Candice Swanepoel: ‘Models need to be smart too!’

Candice Swanepoel says models need to be both smart and beautiful.

The Victoria’s Secret Angel, 25, thinks to succeed in the fashion industry a girl – or guy – needs to have more than just good looks and the smartest models she knows are those who have managed to turn their names into a brand.

Candice told the Huffington Post: ‘Some of the smartest businesswomen I know are models.

‘There are so many beautiful girls around that you need more than that. It’s really about being smart now and turning it into a business.’

The blonde admits models often get stereotyped for being dumb but insists it makes them stronger.

She added: ‘We grow a thick skin, so it’s OK.’

And the South African beauty radiated with confidence on Monday, as she filmed a segment for Extra TV in Los Angeles, California.

In the holiday spirit, Candace opted to wear a lacy crimson dress and matching slick of scarlet to film alongside the show’s host Maria Menounos.

The perfect mix of naughty and nice, the embroidered number featured a frontal slit to expose her statuesque figure.

Within three years, sales topped $30 million, with a portion of proceeds going to eco-friendly causes.

Sports Illustrated cover girl Elle Macpherson is another prime example, as she launched lingerie line, Elle Macpherson Intimates, and has a range of beauty products called Elle Macpherson – The Body.

And an elite group of former top blue steelers have recently launched Models Own Management; their January launch party is expected to draw in the biggest names from the industry.