PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY MAYBELLINE NEW YORK
THE NEW SUPER
Gigi Hadid is just 21 years old and she’s taking the world by storm. The international model and global phenomenon talks all things fashion and beauty with Sarah McAlpine. FROM NOT-SO-HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, Gigi Hadid has dominated the fashion scene, starring in campaigns for Versace, walking the runway for Chanel and earning her wings in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Adding to her list of achievements, she’s also been named a spokesperson for Maybelline New York. Born Jelena Noura Hadid, Gigi is the daughter of real estate mogul Mohamed Hadid and former model/The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Hadid. Gigi developed an infatuation with the industry early on, starring in a campaign for Baby Guess when she was just two years old. “Since I was young, I have been very intrigued with fashion and cosmetics print advertising and TV commercials,” says Gigi. “I would always sit in my room and try and re-enact the ones I loved.” Now, the 21-year-old works with a range of brands and describes her style as a casual mix of high- and low-end labels that represent her California upbringing and current New York lifestyle. 26
I know that when I’m feeling down and I put makeup on, it automatically makes me feel beautiful and therefore changes my mood. “My favourite designers range from Australian labels such as Finders Keepers, The Fifth Label and Cameo to Diesel, Pucci, Chanel, Prada, and Saint Laurent. It depends on whether I’m going to walk down the street or down a red carpet.”
Joining the Maybelline New York brand is a dream come true for the star, who has been a fan of the products since high school. “I think that makeup has the power to really change someone’s confidence,” Gigi says. “It is true that beauty comes from within, but I know that when I’m feeling down and I put makeup on, it automatically makes me feel beautiful and therefore changes my mood.” Not just a pretty face, Gigi is also studying Criminal Psychology at Eugene Lang College: The New School for Liberal Arts. When she’s not working or studying, Gigi is spending time with friends, reading, listening to music (including her favourite, John Mayer) and working up a sweat at celebrity-fave boxing gym, Gotham Gym. On remaining confident in an unforgiving industry, Gigi simply states, “I get more confident as I reach more of my goals because I know how hard my team and I work, and it’s really fulfilling to be rewarded through opportunities.” JULY16