Cara Delevingne explains why she left modelling after seven succesful years

'Your career is very important - but it's not the most important', writes Delevingne ​

(Getty Images )

Cara Delevingne has explained why she left modelling after becoming one of the industry's most popular figures.

The London-born model and actress launched her career at 16 and quickly rose up the ranks. As her face and distinctive eyebrows became ubiquitous across catwalks and in magazines, Delevigne established a strong social following for sharing candid photos that rallied against the 'perfect' images presented on Instagram.

Delevingne fronted major campaigns for Burberry, Chanel, Yves Saint Lauren and Mango to name but a few. Comparisons with Kate Moss came in quick and fast.

Her move away from modelling after such a successful career came after Delevingne was awarded Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in April 2015.

She began focusing her efforts on acting with roles in The Face of an Angel, Paper Towns and Suicide Squad. Meanwhile, Delevingne’s relationship with the paparazzi became increasingly fractious as her profile grew and she spoke regularly of her frustration at being treated like a “zoo animal” by photographers. After a paparazzo allegedly tried to take an ‘upskirt’ picture while she was attending a charity gig in London, Delevingne and her partner Annie St Vincent greeted photographers waiting outside her home with water pistols.

She wrote about her experience of the industry and her decision to leave modelling in a blog for Motto. The 23-year-old said that as she became increasingly successful, she was also increasingly relying on validation from others to feel good about herself.

“I was nearly 20 and had been modelling for several years. My vantage point had changed…and I had changed. I knew I had to reevaluate my life and my goals for my future. I didn’t want to resent fashion or my success. The process didn’t happen overnight, but it was imperative for me to preserve my integrity.

“Over time, I came to realise that work and getting others' approval isn't the most important thing.

“Yes, your career is very important - but it's not the most important. Of course I was proud of my accomplishments, but I wasn't genuinely happy.”