Lara Stone may be an internationally recognisable model, covering billboards all the world over, but she never dreamt she’d be in the role.
The Dutch model was bullied because of her distinctive features when she was younger and her height made her stand out from other classmates – but that certainly works to her favour these days.
It was till she was much older that Lara thought of a career in fashion.
When asked if she had always wanted to model, Lara told Hello magazine: "Not really to be honest. Fashion was a completely different world from where I stood. It didn't really exist in our little village, I hadn't heard of Vogue until I was 16.
"I was teased quite a bit for the way I looked. I was much taller than all the other girls - and boys - in school and the gap in my teeth made me look even more different."
The 30-year-old blonde beauty feels "very lucky" to have gone on to have the career successes she has had.
She said: "I feel very, very lucky. I have an extraordinary chance to meet people from all around the world and learn from them."
And when it comes to other models, Lara looks up to British supermodel Kate Moss.
She said: "I admire Kate. Definitely. I admire those who don't bow down and stand for their own ideas. Fashion is a tough world but you have to remain confident and creative."
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