Leighton's Interview for Cosmopolitan/Spain

Credits and special thanks to wrongcooze from blairwaldorfs for translation!

There is no trace of insolence in the real Blair, Leighton Meester, (24 years old) the North American actress that gives life to the perfidious protagonist in Gossip Girl. Neither the extreme fashionism inside her character, who is raised on Prada, Chanel, and Jimmychoos. It’s the first time she visits Spain and she does it exclusively for Cosmopolitan. Soon she’ll come out with an album. Herbal Essences has recently signed her as their image for their new cosmetics line. And she’s starring in a film with Gwyneth Paltrow.

She appears in the studio in black leggings, a wool jacket and a XXL bag. No makeup. She’s been accompanied by Charles Baker, a hairstylist of the firm and one of her best friends. (During the conversation, they reveal that they live in the same building of apartments in the Upper West Side of Manhattan). She has left the guitar in the hotel, her other companion on a long flight from NY. She’s missing hours of sleep, the wake up was brutal but (……………….? Something about her being sweet or seeking sweet coffee at hand? )And no trace of a diva attitude!

Are you aware that many hate you for your character in the series?
Well… people should know that I’m playing a character. That’s it! But I understand how they can mix that up. I don’t blame them for it.

Do you share something with Blair Waldorf?I admire her, a lot! Although she doesn’t always show it, she has a big heart. She’s a lot of fun but also very young (she’s 17 in the series) so she’s full of insecurities. She tries to make up for that by trying to be perfect all the time. She’s evil! She does what she wants, a ton of crazy things… so I can have fun too.

In the series you are always at war with your friends, until you’re finally all by yourself. I’m assuming this doesn’t happen to you in real life….
No. To start –I never fight with my friends (meanwhile Charles begins to comb her hair), I’ve maintained good friendships from years back. I don’t share Blair’s longing to have power. I like to go out to dinner, go bowling, drink champagne… do normal stuff like that.

And what’s essential in a good friendship for you?
It doesn’t seem easy for me to find someone who wishes you the best and for you to also wish them the best. When you find someone like that, it’s a great to resume the conversation where you’ve left it, despite having lots of time passed by. With certainty: someone who you can trust and can have fun with.(Mmm.. these qualities of someone whom you can spend the rest of your life with! Could she be talking about love? Queen Gossip: Leighton’s heart seems to be free since breaking up with Sebastian Stan, Carter in the series)

Like a companion… by the way the relationship with Chuck, your great love in the series, is torture. Do you believe that it is necessary to have this tension in real life in order for love to function?
No (she’s emphatic). I believe that love works when there’s peace. At least that’s how it is for me, although it may not always be possible because we’re all different. Chuck and Blair are very different, so they’re always at war but I think they love each other and that’s what is most important. It doesn’t matter how chaotic their relationship is if they really love each other.

Do you maintain contact with your co stars beyond work?
Of course! We see each other throughout the whole day, every day. We’re practically like a family. We always go out for dinner after work and things like that…

What’s your agenda like on a normal day?
If I’m working, I get up at 5-5:30 and am outside for the rest of the day. After filming I return home, eat and watch TV, I give myself a bath to relax and sometimes I go directly to bed if I’m tired. When I have spare time I like laying around the house go up the roof in my building to reflect. My life has been sounding very boring lately.

And how would a perfect day be like?
I suppose sleeping until the afternoon, eating a stupendous breakfast, taking a trip down to the Upper West Side, close to my house, and staying with my friends.

You’ll publish your disc this summer. Do you find the music more gratifying than acting?
They’re very different worlds. I have a lot of fun portraying characters because it’s basically another person but with music you’re yourself. Writing music turned out to be therapeutic and fun for me… In December, she’ll star in Love Don’t Let Me Down with Gwyneth Paltrow. Things are going well! She recognizes.

If you weren’t an actress or a singer what would you love to spend your time doing? Because I’ve heard you were a model when you were younger…A little, a little (it seems that she doesn’t really like remembering). If I couldn’t produce or direct, which I would love, I would be a therapist.

