When I showed this picture to my husband, he very sweetly said, "I think you're the prettiest of the group -- even if it looks like you're kneeling." Not only are they each at least 5'10", they were also wearing giant platform heels, which, according to my math, put them around 6'4". (I'm 5'5", and I was wearing four-inch heels.) I know I'll never grow seven inches, but I've already ordered some higher shoes -- and I'm working on the hair and makeup techniques.
I can't stand Victoria's Secret models. They're tall, thin, tan, and -- unlike most other models -- they're seriously sexy. It's impossible not to be jealous. I had the opportunity to bring my husband (then boyfriend) to the VS fashion show a few years ago, and I didn't leave him alone for a second. I was afraid one of those gorgeous creatures would blink in his direction and he'd never recover.
So when I was invited to go behind the scenes before the launch event for the new Victoria's Secret fragrance, Dream Angels Love is Heavenly Eau de Parfum, $52, I was thrilled. I thought I'd finally get to pull back the curtain and see what the Angels really look like -- without hours of hair and makeup, spray tans, diamond-encrusted lingerie, and gigantic wings.
You see, I generally find models underwhelming before the beauty teams get their hands on them. I've gone backstage at New York Fashion Week for more seasons than I can count, and the way I get through it without feeling horrible about myself (because of the tall/thin thing) is to focus on the negative. It sounds kind of sad, but the models' cellulite and acne makes them more human -- more likeable.
Even though Erin Heatherton and Lindsay Ellingson are Angels of the Victoria's Secret variety, I hoped that meeting them in person would reveal that they're not actually celestial beings. Wouldn't it be reassuring if they turned out to be regular women with problems just like the rest of us? All I'll say now is that I'm still in awe of these women, but significantly less intimidated. Read on to see why.
