7 Things Worth Knowing About Behati Prinsloo Got
The phrase "Behati Prinsloo got" has become a shorthand for ambition, adaptability, and the calculated risks that define a second act in showbiz. Behind the catchphrase lies a career built on strategic pivots—each one a response to the industry’s shifting tides. Here’s what her journey reveals about power, perception, and the art of getting what you want before the world decides it’s too late.1. The Victoria’s Secret Contract That Redefined Power Dynamics
Prinsloo’s 10-year tenure with Victoria’s Secret was the foundation of her early fame, but her departure in 2018 was the first major instance of "Behati Prinsloo got"—something the industry rarely hands to its stars. Unlike peers who left due to contract disputes or personal clashes, Prinsloo walked away on her own terms, reportedly after securing a seven-figure exit package (figures vary by source). More significant was the message it sent: she wasn’t just another angel phased out; she was a commodity with leverage. The move forced VS to confront its own aging-out problem, sparking conversations about how brands treat their longest-serving talent. What’s often overlooked is the negotiation strategy behind her exit. Prinsloo had spent years cultivating a personal brand beyond the VS logo—through her own social media, endorsements, and even a brief foray into acting. By the time she left, she wasn’t just a face; she was a package. The lesson? In an industry that prizes youth, the real currency isn’t just looks—it’s the ability to get recognition for the intangibles: influence, narrative control, and the audacity to walk away when the terms no longer favor you.2. The Lingerie Line That Proved She Could Compete with VS
Within months of her departure, Prinsloo launched Heaven by Behati Prinsloo, a lingerie line positioned as a direct competitor to Victoria’s Secret’s core offerings. The timing was deliberate: she wasn’t just filling a void left by her old employer; she was getting a piece of the market she’d helped define. The line’s debut was met with skepticism—could a former VS angel truly carve out a niche in an oversaturated space?—but its success hinged on one key differentiator: authenticity. While VS relied on aspirational fantasy, Prinsloo’s brand leaned into real bodies, collaborating with models of diverse sizes and ages, including plus-size influencers like Ashley Graham. The line’s early sales figures (reportedly in the low seven figures within its first year) weren’t just about profit; they were a statement. By proving she could get investors and consumers to back her vision, Prinsloo dismantled the myth that former VS angels were one-trick ponies. Her lingerie line became a case study in how ownership—of a brand, a message, and a customer base—could translate into financial and cultural capital.3. The Social Media Pivot That Turned a Model into a Thought Leader
Prinsloo’s Instagram following—now exceeding 5 million—isn’t just a vanity metric. It’s a tool she’s used to get her audience to engage with her on her terms. Unlike many celebrities who treat social media as a broadcast platform, Prinsloo has cultivated a two-way conversation, using her feed to advocate for body positivity, mental health awareness, and even political causes. Her 2020 post calling out the lack of diversity in fashion’s leadership roles, for example, wasn’t just performative; it got industry executives to take notice, leading to her appointment as a brand ambassador for Calvin Klein’s diversity initiatives. The shift from passive model to active commentator was risky. In an era where backlash can be instantaneous, Prinsloo’s willingness to get vulnerable—sharing struggles with anxiety, her South African roots, and even her divorce—humanized her in a way no runway walk ever could. The result? A loyal, engaged following that sees her as more than a pretty face. It’s a masterclass in how content can become a form of currency, one that extends far beyond traditional endorsements.4. The Controversy That Forced the Industry to Reckon with Aging
In 2021, Prinsloo became the face of Maybelline New York’s "Age Is Just a Number" campaign, a bold move for a brand that had long catered to a youth-obsessed demographic. The campaign’s tagline—"Beauty doesn’t have an expiration date"—wasn’t just marketing; it was a direct challenge to the industry’s aging-out policies. Prinsloo’s involvement in the project wasn’t accidental. She’d spent years observing how models like Gisele Bündchen and Cindy Crawford were gotten back into the spotlight through savvy reinvention, but she wanted to get ahead of the curve by normalizing maturity in beauty standards. The backlash was predictable. Some critics argued that the campaign was too little, too late—that Maybelline was only jumping on the bandwagon after Prinsloo and others had already forced the conversation. But the real victory was in the cultural shift. By associating herself with the campaign, Prinsloo didn’t just get a high-profile gig; she got the industry to acknowledge that aging isn’t a liability—it’s a brand asset. The campaign’s success (with double-digit growth in the mature cosmetics segment for Maybelline) proved that mature beauty could be a marketable commodity.5. The South African Roots That Fuel Her Global Appeal