What kind?
Sexual! (Charles laughs from behind and she bursts into guffaws). It’s a joke. Psychology. It’s easy for me to help those that have problems and it doesn’t necessarily have to be someone close. I like analyzing and understanding people. (It comes out well for her, Charles corroborates.)

Any other hobby?
Apart from working all day and writing music? (laughs) I had a dog for a very long time that I used to take out but he just recently passed away. Don’t worry – she laughs at my apologetic gesture – “it’s okay”, he was old, he was 15 years old. I like traveling, going to all parts. I love Paris! I like when they send me to work far away. I also love Costa Rica, it’s a pretty paradise for vacation. The truth is I entertain myself where I go with the very delicious food, the party, the feeling of peace.

You also enjoy your life in NY very much…Of course! It’s the same [no matter] in which part of the city you’re in because you can always find cool places to listen to music, museums, or parks to relax in. It’s very entertaining!

Out of curiosity. Do people recognize you in the street?
No! The people basically ignore me. I have a lot of privacy and the people keep their distance, which I find magnificent.

How do you feel when you’re recognized in magazines as a “it girl”?
I like it. It entertains me and I’m thankful for it, but it’s not really my job. I like acting, the music, having a good time, life… and this is only one more aspect to that.

Do you consider yourself as glamorous as Blair?
I love the clothes, the fashion, and expressing myself with it but I sincerely don’t see Blair in Demin and a shirt, like I do most of the time. Blair’s immaculately dressed the entire day. It’s exhausting! So I’m afraid not. I’m not as glamorous as her (laughs).

Can you give us your secrets on how to feel sexy?
I would say, makeup…. I also think that being relaxed makes you feel good and I get that with a good bath. Ah! And the fresh scent. That’s sexy! (laughs)

Any part of your body you feel proud of?
My butt! I’m kidding… my smile, probably.

I’ve read that you live alone. How is that experience?
Magnificent! I shared floor until I moved to NY and now I live alone in an apartment. It’s very relaxing coming home and having everything to yourself. Your space, your stuff, you can decorate it however you want… I like it. Now that I live by myself I don’t think I’ll go back to living with people.

To finish, what do you believe is the key for success?
The key to success? (She ponders as if this is a difficult question) I think you have to believe in yourself, have the willpower of strength to work hard, be very firm… And the most important: Have fun with what you’re doing and like it!

What makes you happy?
Love… (she says it languishingly) my family, my friends, and my job.

—-

Her secrets for hair that’s a “10”
Very natural:
“I like protecting it from the damage of hair dryers, irons… I don’t protect it a lot but when I have the time I air dry it.”
Extra care:
“When I have my hair damaged because of styling and color I use the mask silky ends to prevent split ends.”
Gadgets //
“I use an Iphone and I want to get an Ipad (I have a lot of curiosity!), but I don’t get crazy with technology.”
On her Ipod…///
“You can find all kinds of music: country, rap, pop, rock… I like M.I.A, JC, Outkast, MGMT, Empire of the Sun.”
Do you cook?//
“Rarely! I only use the oven. I barely have fun in the house, except for fried potatoes.”
Temptation//
“I like Sushi, pasta, and Cookies.”

—–

Cosmo test //
Name: Leighton Meester

When I was little they called me:
Bunny, Lei-Lei

When I was little I was a fan of:
Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and… John Malkovich!

A talent that I would like to have
a. Sing opera
b. Know how to cook
c. Be a successful writer
d. Other

If I could change something of me it would be…
I would like to know how to cook!

In the streets people have confused me with…
myself

The worst part of fame is…
a. That they recognize me in the streets
b. That journalists ask about my partner
c. That people believe everything that comes out in magazines
d. Nothing! I love the fame.

I would go nude in a film if…
a.A director asked me to
b. it was mandatory for the story
c.I would never.

I prefer a guy that…
a. Treats their mom well
b. Treats their dog well
c. Treats their ex well

I never go out in the street without…
Caffeine

The first thing I value in a person is…
a. Their intelligence
b. Their appearance
c. Their sense of humor
d. Other

When I’m alone at home…
a. I watch TV
b. Sleep
c. Give myself a bath with salts and candles
d. Practice songs and read scripts
e. cook