The rise of Kate Upton continues to make a mockery of stylist Sophia Neophitou and her infamous comments about Kate never walking the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show because she looks like a “footballer’s wife” and a “Page 3 girl”, referring to the London’s The Sun.

I so love it when haughty people are put in their place by talent and moxie.

Kate clearly has both talent and moxie, lensed here by one of a handful is really great fashion photographers — Steven Meisel. Trust Vogue Italia’s EIC Franca Sozzani to position ‘Miss Kate Upton’ in a rarified league of the world’s most glamorous sexual creatures, a true sex goddess in Vogue Italia’s November 2012 issue. Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele styled Kate in high drama sensuality — a look she understands so well, that it pulses like blood in her veins. This is the A team in action and they have elevated Kate Upton into a place where this truly lovely young woman can send a nod of understanding to the image of herself in the mirror. And for goddesses sake, Kate, give yourself a hug.

I can hear Neophitou saying “tacky, tacky” but what the hell. I love the contrast in these images of Kate being Marilyn Monroe ready to sing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” one moment and then she’s frankly disruptive — probably too much for most men to handle in others.

Sensuality is not tacky.

If VS does come calling to Miss Kate Upton, I say “double your price”, Kate. This 10-year Victoria’s Secret executive from the inner sanctum says you’re perfect for VS. I have no idea where they got so hoity-toity about their brand — but I don’t believe Neophitou represents VS think. She just takes herself a bit too seriously some days. ~ Anne

Update: Kate Upton married major league baseball pitcher Justin Brooks Verlander in 2017. They live primarily in Miami and have one daughter Genevieve, age 3. Verlander, now 40, signed a two-year contract with the New York Mets beginning in 2023.