Jelena Noura “Gigi” Hadid emerged from Los Angeles to become a defining force in contemporary fashion. Her career, spanning from childhood to supermodel status, showcases a remarkable journey. She carries a heritage that is both Palestinian-American and Dutch.
The model’s rise to elite status was swift. In 2016, the British Fashion Council named her International Model of the Year. This honor cemented her place among fashion’s most influential figures.
Her influence is visible across the globe. She has graced the covers of at least 50 international Vogue editions. This achievement marks sustained power within the high fashion industry.
Since 2017, she has ranked among the world’s highest-paid models. Her annual earnings of $20 million underscore immense commercial and editorial power. This financial success highlights her significant impact over the years.
Early Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Long before the runway lights, a young girl grew up on a Santa Barbara ranch, unaware of the fashion world that would soon embrace her. Her foundation was built on family values and early exposure to modeling through her mother’s background.
Childhood and Early Modeling Work
The modeling journey began at just two years old. Paul Marciano of Guess discovered her, leading to Baby Guess ads. She paused modeling to focus on school and normal childhood experiences.
Her nickname “Gigi” came from her mother’s Dutch childhood. She adopted it in school to avoid confusion with another student named Helena. This personal name became her public identity.
Influences from Family and Early Education
Family played a crucial role in shaping her path. Her mother, a former model, provided early industry exposure. Her younger sister would later follow her into modeling.
At Malibu High School, she captained the varsity volleyball team and competed in equestrian events. This demonstrated discipline beyond fashion. After graduation, she moved to New York to study criminal psychology.
She suspended her studies at The School to focus on modeling full-time. The return to fashion in 2011 marked her official debut. The 2012 Guess campaign reignited the career that began in childhood.
Gigi Hadid: Career Milestones and Fashion Impact
February 2014 witnessed a breakthrough that would reshape fashion’s hierarchy. It began with a debut on New York’s most prominent runway. This marked the start of an extraordinary three-year ascent.
Breakthrough Moments and High Fashion Debuts
The model’s New York Fashion Week debut for Desigual signaled her arrival. That same month, she graced the cover of CR Fashion Book. This editorial cover marked her official entry into high fashion circles.
By 2015, her presence expanded across major runways and campaigns. She walked for iconic houses like Chanel and Marc Jacobs. Her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut in December brought mainstream recognition.
Key Collaborations and Campaigns
Strategic partnerships defined her rapid rise. Early work with Tom Ford included eyewear and fragrance campaigns. These collaborations showcased her commercial appeal and versatility.
The Tommy Hilfiger partnership became particularly significant. She co-designed the Gigi by Tommy Hilfiger collection for fall 2016. This creative role blended modeling with design direction.
During Fall 2016 Fashion Weeks, she dominated runways across three cities. She opened five shows and closed seven. This season cemented her status as an industry cornerstone.
| Year | Milestone | Brand/Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | NYFW Debut | Desigual | First major runway appearance |
| 2014 | First High Fashion Cover | CR Fashion Book | Editorial breakthrough |
| 2015 | Victoria’s Secret Debut | Fashion Show | Mainstream recognition |
| 2016 | International Model of the Year | British Fashion Awards | Industry peak recognition |
Highlights from High Fashion and Editorial Work
The year 2017 marked a creative zenith for the supermodel, as her influence expanded beyond the runway into design and photography. This period showcased her multifaceted approach to the fashion industry.
Iconic Runway Appearances and Magazine Covers
March 2017 witnessed an unprecedented achievement. Gigi Hadid appeared on four different Vogue covers in one month. This included American, British, Chinese, and the inaugural Vogue Arabia editions.
During the Fall/Winter 2017 fashion season, she dominated runways across major cities. She opened shows for Jeremy Scott, Anna Sui, and Balmain. She also closed presentations for Isabel Marant and Moschino.
Brand Ambassadorships and Signature Collections
The Tommy Hilfiger partnership evolved significantly during this period. She presented multiple seasonal collections from 2017 through 2018. This collaboration earned her recognition for Best Design Debut.
Her brand work expanded across luxury houses. Campaigns included Valentino, Versace, and Fendi in 2018. She also returned to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for her third appearance.
| Year | Brand Collaboration | Type | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Tommy Hilfiger | Ready-to-Wear Collection | Spring |
| 2017 | Versus (Versace) | Campaign Photography | Spring/Summer |
| 2017 | Vogue Eyewear | Accessories Collaboration | Multiple |
| 2018 | Reebok | Sneaker Collection | Fall/Winter |
| 2018 | Valentino | Luxury Campaign | Spring/Summer |
This era solidified her transition from model to creative director. It demonstrated lasting influence beyond traditional runway work.
