Cara Delevingne has candidly discussed her early experiences in the fashion industry and her journey of self-discovery regarding her sexuality during a recent appearance on the podcast ‘Call Her Daddy.’ The 33-year-old model and actress looked back at her debut in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2012, a pivotal moment that coincided with her grappling with her sexual identity.
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Reflecting on her initial foray onto the famed runway, Delevingne recounted feelings of confusion and uncertainty. At that time, she had not publicly acknowledged her sexuality, which added a layer of complexity to her experiences. Growing up, Delevingne had always shied away from embracing femininity, expressing a desire for the opportunities she believed were more attainable for boys. However, the glamorous setting of the fashion show compelled her to embody a version of herself that felt disingenuous.
Walking in the skin-revealing attire typical of Victoria’s Secret shows, Delevingne admitted that the experience was a mix of excitement and discomfort. She recalled that while she enjoyed the fun of dressing up, there was an underlying darkness to her experience. “I was in the closet. I was gay and also [thinking], ‘Am I the only lesbian that’s ever done Victoria’s Secret?’ I was having a great time, but also very confused. I felt like I was an undercover lesbian,” she said.
During the podcast, Delevingne shared a memorable anecdote involving fellow model Candice Swanepoel. The two were in a hotel room, sharing a casual moment over pizza when Swanepoel stepped into the bathroom and changed clothes. This innocent occurrence triggered a surprising reaction from Delevingne, who described feeling as though she might faint. “I was standing up and I had to fall back on the toilet. It was a lot. The gay panic. I was constantly panicking,” she explained.
Delevingne participated in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show again in 2013, and although she was invited back for the 2016 show, she chose to decline. The model has since evolved in her understanding of her sexuality, declaring herself pansexual in a 2020 interview with Variety. “I always will remain, I think, pansexual,” she said. “However one defines themselves—whether it’s ‘they’ or ‘he’ or ‘she’—I fall in love with the person, and that’s that.”
Over the years, Delevingne has embraced her identity more openly. She remarked, “I never thought I needed to come out,” asserting that her sexuality simply became a part of her narrative. Recently, she expressed pride in being a lesbian during a performance by Rosalía in London, and later reaffirmed this sentiment in a May 29 interview with Variety, stating, “At this point in my life, I’m very happy to say that I’m a lesbian.”
Currently, Delevingne is in a relationship with musician Leah Mason, also known as Mink. The couple had a shared history, having met in boarding school, and their paths crossed again after 12 years. Delevingne expressed her deep connection to Mason, stating her feelings towards labels are complex, but made it clear, “I don’t see myself being with anyone else for the rest of my life, and I want to have a family with this woman, so yes, I’m a very proud lesbian.”
Delevingne’s reflections on her career and her journey of self-acceptance paint a picture of resilience and growth. Her willingness to share these personal experiences contributes to a broader conversation about authenticity and the importance of embracing one’s true self in an industry often dictated by rigid expectations and norms. As she continues to navigate her career, Delevingne remains a symbol of courage for many, embodying the notion that it’s never too late to be true to oneself.