriad commitments. Reluctantly, we agreed she would leave the brand at the end of her contract. Karlie is one of a kind, a very close friend, someone I truly admire and love. She is, without question, one of the best models ever. But she is an even better person. Her future is unlimited, and I am excited to see all the good she will do.

“Karlie Kloss will always be an Angel to me.”

Slightly less gushingly, Kloss’s spokesperson gave People this terse response: “She'll be focusing on her modelling career, new business opportunities and NYU starting in the fall.”

Her letter of recommendation, she told US Vogue, actually came from NYU alumna and 90s supermodel Christy Turlington.

She also astounded people with the revelation that as well as regular gym sessions, juice dieting and manicures, she indulges in a spot of computer coding in her spare time.

“Coding is fascinating,” she said. “Everything around us, the world we live in today, and the future is written in code.”

What exactly she’ll be studying remains a mystery. But the predictable reaction the news that someone remotely attractive might actually be intelligent has had in the tabloid media was far from mysterious.

“Beauty AND brains!” strap-lines cried in disbelief. But it’s a combination that’s actually more common in the entertainment world than many might think.

Take the 'famous beauties' above, for example.

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