Why supermodel Karlie Kloss left Victoria's Secret

Supermodel Karlie Kloss was a familiar face on the runway for Victoria's Secret show. The six foot two American beauty was a Victoria's Secret Angel from 2013 to 2015. The real reason Kloss left the glamour life of an Angel was because she felt the brand's portrayal of women did not match her own feminist values. It was thought that the real reason was scheduling as Kloss started studying at NYU. Kloss started studying feminist theory at New York University's Gallatin School which led her to quit one of her most lucrative contracts.

“The reason I decided to stop working with Victoria’s Secret was I didn’t feel it was an image that was truly reflective of who I am and the kind of message I want to send to young women around the world about what it means to be beautiful,” Kloss said.

“I think that was a pivotal moment in me stepping into my power as a feminist, being able to make my own choices and my own narrative, whether through the companies I choose to work with, or through the image I put out to the world.”

Chief marketing officer of Victoria's Secret Ed Razek said in 2015 he met up with Karlie Kloss to discuss her future and they reluctantly agreed that Kloss 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," said Razek.

While Kloss is no longer a Victoria's Secret Angel, she did walk the brand's annual fashion show in 2017.

In an interview with British Vogue, Kloss shared about her decision to convert to Judaism ahead of her marriage to Joshua Kushner.

Changing part of who you are for someone else can be seen as weak,” she started. “But you know what? Actually, if you’ve been through what I’ve experienced, it requires you to be anything but weak. It requires me to be stronger and self-loving and resilient. I really did not take this lightly.”

“It wasn’t enough to just love Josh and make this decision for him,” she continued. “This is my life and I am an independent, strong woman. It was only after many years of studying and talking with my family and friends and soul searching that I made the decision to fully embrace Judaism in my life and start planning for a future with the man I chose to marry.”

Kloss adheres Shabbat, a day of rest where those practicing it disconnect from the digital world from sunset each Friday until nightfall on Saturday.

“I think we all have a tendency to just keep going,” Kloss said. “Some people find grounding through meditation. Some find it through exercise. And to each their own, but for me, Shabbat has brought so much meaning into my life. It helps me reconnect to the actual world.” -/TISG