The original show was broadcast in over 180 countries, dubbed into 15 languages, and holds a Guinness World Record as the most successful telenovela in history. Worldwide Adaptations and Cultural Impact

While it was not the first story to feature an "ugly duckling" protagonist, it revolutionized the genre by stripping away the typical "magical makeover" trope until the very end. It focused on character development, satire of the fashion industry, and the harsh realities of classism and superficiality.