This Is the Real Reason Naomi Campbell Never Became a Victoria’s Secret Angel

Let’s put it out there: If Naomi Campbell ever wanted to be a Victoria’s Secret Angel, she could have. That body and that body of work? Total shoo-in. It actually comes as somewhat of a surprise when you realize that the lingerie brand’s top-ranking cadre of leggy beauties has included Gisele, Heidi Klum, and Helena Christensen (with Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Behati Prinsloo on its current roster), but never Miss Naomi. Why exactly?

Per the super, it was all about the benjamins—they “could not afford me” she told British tabloid The Sun (reported by People).

Money issues never kept the bombshell from working with the brand though—she walked the runway a total of seven times, including back in 1996 when the show was still a casual thing approximating more of a traditional runway than today’s extravaganza. And while the word diva’s frequently attached to her name, she’s given back to today’s crop of stunners too, giving runway advice to Gigi and Bella Hadid.

“I mentor Bella,” she revealed to Wendy Williams. “Bella asked me last year if I’d mentor her. I love [her and Gigi]; they’re really, really great girls. They’re hardworking girls.” Her interviewer asked if she was ever cautious about helping out new faces that could be viewed as competition, and the cool-as-a-cucumber response? “I don’t mind at all.”

Come see some of Victoria’s Secret’s most famous faces appear on their first VS runway.