Candice Swanepoel: Models need to be smart and stunning

Candice Swanepoel [Photo/Agencies]

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The Victoria's Secret Angel thinks to succeed in the fashion industry a girl 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."

Models who have managed to turn their hand to business include Sports Illustrated cover girl Elle Macpherson, who launched lingerie line, Elle Macpherson Intimates, and has a range of beauty products called Elle Macpherson - The Body.

Brazilian fashion model Gisele Bundchen has her own line of flip-flop sandals, Ipanema, which she launched in 2001. Within three years, sales topped $30 million, with a portion of proceeds going to eco-friendly causes.