Becoming a model was very counter-culture for my background, which is hyper-liberal, academic and feminist.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I've always wanted to break the stereotype of being a model.
I suppose it's the feminist in me, but I didn't always associate modelling with an intelligent career. I used to put myself down for doing it.
You have to find the peace and patience within yourself to be a model and an example to others and not judge.
I was once a student in a punk T-Shirt hooked on screwed-up scenarios. That's how I became the esteemed cultural figure that I am today.
I think the culture today is very, very different from what it was in the '60s, and I feel lucky that I grew up at a time when I had these very strong female role models.
I was essentially trained by World War II vets who combined a progressive view of life with a deep distrust of anything authoritarian.
I've always been a strong feminist and felt that the image of models was detrimental to women. That whole thing really bothered me. I would think about quitting about once a week.
Modelling, fashion and film have all encouraged me to learn more about issues and to feel empowered enough to do something about them.
The whole culture of my background was deeply Conservative.
I came from this very traditional background and I benefited hugely from feminism. I felt privileged going to university and doing a PhD. Most people of my background don't get to do that.