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Paulina Porizkova opens up about life as a model: 'You may want to cry or faint'

HAMBURG, GERMANY - JUNE 20: Paulina Porizkova during the Ernsting's family Fashion Show 2022 at Hotel Atlantic on June 20, 2022 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Ernsting's Family)
Paulina Porizkova posted an honest and vulnerable message about life as a model on Instagram. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Ernsting's Family)

Paulina Porizkova is getting real about life as a model.

On Thursday, the 57-year-old Swedish stunner took to Instagram to post a fresh-faced selfie alongside a detailed caption that explained how her career isn't as glamorous as it appears.

As an example, the model and actress used a particularly gruelling photoshoot to outline her point.

"Today, we worked in a beautiful old house an hour from NYC. It’s 100 degrees outside, no air conditioning inside and we are working in small attic rooms where all the heat rises. The clothing is beautiful, but all wool sweaters and coats and pantyhose underneath it all," she began. "And one pair of deadly shoes a size too small, which make my feet feel like I’m training for Chinese foot-binding, are crushing my toes and making it impossible to take a single step. But, to be a model is to pretend the moment is perfect."

"To be a model is to pretend the moment is perfect."

Porizkova went on to explain that although her career can be mentally and physically demanding, the behind-the-scenes crew plays a valuable role.

"Sometimes it is, and you don’t have to work all that hard. And sometimes, like today, you need every fiber in your body to cooperate to just stand up. The spirit of the crew because invaluable, everyone working together so you can stand and make it look effortless, even thought you may want to cry or faint," she wrote.

To conclude, the mother-of-two wrote about pretending and how she wants to be transparent moving forward.

"This is exactly what you should never see on the photo. The work and sometimes pain that goes into it. A good model will make it look easy. An amazing model will make it look inviting. It’s all about pretense. I’ve become very good at pretending, physically, that nothing hurts. Maybe that’s why in my writings I’m so loath to pretense," she said.

Fans praised Porizkova's vulnerability and thanked her for posting such an honest message.

"I remember those days. The last two sentences I understand and I so admire your truth and transparency," wrote former model Vanessa Angel.

"Thank you for staying grounded and sharing your truth! Your voice is so refreshing," commented a follower.

"You are so beautiful. A true inspiration, I found your profile yesterday, and your light made me feel so good about myself as a woman. I feel it's OK to not be perfect now and it's OK to be honest.... I feel beautiful because of you, a true influencer. Thank you girl!" shared another.

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