Kate Upton opened up about the hardships she faces as a model in her cover story for Elle's September 2013 issue.

She wears a neoprene dress and necklaces from Lanvin and link necklaces, bracelets, and a ring from David Yurman on the magazine cover. The photo shoot took place in New York's Hamptons and for her inside spread Upton wore designs by Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Lanvin and Fendi.

The 21-year-old Florida native said in her interview with the publication that because she is a model, people treat her unfairly and think they can take advantage of her. She is handled like a "dumb blonde," but has a message for her critics.

"People deal with models like they are children," she explained. "They think they can pull one over on you. It's actually funny. I'm always like, I'm about to pull something on you, and you're so focused on thinking I'm dumb you're not even going to know.' "

Even with critics, Upton has shot up to stardom as a model featured in a number of spreads and magazine covers. She has graced the front of American Vogue, Vogue Italia, Vogue Brazil, Cosmopolitan, Sport's Illustrated, its coveted Swimsuit Issue, GQ and many more.

Though it was an honor, Upton admitted that her first Sports Illustrated cover brought her only grief.

"After my first Sports Illustrated cover, I felt terrible about myself for a solid month," she confessed. "Every single guy I met was either married or about to be married, and I felt like I was their bachelor present or something. I'm not a toy, I'm a human. I'm not here to be used. I am a grown woman, and you need to figure your s--t out."

Upton is currently focusing on her career, making that a priority over dating and finding a partner. Addressing rumors that she is romantically involved with Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy, she denied claims that they are in a relationship.

"I really have never had a serious relationship in the industry. I'm just having fun," she said. "Obviously I have a very busy schedule at this time in my life, and I don't put relationships as a priority."

Read the full interview in Elle's September issue, on newsstands Aug. 20. Click here for a behind-the-scenes video of the photo shoot.

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Kate Upton, Elle