REMEMBER THE FIRST time you saw Bella Hadid discuss her favourite trainers, and you died a little inside?

But with the phrase ‘homeboy’ still echoing in your mind, you suddenly realised it was probably the most animated you ever saw the model.

And that’s because Bella has earned herself a reputation reminiscent of Victoria Beckham’s.

In other words, she just doesn’t smile that much, or has…ahem… resting bitch face.

PA Images PA Images

Speaking to her sister, Gig Hadid, in a recent interview for Harper’s Bazaar, Bella admitted that this perception tends to get her down.

People always say I have the same facial expression. But what they don’t realize is that for a long time I looked that way because photographers on set would direct me to look ‘bored’ or ‘very nonchalant.’ But it isn’t necessarily the way I really am. You’ve known me, of course, my whole life. And ever since I was a baby, I was always smiling.

The 21-year-old elaborated on the subject, explaining that she’s attempted to defend herself against accusations of aloofness, insisting that the photos are only a momentary snapshot into her life.

For a while I fought a lot of battles—with myself, with people online—and it brought me down. When people would say, ‘Oh, she’s so mean,’ I wanted to say, ‘Maybe I’ve just had a bad day! Or maybe I’ve just been crying.’ You never know what people are going through.

PA Images PA Images

They see such a small piece of our lives, like paparazzi photos of us leaving the house. You know how awkward that is? To walk out of your own home and have 40 people waiting outside. And then you need to smile at random strangers.

Gigi reassured Bella that while her public persona suggests a very different character, she knows how highly her sister is regarded within the fashion industry.

They’re like, “Oh, she looks like a bitch today.” In fact, though, you have more patience and compassion than anyone I know. I always see you stop for fans. And after a long day of work, you always remember everyone’s name, and you always give people hugs.

Sure, you’re grand, Bella. Not to worry.

DailyEdge is on Instagram!