Bella Hadid on the surprising way she spends her downtime, why Gigi is an ‘angel’ and plans to break Hollywood
With millions of Instagram followers watching her every move, prestigious beauty and fashion houses bending over backwards to work with her and one of the most distinctive looks in the industry, Bella Hadid is among the roster of next gen supermodels.
It’s little surprise, then, that hundreds of teenage girls (and boys) have been lining the Cannes Croisette for hours in anticipation of the model’s arrival. “Bella, Bella!”, they scream as the lithe-limbed star arrives fashionably late, naturally, at the Magnum x Cannes venue at the annual film festival.
Bella is in the French Riviera to celebrate her new collaboration with Magnum; the star and her fashionable friend, Alexander Wang, have teamed up to work with the iconic ice cream brand. Despite the fact the duo are running late, Bella takes the time to sign autographs, pose for selfies and speak to her fans one by one; proof in itself that the 21-year-old isn’t ‘affected’ by her position and is keen to give time back to the army of fans who endorse her online brand with every like and comment. This is later reiterated when I sit down to interview her.
A bundle of energy, Bella immediately makes you feel like her best friend; two minutes into our chat and she’s already complimented my dress and invited me on holiday to Lisbon. She’s self-deprecating, laugh-out-loud funny and the kind of girl you really want to go on a night out with (luckily I got to do that later on).
Of course, one look at her Instagram and you’d be mistaken for believing she has a life most women would dream of, jetting between the hottest parties and fashion shows with her gaggle of famous gal pals. But Bella will be the first to admit that while she appreciates that she's ‘so lucky’ to lead the life she does, she’s actually happiest in a scenario far removed from the one we pour over on her Instagram.
“My friends are always waiting for me on the sofa when I get back from trips and I love downtime just watching movies, just like you,” she tells me.
“I love watching cartoons, it’s all I do. I also play video games and buy weird toys and little trinkets.”
Of course, Bella has a penchant for a party and put in a stellar display at the Magnum x Cannes party later that evening (where she was spotted cosying up with ex-boyfriend, The Weeknd), but taking time out for herself is what keeps her grounded in the fast-paced and fickle world of fashion and showbiz. “The food and champagne are the pleasures of Cannes but it’s so important to make time for myself.
“I work so much and meet so many new people every day so I like to just take time for myself to reflect on what I’ve done and stay centered. We take daily life so seriously but we forget to take our happiness seriously. I make a point every day to put myself first before I get stuck in the ruckus.”
It seems she wasn’t lying; when asked what she wanted in her ‘rider’ (the hamper that celebrities have waiting in their room), Bella simply asked for sweets and a sheet mask (the MZ Skin Hydra-Bright Golden Eye Treatment Mask, if you’re asking).
“Taking care of your skin over anything is the one beauty tip I swear by,” she said of her ride-or-die beauty hack. “It’s the one tip that my mom gave to me. Before makeup, it’s always about what’s underneath, so I like to switch up my products a lot and try the best thing that works for me. So, as well as drinking a lot of water, keeping your skin the best it can be and really taking care of yourself before you apply your makeup is my ultimate beauty hack.”
It seems to be working for her - beauty houses are clambering over each other to sign the star as the face of their brand (she’s currently Dior’s postergirl). The same rings true for fashion houses; the star has walked the runway for every designer and has a CV boasting Chanel and Giuseppe Zanotti campaigns.
Rather than just putting her name (and genetically-blessed face) to a brand, Bella tells me she’s fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes at fashion houses.
“I get to see such an inside look at the designers and the way they work. The designers’ brains work so fast, and to be a part of that and see the way they work is what really fascinates me.”
So what scares her about the fashion industry? “The girls that don’t realise how beautiful they are,” she reveals. “It makes me sad because sometimes people get wrapped up in the fashion industry and think it’s about the way you look but it’s more about everyone working together collaboratively, and it’s a really beautiful industry when you look at the good sides of it.”
As well as counting designers like Alexander as a close industry friend, Bella is lucky to work alongside sister and fellow supermodel-in-the-making, Gigi Hadid. The pair have walked the catwalk together, have the same tight-knit group of friends and recently posed naked together on the cover of British Vogue.
“When I came out of the womb and she was the first one to hold me, I asked myself ‘how am I this blessed to have a sister like this?”. I love her to death and have had so many ‘pinch-me’ moments with her, in fact, I have them every day.” Bella reminisces on the duo’s childhood at camp together, spent riding horses every day for weeks. “She’s an angel,” she muses.
Bella also notes that her pared-back childhood and penchant for horse riding informed her style. “Growing up I always rode horses and wasn’t into the way I dressed. Now I actually enjoy being in baggier clothes and sweatpants and that’s what makes me feel sexy,” she said. "Have a confident stance and take on the world – and then you’ll feel sexy."
So what’s next for Bella – and is there even any room left on her CV?
“One day I’d like to explore movies, but I’m bad at remembering lines so hopefully they have good prompters on set,” she jokes.
