Gigi Hadid: One to Watch

Tipped as America's answer to Cara Delevingne, It Girl model Gigi Hadid also has a big social media following, a major cosmetics contract and high-powered fashion friends. The 19-year-old is a new face for Maybelline this year. Mentored by Carine Roitfeld, she is proving popular with top designers and photographers. In between modelling she has completed a first year of forensic psychology study. Psychoanalyse her answers here ... ON FASHION AND BEAUTY

Have you always been passionate about fashion? Since I was young, I have been intrigued with fashion and cosmetics print advertising and TV commercials. I would always sit in my room and try to re-enact the ones I loved. I also love walking past stores and seeing the window displays.

How would you describe your style?Casual chic. I love to glam up on occasion, but for a normal day, I love a cute outfit that is comfortable. I’d say my style represents my Californian upbringing and my New York City lifestyle.

What’s your favourite piece in your wardrobe? I’m not sure I can choose a favourite, but I think everyone needs the perfect-fitting jeans and a perfect pair of boots. My favourite boots are Chanel, and my favourite jeans would have to be my high-rise 3-zip cropped pair by Guess.

What show has been your favourite to walk in?Chanel for spring-summer 2015 was probably my favourite show because it was so organised, professional and stress-free. I loved it not only because it was a highlight of my life and career, but mostly I was able to enjoy and take in the beauty of the show because it was so well-run.

Who are your biggest fashion influences?Carine Roitfeld has been one of my biggest fashion influences not only inspirationally but also because of how much she’s guided and supported my career in fashion. She has one of the most effortlessly cool ways of expressing herself through fashion, which I think everyone should want to emulate regardless of their personal style.

From the moment we met, she took me under her wing, taught me so much, and led me to so many opportunities. I can’t thank her enough for how much she’s helped get me to where I am today, and I’m so excited to be able to tell her that one of my biggest dreams has come true, I’m working with Maybelline.

Who are your favourite designers? My favourite designers range from Australian fashion labels like The Fifth Label, Finders Keepers, and Cameo, to Diesel, Pucci, Chanel, Prada and Saint Laurent. It also really depends on whether I’m going to walk down the street or down a red carpet. My wardrobe is very high/low.

Who is your dream team glam squad (makeup artist, hair stylist, wardrobe stylist)? Allan Avendano (makeup) and John Ruggiero (hair) are two people I’ve been working with since I was 15. They are extremely talented and can make me smile and laugh all day long. I also love Charlotte Tilbury. She’s a master. Wardrobe-wise, Carine Roitfeld will always be part of my dream team.

ON BEAUTY

What are your thoughts on the power of makeup? I think that makeup has the power to really change someone’s confidence. 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. Good makeup is one of the best accessories.

Did you learn any beauty tips or tricks from your mother or grandmother? My mum mostly taught me about taking care of my skin, especially protecting it from sun-damage. One thing we used to do together when I was young was exfoliate our lips with a sugar scrub and a wet towel. She also taught me that less is more with makeup.

What is the one makeup item you cannot live without? Since I started wearing makeup, any Maybelline mascara.

What is your signature makeup look? Natural, golden, glowy and contoured.

What is your favourite beauty look to rock at night? I love a cat eye, but it doesn’t come out much. I usually stick to my signature makeup look at night, too.

Who is your beauty icon? When I was young I loved Candice Swanepoel’s makeup looks for events. I think she does a really great job of letting the makeup show off her face rather than take over.

How do you translate catwalk to sidewalk? Style-wise, I think it’s fun to mix catwalk pieces or inspired pieces with more casual things, to “street” it up, and leave the full runway looks for the shows and red carpets.

What is your beauty routine from the moment you wake up in the morning? I wake up and wash and moisturise my face. My everyday must-have makeup is a tinted moisturiser, mascara and a bit of bronzer, but that is just to get me started. At night I wash and moisturise as well. ON NEW YORK CITY, FAVOURITES AND OTHER THINGS

What does New York City mean to you? NYC is honestly a place where no dream seems too big. The possibilities are endless here.

What are your favourite restaurants in New York? Gemma, Egg Shop, The Smile, Nobu, Bar Pitti, Emack & Bolios, I could go on forever, New York is a foodie’s heaven.

Do you enjoy reading? What is your favourite book? Yes, I love to read mostly the news. My favourite books include The Giver, Brave New World, and Walk Two Moons. I'm reading The Alchemist.

Do you exercise? What is your favourite workout? Every day I’m in New York and not working, I box at Gotham Gym with my trainer Rob Piela. I grew up playing sports my whole life, so just working out at the gym doesn’t do it for me mentally. I love boxing because I feel like it’s something I can get better at and it takes my mind off reality when I’m doing it. It’s a great mental escape and I’m always excited to get back in the gym. Gotham is like my second home in the city.

Why did you choose The New School? I chose The New School because it’s a place where everyone has a lot of hobbies and interests, and the school embraces that and allows students to explore all of those things, instead of making them choose one.

What are you studying? I study criminal psychology at Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts.

What type of music do you listen to? I listen to everything from Beyonce to Michael Buble. My favourite artist has to be John Mayer; I could listen to all of his albums from start to finish.

What three songs are constantly on repeat? New Flame by Chris Brown, I'm Not the Only One by Sam Smith, and Blank Space by Taylor Swift.

What are your plans after modelling? I think I’ll always be in the entertainment industry; I would love to have a talk show or cooking show some day.

What gives you confidence in your job as a model and in life? 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.