Naomi Campbell takes regular holidays so she doesn't "lose control".

The British supermodel - who has been involved in a string of scandals throughout her career, including various claims of assault - is "fascinated" by the way her life has turned out and she thinks she has learned many lessons along the way.

She said: "It's important to find your way in life and I can't complain about mine. It was fascinating. And I learnt that I need a break every six weeks. When I overwork myself I lose control. Now I know that it's better to disappear for a while at the right time."

The 40-year-old beauty also insisted she is not a diva and doesn't believe she fits the characteristics of one.

She told Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper: "It's merely a label. I never wanted it. When I hear the word 'diva' I think of Donna Summer, the opera, great voices, great talents, female Pavarottis, but not myself."

Naomi currently lives in Russia with boyfriend Vladimir Doronin, but insists she doesn't miss being in London as she always carries her favourite shawl to keep homesickness at bay.

She said: "I can feel at home where ever I am. My roots are in London, my family lives there and it's only a three hour flight away. But in Moscow no one cares where I go and what I do. There are wonderful museums, galleries, so much history to look at.

"I always have crystals, a bible and a shawl. As long as my hands are wrapped in that shawl, I can sleep where ever I am."