Taylor Hill: ‘I’m Totally Winging It’

She's taking the industry by storm, but it’s as much of a surprise to her as anyone else. LOOK’s Beauty Writer Gabrielle met with the model for a chat…

With her impossibly symmetrical features, and captivating face, It’s hard to imagine that modelling was not always Taylor Hill’s dream. Discovered at 14, she’s already a classic super. And with a face like that it’s no surprise that at just 19, Taylor has already ticked off what most models could only dream of achieving in their entire career. From fronting campaigns for H&M and Topshop, to walking in the Victoria’s Secret show, she’s just added L’Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert and Colour Correct Ambasador to her ever-growing CV, there’s no question, Taylor’s time is now.

You’ve been dubbed the most beautiful girl in the world, how does that make you feel?

I am so unaware. I like to feel that I am still who I was when I was first scouted at 14. Nothing else really matters to me besides my family and my friends and being a genuine person. There isn’t really a pressure in modelling, I’m just enjoying it and having fun. It was an accident, me getting here. It was thrown at me and I just went with it.

Did you have a backup plan?

I didn’t. Everything I do in life, I’ve always taken step by step and just winged it! I think having that edge, and having nothing to lose, really gives you the ambition to succeed and strive and not really care where you get but just be really happy with what you are doing.

When you post a pic do you ever think, ‘I have 6.9m followers looking at this’?

Not really, no. I think a lot of what I do is very organic – as if I was speaking to a friend. Making it too controlled loses the sense of getting to know them and them getting to know me. I really love to be spontaneous about my life.

How did it feel when you were chosen for the VS show?

I couldn’t believe it, I thought my agents were pulling my leg. I was like, ‘We just had a meeting last week and you said this wouldn’t happen to me for another few years, like I don’t understand. What are you saying, what are these words?” And they were like, “I don’t know Taylor, we are not kidding!’

Have you always been body confident?

Probably not. As a girl, I’m sure everybody can relate, we all go through an awkward phase. I definitely had an awkward phase. I’m the biggest nerd in the world. Growing up in the fashion industry where you are kind of always around artistic people who always appreciate you being there and your energy it really helped bring out my inner confidence and be OK with it.

Which part of your body do you like most?

I’d have to think about that one. I would say overall, in general, just love yourself. That’s the one thing I’ve learned and try to express to my fans, I don’t overdo it. I never say the words, ‘I have to work out’. I hate that.

Do you have to work hard at your body?

People hate me but I’m almost 6ft tall so where does it all go? That’s the thing I think a lot of people don’t register – models, we are very tall. And in photos you might not tell but I’m 5-7 inches taller than most women. But I do work out because I like it. I used to be a competing gymnast I work out for my mental wellbeing, so I don’t lose my mind.

You’ve been with your boyfriend for quite a long time, how do you guys manage to find time to see each other? Obviously you both have very busy schedules…

I think it’s just more about finding a balance. Because we have been together for sometime we really know each other, we love each other and we care about each other. Any relationship is important: friends, family…

What do you think about sharing a relationship on social media. Is there any negative effect?

I don’t think so. I try not to focus on anything negative because as soon as you do that, it’s all over from there. It gives away the special, fun parts of life as if I was a regular person. I just do what I do and ignore everything else.

What would be your idea of a perfect date night with your boyfriend?

Pizza and a movie. Something really exciting like a thriller movie. I’m really annoying I’m always like, ‘What’s going to happen’ and he’s like ‘I don’t know!’

What do you do to relax?

I like to sleep a lot so for me catching up on my sleep is a huge one for beauty routines. More than seven hours of sleep everybody!

Who is your ultimate style or beauty icon?

I couldn’t say someone in particular just because I think that all women should embrace their own beauty. I would never want to try and be someone that I’m not because I’ll never be them.

You have amazing hair. Do you have any special tips or any products you use?

My mum recommend a haircut every four weeks, just a little trim – half an inch will usually keep it shiny and fresh. I shot the Série Expert for L’Oreal and my favourite line within those products is the Enforcer. This is the one product I’ve found that is specifically targeted towards breakage and damage. A hair trim doesn’t always happen for me – I felt like oh my god, this thing is perfect for my life!

If you could have a lifetime supply of only one beauty product what would it be?

I don’t know, I can’t pick one! Coconut oil, the Énergie de Vie skincare from Lancôme and then a hydrating, nourishing lip mask. One for every part of my body!

If you could go back in time and tell yourself something that you know now about modelling or about life, what would it be?

For sure just be yourself. No matter how you feel that day, no matter how you feel you look or anything you go through in life that is hard…I was super awkward and really shy and I had glasses. Don’t focus on the little things so much, let them go.

Obviously everyone gets down day, how do you deal with feeling run off your feet or stressed?

I kind of just try and take care of myself. There are a few steps that you can do as a human being that we all need to do. Take a shower, eat something, whatever it is, whatever you are craving – don’t care just eat it. And go to bed. Those are the three things that change you perspective on life. Dirty, hungry and tired? Nothing can go great!

Who did you last call?

My brother – three times and he didn’t answer!

By Gabrielle Dyer

Instagram: @gdidwhat

The post Taylor Hill: ‘I’m Totally Winging It’ appeared first on Look Magazine.