New Australian Victoria’s Secret model Bridget Malcolm is killing it in New York

BRIDGET Malcolm has come a long way from winning a model search. She’s now killing it in New York.

One of the more noticeable things about living in New York, is that you do actually rub shoulders with supermodels on quite a regular basis.

On my first trip to New York back in 2010, my girlfriend Maddy and I used to sit outside at La Esquina, sipping on margaritas and playing ‘spot the model’ — it kept us entertained for hours!

But is the life of a New York supermodel really as glamorous as we all think and how does one actually become one (aside from being blessed with perfect genetics)? Perth-born Aussie supermodel, Bridget Malcolm has not only been featured in top fashion mags such as Harper’s Bazaar and V Magazine but is one of the dreamy Victoria’s Secret models.

After being discovered in 2007 at Vivien’s annual model search parade in Forrest Place Perth, Bridget’s career as a model has been one that only very few are fortunate enough to have.

Pictured in 2008 before she left for New York, Bridget could have no idea how far her career would soar.

Bridget Malcolm walking the runway in the 2015 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Picture: Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

I caught up with her to find out the low down on her New York life, where you are likely to run into her and what her tips are on making it as not just a model, but a super one at that.

How did you wind up living in New York and becoming a Victoria’s Secret model?

That is a question I am still asking myself. This life is so incredible and I am so lucky to be living it! I think that strong willpower and tenacity allowed for it to happen — I am not a New Yorker at heart at all, I prefer wide spaces and coastal living. But I’ve now stuck it out for nearly eight years, and my career keeps getting better.

The polaroid taken with Bridget was first signed to Vivian’s Models.

Bridget on the cover of V Magazine.

What are some of your favourite places to go in the city? Restaurants, coffee shops, shopping? Places you go when you’re feeling homesick?

The best coffee in NYC has to be C & B in the East Village. We are there nearly every morning playing backgammon. I love Greenpoint — loads of amazing coffee shops, food and genuine people. If you head into Bushwick on the L train there is some fantastic vintage shopping.

I am a big fan of Lincoln Centre; I have started to take audit classes at Juilliard and love heading up there to see the philharmonic play. Whenever I am feeling homesick Nathaniel (Hoho, Bridget’s boyfriend) and I hop in a car and drive out to where he grew up in central Pennsylvania.

What do you love about living in New York and what do you find to be the most challenging?

I love that you have access to anything you could possibly ever want. If you have a hankering for Japanese French fusion food at 3am there is access to that. There’s always an incredible art gallery opening or gig. I struggle with the constant stimulation and find I need a lot of time recovering. I am very much an island girl at heart!

She’s still an Australian (and now a Bonds model) at heart. Picture: Bonds.

What do you miss the most about Australia?

The chilled people, the beaches, the weather, the incredible food ... I love coming home and will make the trip for just about anything!

How does the fashion/modelling industry differ in the US to Australia?

I find the US market to be much more confident about what they do — but the standard is incredibly high in Australia. I am always so impressed by my home country and love seeing the incredible artists and talent that comes out of there.

Is the life of a Victoria’s Secret model as glamorous as we all think?

It really is amazing! They are such a lovely big family, who treat their girls incredibly well.

What are some of your favourite Aussie designers?

I’m obsessed with Zimmermann and Lover!

Bridget Malcolm pictured with her boyfriend Nathaniel Hoho last time they were in Sydney. Picture Cameron Richardson

What advice can you give to someone wanting to ‘make it in New York’ as a model?

Be patient, develop a relationship with your agent, be nice to everybody (because everyone also is rising through the fashion scene and you want to be a happy memory!) treat this like a full time job because it is and it will be over before you know it. And keep light hearted about it — it’s only fashion!

Bridget Malcolm at the 2015 Victoria’s Secret after-party. Picture: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Bridget loving her time on the Victoria’s Secret runway. Picture: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Follow Isabel Thomson-Officer on Twitter @missizzyofficer