Activism and Philanthropy in Gigi Hadid’s Journey
Beyond the glamour of the catwalk, a deep commitment to social justice has defined Gigi Hadid’s public persona. Her work supports a wide range of global causes.
Charitable Efforts and Global Causes
Her philanthropic journey gained early visibility. In 2016, she raised $25,000 for the Global Lyme Alliance during a MasterChef appearance.
That same year, she supported the BBC’s Children in Need project. She later announced a partnership with UNICEF in 2018.
Her first mission with the organization took her to Bangladesh. She visited programs aiding Rohingya refugees.
During the pandemic, she participated in a virtual charity tennis match for Feeding America. She also auctioned clothes for NHS Charities Together and the NAACP.
Support for Social and Political Movements
Gigi Hadid has consistently used her voice for political engagement. In 2017, she and her sister Bella protested the “Muslim Ban” in New York City.
She is a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement. Proceeds from her V Magazine editorial were donated to related organizations.
Her advocacy for Palestine is long-standing. In 2022, she pledged earnings from fashion shows to aid Ukrainian and Palestinian victims. She and her sister have donated $1 million to Palestinian relief agencies.
Personal Life, Relationships, and Legal Encounters
Behind the camera flashes and runway applause lies a personal journey marked by high-profile relationships and public challenges. The supermodel’s private life has unfolded with equal intensity to her professional career.
High-Profile Relationships and Family Ties
Her romantic history includes several notable partnerships. She dated Australian singer Cody Simpson on and off between 2013 and 2015.
A brief relationship with Joe Jonas in 2015 saw her co-direct a music video. Her most significant partnership began with Zayn Malik in late 2015.
They welcomed a daughter in September 2020. The family lived together on a Pennsylvania farm with her mother and sister Bella Hadid.
In October 2021, Malik pleaded no contest to harassment charges involving Yolanda Hadid. This incident ended their relationship.
They now co-parent their daughter separately. Since 2023, she has been in a relationship with actor Bradley Cooper.
Challenges, Legal Matters, and Media Spotlight
She has openly discussed having Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and social anxiety. The model attends psychotherapy to manage her mental health.
Legal issues include copyright lawsuits for posting personal photos. Both cases were settled outside of court.
In July 2023, customs officials in the Cayman Islands arrested her for marijuana possession. She received a $1,000 fine and release.
A 2017 visa revocation prevented her from working in China. This followed controversy over an online video gesture.
She deleted her Twitter account in 2022, citing platform bigotry. These events show the pressures of constant media attention.
On Screen: Gigi Hadid’s Ventures in Film and Television
The screen offered another canvas for the model’s creative expression, beginning with short films in 2012. Her television journey started with recurring appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills across multiple seasons.
Notable TV Appearances and Guest Roles
2016 was a busy time for her on television. She hosted major awards shows like the iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards and the American Music Awards.
She also served as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race and competed on Lip Sync Battle. More recently, she co-hosted the second season of Netflix’s Next In Fashion.
| Year | Show/Event | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2012-2016 | The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills | Guest Appearance |
| 2016 | American Music Awards | Co-Host |
| 2016 | RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 8) | Guest Judge |
| 2023 | Next In Fashion (Season 2) | Co-Host |
Music Videos and Specialty Projects
Her music video portfolio is extensive. She appeared in videos for Taylor Swift, Zayn, and Calvin Harris.
She even directed DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean.” A cameo in the film Ocean’s 8 and voice work in animated shows like Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? rounded out her screen work.
This diverse catalog of shows and projects demonstrates her reach beyond the fashion industry.
Final Reflections and Future Inspirations
From the runways of New York to the boardrooms of fashion startups, her journey represents a new era of modeling entrepreneurship. The launch of Guest in Residence in 2022 marked a significant evolution from cover model to creative director.
Her 5’11” frame with signature blonde hair became instantly recognizable across global campaigns. She balanced luxury fashion houses with accessible brands, creating a unique career duality.
As part of the “New Supers” generation, she helped redefine the modern model’s role. Her influence extends beyond fashion into activism and business leadership.
The future holds continued innovation through collaborations and her cashmere line. Her legacy blends commercial success with meaningful social impact.