Prinsloo’s South African heritage is often overshadowed by her international fame, but it’s a cornerstone of her personal brand. Growing up in Johannesburg, she was exposed to a diverse, multicultural environment that shaped her worldview—one that values authenticity over conformity. This perspective became a differentiator in an industry that often homogenizes its stars. When she got the opportunity to collaborate with African designers (like the late Lerato Mangena) or advocate for local talent, she didn’t just get exposure for herself; she got a platform to elevate others. Her 2022 partnership with African Fashion Week in London was a strategic move. By positioning herself as a bridge between African creativity and global fashion, Prinsloo got more than just a PR win—she got a narrative that aligned with the growing demand for inclusive storytelling. In an era where consumers crave realness, her ability to get her audience to see her as both a global icon and a rooted individual has been her most sustainable asset."I don’t want to be the exception. I want to be the rule. And if that means challenging the status quo, then so be it." — Behati Prinsloo, in a 2020 interview with Vogue
6. The Business Moves That Turned Her Into a Self-Made Mogul
Beyond modeling and activism, Prinsloo has gotten into entrepreneurship with a focus on scalability. Her lingerie line was just the beginning. She’s since gotten involved in fractional ownership of beauty brands, invested in tech startups (including a wellness app focused on body confidence), and even launched a podcast exploring the intersection of fashion and mental health. The common thread? Diversification. By getting her hands into multiple revenue streams, she’s insulated herself from the volatility of the modeling industry. What’s notable is her low-key approach to these ventures. Unlike reality TV stars who flaunt their business deals, Prinsloo has gotten into quiet investments—often through private equity or partnerships—rather than splashy launches. The result? A net worth (estimated at $12–15 million) that reflects not just her modeling earnings, but smart asset-building. The lesson? Wealth in showbiz isn’t just about the paychecks—it’s about what you get while you still have the platform.7. The Legacy She’s Building Beyond the Runway
Prinsloo’s most enduring achievement might be what she’s getting for the next generation. Through her Behati Prinsloo Foundation, she funds scholarships for young women in South Africa, focusing on STEM education and mental health resources. The foundation isn’t just a charity; it’s a strategic play to secure her legacy. By getting involved in education, she’s ensuring that her influence extends beyond aesthetics into social impact—a move that aligns with the evolving expectations of modern celebrities. Her work with UN Women and Girl Up further cements her role as a thought leader, not just a face. The irony? A woman who once got her start in an industry built on objectification is now getting to redefine what it means to be a public figure—one who uses her platform to lift others while still commanding the spotlight. It’s a full-circle moment for someone who got everything the industry offered—only to get so much more.
How These Facts Connect
The story of "Behati Prinsloo got" isn’t just about individual successes; it’s a microcosm of how power shifts in the fashion industry. Her ability to get control—whether over her career, her image, or her legacy—wasn’t accidental. It was the result of three critical realizations: 1) that youth is a finite resource, 2) that ownership (of a brand, a message, or a narrative) is more valuable than employment, and 3) that cultural relevance can be manufactured through authenticity, not just aesthetics. Prinsloo’s journey also exposes the fragility of the industry’s aging-out policies. While brands like VS have gotten richer by phasing out their stars, Prinsloo got ahead of the curve by reinventing herself before she became expendable. Her lingerie line, her activism, and her business ventures weren’t just hustles; they were hedges against irrelevance. In doing so, she got to rewrite the rules for what it means to age in an industry that rewards youth. The table below compares the key pillars of her reinvention strategy, highlighting how each move built on the last:| Strategy | What She Got | Industry Impact | Long-Term Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria’s Secret Exit | Financial leverage, narrative control | Forced VS to confront aging-out policies | Proved models can negotiate as equals |
| Lingerie Line Launch | Brand ownership, diverse customer base | Redefined "competitor" in lingerie market | Created a sustainable income stream |
| Social Media Activism | Engaged audience, thought leadership | Shifted beauty standards toward inclusivity | Built a loyal, commercial following |
| Maybelline Campaign | High-profile gig, cultural relevance | Normalized mature beauty in mainstream ads | Expanded her appeal beyond fashion |
Conclusion
Behati Prinsloo’s career is a masterclass in strategic evolution. The phrase "Behati Prinsloo got" isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s a metaphor for agency in an industry that often strips it away. Her ability to get what she wanted—whether it was a better contract, a competitive brand, or a voice in the industry—wasn’t about luck; it was about reading the room and acting before the rules changed. In doing so, she’s gotten to outlive the one-dimensional model archetype, proving that longevity in showbiz isn’t about holding on—it’s about reinventing before you’re left behind. The most subversive thing about her story? She didn’t just get the perks of stardom; she got to redesign what stardom could look like. For aspiring models, entrepreneurs, and even industry veterans, her trajectory offers a blueprint: Own your narrative early. Diversify before you’re forced to. And never wait for permission to get what you want. In an era where attention spans are short and loyalty is fleeting, "Behati Prinsloo got" stands as a testament to the power of proactive ambition.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Why did Behati Prinsloo leave Victoria’s Secret?
