Model life: Inside the world of Sydney’s Cheyenne Tozzi

SHE’s been labelled ‘the next Elle Macpherson’ and models all over the globe but what is Cheynne Tozzi really like? Step inside her private world.

GRACING the cover of Harper’s Bazaar at 13, being labelled ‘the next Elle Macpherson’, jet setting all over the globe to work with some of the world’s leading fashion labels: this was all just the beginning for Cheyenne Tozzi.

Tozzi is cool, impeccably effortless and uniquely talented which has led her down an inspiring career path.

Stepping into her waterfront Sydney home, seeing her most prized possessions, her familiar surrounds and an abundance of family portraits, we enter into her world and chat all things professional and personal.

CELEBRITY: Cheyenne Tozzi and Catherine Mcneil share Instagram photo

Model Cheyenne Tozzi posts, "Playing poolside with mamma @yvonnetozzi" Picture: Instagram

Some might say you were born into a modelling dynasty with your mum and aunties covering some of the world’s famous fashion titles. However, you have definitely made your own footprint in the fashion world when at 13 you became one of the youngest models ever to grace the cover of Harper’s Bazaar. At such a young age, did you realise what a big achievement this was?

I grew up surrounded by models, photographers, hair and make-up artists and stylists. It was such a creative environment and it’s all that I knew, so beginning to model myself at such a young age felt very natural to me. My mum came with me to the Harper’s Bazaar shoot and it was an amazing experience for us both, Mum knew all of the crew, so it was so much fun and a really exciting time for Mum and I.

Cheyenne Tozzi at home with Cezanne, the much loved family dog.

Was this the moment you became intrigued by the modelling world?

I’ve enjoyed the most incredible journey and feel very lucky to have experienced so many amazing adventures all over the world and to have met extraordinary people along the way.

It has always been the travel and the people that have intrigued me the most with the world of modelling, to shoot in some of the most exotic locations on the planet and work with very talented and creative people is so rewarding and such a privilege.

CELEBRITY: Sydney girl Cheyenne Tozzi heats up GQ magazine

Cheyenne Tozzi with just a few of her favourite things.

After this milestone, you were hailed as the next Elle MacPherson. Was this a lot of pressure to live up to?

I feel really blessed to have had an incredible network of mentors since I first started modelling and Elle has been there every step of the way. To have been hailed as the next Elle MacPherson was such an honour, I didn’t feel any pressure I just felt really flattered. I still ask Elle for advice and guidance and trust her completely.

Growing up on the beaches of Cronulla, you now divide your time between different cities all over the world – Spain, New York, LA and London. Is there a city you feel most at home in?

After living in New York for nine years I’ve really loved being back home in Australia to film The Face Australia and Australia’s Next Top Model. For me, Sydney and New York are the two cities where I feel most at home. My family is in Sydney, so it will always be where my heart is.

CELEBRITY LIFE: Cheyenne Tozzi adds beauty ambassador to her resume

Just a few of Cheyenne Tozzi’s favourite things.

What do you love most about coming back home to Sydney?

I love being close to my family and the beaches on the south coast where I grew up are the best in the world!

Aside from modelling you’re also a musician. How have you found the cross over into music? And is music something you always loved?

For as long as I can remember music has always been my other passion outside of modelling. When I was really young my Dad gave me a notebook that I would write the words to songs in — I still have it and use it for inspiration when I’m writing and recording new music. With my band Van Hoorn, we create rock and blues style songs. At the moment, I’m exploring some different styles of music on my own, which is exciting and I’ll hopefully have a new EP ready to share with the world very soon.

Cheyenne was born into a modelling dynasty. Her mum Yvonne covered some of the world’s most famous fashion titles.

How does the music industry compare to the modelling world? Are there lessons you have learnt from one that you can bring to the other?

I have learnt so many valuable life lessons from the modelling industry that definitely help me with my music — mostly it’s the network of incredible people that I have met through modelling that has been a huge help with my music.

Personally, modelling has taught me that life is only as hard as you make it, so I try to be chilled and enjoy the journey without taking anything too seriously.

GALLERY: Cheyenne Tozzi strikes a pose

Naomi Campbell and Cheyenne Tozzi were on TV series ‘The Face’ together.

You were a mentor on The Face alongside Nicole Trunfio and Naomi Campbell. What was this experience like, working and competing against these girls? Was it very competitive on set?

Working alongside Naomi Campbell, who is an industry icon was one of the best experiences of my career, we became very good friends and still speak all of the time and try to catch up whenever I am in New York or London. There was a great energy on set, it was definitely competitive and I think we all learnt so much from the experience.

Is TV something you would like to do more of?

I had such an awesome time filming The Face Australia and loved being on set filming Australia’s Next Top Model, so never say never!

Cheyenne Tozzi’s Loved ones and keepsake moments.

How do you find balance between your professional and personal life? How do you like to unwind?

My schedule can be hectic with really crazy call times but it comes with the territory, so I’ve learnt to accept that I need to make the most of every moment and I’m really good at sleeping on planes! I try to find time for me whenever I can and practice yoga and train with my Pilates instructor as often as possible or I’ll take my dog for a walk along the beach to peace out. Being with my family is very important to me, so I try to spend as much time at home in Cronulla as I can while I’m back in Australia working. To unwind, after a really intense week, I love to dance!

Cheyenne Tozzi has a huge future ahead of her.

Her accessories.

Originally published as Model life: Inside the world of Sydney’s Cheyenne Tozzi