Karlie Kloss Is Hanging Up Her Angel Wings — Here’s Why

It’s no secret that Karlie
Kloss is one smart cookie (and we’re not just talking about the Momofuku
variety). Over the past several years, the 22-year-old has transformed
her modeling career into full-fledged mogul status, thanks in part to a freshly
inked L’Oreal endorsement deal,
a partnership with Code Academy, and of course, a posse of famous friends. Amidst all of her fashion success, Kloss hasn’t forgotten her long-term
goal of attending college — and she’s officially making it happen.

Vogue reported that its March cover star had recently been admitted to NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study
(with a reference letter from Christy Turlington Burns, of course). Focusing on her schoolwork, however, will require bringing one major chapter of her career to a close. A source close to Kloss told People, “Karlie is stepping down from her Angel duties. She’s got a
busy but exciting year ahead and the decision came down to timing. She’ll be
focusing on her modeling career, new business opportunities, and NYU starting in
the fall.”

Ed Razek, the chief marketing officer of Victoria's Secret and executive producer of the brand's fashion show confirmed the rumor. "Karlie and I met several months ago to discuss the many things she hoped to do in her life and career," he told us. "As we talked, it became clear she would not have the time to fulfill her myriad commitments. Reluctantly, we agreed she would leave the brand at the end of her contract. Karlie is one of a kind, a very close friend, someone I truly admire and love. She is, without question, one of the best models ever. But, she is an even better person. Her future is unlimited, and I am excited to see all the good she will do. Karlie Kloss will always be an Angel to me.”

This marks a major move for Kloss, who’s been a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show mainstay
for the past four years (and who's appeared in ad campaigns as an Angel since 2013). But, don’t worry, she’s not ditching modeling
entirely. As she told Vogue, “I’ll still be working
full-time,” she said. “I’m incredibly ambitious and have lots of goals within
my career that I’m not slowing down on anytime soon.” Phew. (People)