Prinsloo left VS in 2018 after 10 years with the brand, reportedly on mutually agreeable terms that included a financial package and freedom to pursue other ventures. While she cited a desire for new challenges, industry insiders suggest her exit was also strategic—she wanted to avoid the "aging-out" trap many VS angels face and control her own career trajectory. Her departure came as VS was criticized for its lack of diversity and aging models, making her move a cultural moment as much as a business decision.
Q: How much is Behati Prinsloo worth?
Estimates of Prinsloo’s net worth vary, but figures around the $12–15 million range have been suggested by business insiders. This includes earnings from modeling, her lingerie line, endorsements, and investments. Unlike many celebrities whose wealth is tied to short-term contracts, Prinsloo’s diversified income streams (including real estate and startup investments) have protected her financial stability beyond traditional modeling income.
Q: What is Behati Prinsloo’s lingerie line called?
Her lingerie line is called Heaven by Behati Prinsloo, launched in 2019 as a direct competitor to Victoria’s Secret. The brand stands out for its inclusive sizing (ranging from XXS to 4X) and focus on comfort, positioning itself as a modern alternative to the fantasy-driven VS aesthetic. Early sales performance (reportedly strong in the first year) proved that diversity could be commercially viable in lingerie—a niche long dominated by standardized beauty ideals.
Q: Has Behati Prinsloo done any acting?
Prinsloo has dabbled in acting, though it hasn’t been a central part of her career. She appeared in guest roles on shows like The Bold Type (2017) and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2020, as a special guest). While she hasn’t pursued film or TV seriously, her brief forays into acting suggest a willingness to explore beyond modeling—a strategic move to keep her skills versatile. Some industry watchers speculate she may return to acting in a more substantial role as her public persona evolves.
Q: What brands has Behati Prinsloo worked with besides Victoria’s Secret?
Beyond VS, Prinsloo has collaborated with a diverse roster of brands, including:
- Maybelline New York (for their "Age Is Just a Number" campaign)
- Calvin Klein (as a diversity advocate)
- Dolce & Gabbana (runway and campaigns)
- L’Oréal Paris (global ambassador)
- Puma (fitness and lifestyle collections)
- Heaven by Behati Prinsloo (her own lingerie line)
Q: Is Behati Prinsloo involved in philanthropy?
Yes. Prinsloo is a founder of the Behati Prinsloo Foundation, which funds scholarships for young women in South Africa, with a focus on STEM education and mental health support. She also partners with UN Women and Girl Up to advocate for gender equality. Her philanthropic work is strategic—it reinforces her public image as a thought leader while creating long-term impact. Unlike many celebrities who donate anonymously, Prinsloo leverage her platform to amplify these causes, ensuring maximum visibility.
Q: What’s next for Behati Prinsloo?
While Prinsloo hasn’t publicly announced specific future projects, industry insiders suggest she’s focusing on:
- Expanding her lingerie line into global retail partnerships
- Deepening her work in activism, possibly with a focus on African fashion
- Exploring new business ventures, including potential media projects (e.g., a documentary or podcast series)
- Mentoring young models through her foundation
