COVER STORY: Hollywood Heir Ireland Baldwin is a Total Babe
Daughter of Kim Basinger and Alec Badlwin, Irealnd Badlwin is taking the model world by storm so we’re mad excited that she’s on the cover of our summer issue. Ireland demonstrated that one can still be humble and grounded even when your parents are super famous. Check out what she had too say about her career, her love for film and the bikini season.
Photography by Jacob Dekat
Creative Direction by Prince Chenoa
You’re the daughter of one of Hollywood’s greatest beauties. Did you mother inspire you to get into modeling?
My mom encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and try it. She was definitely my biggest motivator.
How did it feel after you signed with IMG? Was it a dream come true?
It was one of my happiest moments of my life. IMG is the best. They are family.
You made your acting debut in the film Grudge Match playing the younger version of your mother, Kim Basigner. Is that an avenue you plan on continuing in?
Acting is hopefully in the cards.
What are your tips for looking sexy on the beach?
The only way to feel good in a bikini is to treat your body right. Eat clean. Train. Stretch. Tone. Wear a bikini that suits your body type. Get your cheeks sandy. It’s cute. Do squats. Take it low, take it way lower then that. Ha.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you on set or on the runway?
The worst is when I’m shooting and I am dressed in gnarly outfits or I’m half naked and I’m asked to dance or walk through crowds of people for the shot. Everyone is staring. Also, I’m massively tall so when heels are included, everyone looks at me like I’m Godzilla. Blondezilla.
How has modeling changed your opinion of the fashion world as a whole?
I was never truly educated on fashion prior to my modeling career. I didn’t really think about it. I was used to jumping in and out of swimsuits everyday due to the fact that I was always ending up at the beach. I would go to class with zero motivation to wear actual clothes. I had no one to impress. We were all bums. I resorted to sweatpants, messy buns and converse as if it were uniform. If I was feeling adventurous, I’d throw yoga pants on. That was primarily because my diet consisted of Cup of Noodles and bagels so I needed the yoga pants to hold it all together. When I stepped into this world and truly got a feeling for what it’s all about, I literally said to myself, “oh shit.”
Was there a moment growing up when you were like “damn, I am hot”?
When I got my braces taken off and let my bowl cut grow out, I realized that I was a girl. So, that was when I realized there could be potential here.
You have some pretty gorgeous gal pals, like Angel Haze and Gigi Hadid. What kind of trouble do you guys get into?
Gigi and I like to pretend we are social and actually like going out but in reality we would rather be eating Chinese and watch Dance Moms. What can I say, we are too bad for own good. Angel is the most fun. We are always doing something stupid. She’s going to hate me for saying this, but she’s a homebody too though. So, in conclusion they’re both really lame and I’m the dangerous one.
You were seen in the Calvin Klein ads with Ryan Lochte. How was that experience?
Ryan’s abs were there. It was nice to meet them. The whole experience was incredible. It is an honor working with two iconic brands like Macy’s and Calvin Klein.
Beyond modeling, what other passions excite you?
Writing. Books. Film. Cinematography. The entire movie making process in itself is my greatest passion of all. I have been madly in love with movies my entire life.