For now, Bella is looking forward to spending the summer exploring the world with her friends and family.
“This summer I’ve got more time to myself, which I haven’t had in a few years, to really be able to experience places. I've been to Cannes three times but only really seen interview rooms. I want to go to Morocco and back to Egypt – I haven’t been since I was a kid – places that I can really experience.
“I am going to make great memories.”
Hopefully she remembers the invite she extended to Lisbon and we’ll get to go along for the ride.
Let's take a look back at Bella's best beauty moments...
Getty ImagesWe are living for Bella's beachy blonde curls and old school Hollywood vibes. So chic.
Getty ImagesAnyone else tempted to chop off their longer locks in favour of a Bella style sharp bob? calls hairdresser immediately
Getty ImagesFew people can pull off this slick pixie crop but Bella is certainly one of the lucky few. Obsessed!
Getty ImagesBella is a total beauty chameleon - and no matter what hairstyle she's rocking, she's doing it in style. This half-up look offset with soft bangs is a modern take on a classic look.
Getty ImagesBella is spotted in the middle of a crowd watching the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Real Madrid CF. The look? Sleeked back low bun, natural makeup with rosy cheeks and defined brows. Gorge!
Getty ImagesWhoa, what an edgy look from Bella! The model arrived at the Alexander Wang show with bold black and white eye makeup and a curly bob. This is the first time we've seen the model style her strands in a post-beach day 'do and let us tell you, we're really feeling the look.
Rex FeaturesAnother day, another VS party, and yes, another slay. Bella looked absolutely stunning last night, matching her burgundy dress to her plum-hued lipstick and finishing her look with her signature feline-flick.
REXBella Hadid looked gorgeous at the VS afterparty, trading her signature feline flick for a more pink-hued flirty makeup, and pairing it with a slick 'do.
Getty ImagesBella Hadid stole the show at the American GLAMOUR Awards. We're not worthy of this perfect feline flick, sleek pony and all those diamonds. Bow down.
Rex FeaturesWhen in Rome, Bella stole Ariana's updo and paired it with a feline flick that might be one of our favourite beauty looks from the model. Absolute goals!
Rex FeaturesAt the Moschino SS18 show, Bella, sister Gigi and the other models were given a pixie cut look – and we think she nailed it.
Getty ImagesWow! How stunning does Bella Hadid look? The supermodel stepped out channeling old Hollywood glamour, with a wavy lob, cat-eye and red lips, for the Bvlgari Party in Venice.
Getty ImagesBella attended the CFDA's rocking a rather different look for her! We love her new glossy square bob, complete with a blunt fringe. Slight 80s vibes, no?!
Rex FeaturesBella attended a Dior party in New York dressed in a cute denim combo and rocking no-makeup makeup.
Getty ImagesBella Hadid looked stunning at the GQ Men of The Year, where she picked up Model of The Year. She sported a bronzed look for the occasion with a glorious toffee-coloured glossy lip. She wore her brunette hair poker straight, and it looked divine.
Getty ImagesWe love a glitter lip, and Bella does it better than anyone! We adore this look which Bella wore for Versace Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2016-2017. This is basically the makeup version of Dorothy's ruby red slippers in The Wizard of Oz.
Getty ImagesBella looked absolutely gorgeous on the red carpet in Cannes. Her slicked-back ponytail looked great with her bronzed cheekbones.
Getty ImagesWe were also rather obsessed with this faux fringe, which she rocked alongside her incredible red thigh-high split dress.
Getty ImagesWhat a killer feline flick! Bella looked chic in a rose-tinted lipstick and a wavy updo.
Getty ImagesThis shimmering coral lipstick looks perfect when paired with Bella's glossy brunette locks.
Getty ImagesAt the 2016 Met Gala, Bella kept it simple and minimalistic with a down-'do and pared-down makeup.
Getty ImagesWe're liking this glossy lip and deep side parting!
Getty ImagesBella knows what it means to let her earrings do the talking. Just check out these gorgeous metallic dazzlers!
Getty ImagesBella was spotted in full-on model mode at the SS16 Marc Jacobs show.
Getty ImagesBella always goes back to her faithful favourite: a super sleek centre parting. Top marks, Miss Hadid.
Getty ImagesNot many people could get away with a super tight topknot, but along with her stunning eye makeup, Bella totally does.
Getty ImagesWe love this no makeup makeup look and subtle tousled beachy waves.
Getty ImagesBella keeps it simple in barely-there makeup and another perfect centre parting.
Getty ImagesA similar look here, yet Bella experiments with a slightly brighter pout.
Getty ImagesBella looks noticeably younger here with little makeup and textured hair.
Getty ImagesJust how does Bella get her hair so insanely shiny and glossy?! And we'd like to know which eyeliner she uses for this sleek look.
Getty ImagesLook how young Bella looks here! Her hair is much shorter, and her makeup is barely-there.
