Jelena Noura “Gigi” Hadid is one of the most recognisable figures in the fashion world today. With her dazzling beauty, strong runway presence, and incredible adaptability, she has earned her spot as one of the 21st century’s best supermodels. Aside from her modelling profession, Gigi is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social media influencer who is constantly challenging the definition of a modern supermodel.
Early Life and Background
Gigi Hadid was born April 23, 1995, in Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of Palestinian real estate developer Mohamed Hadid and Yolanda Hadid, a Dutch-American former model. Growing up in a multicultural family exposed Gigi to a variety of influences, which developed her distinct perspective and style. Her younger siblings, Bella and Anwar Hadid, have also achieved success in the fashion world.
Hadid went to Malibu High School, where she excelled academically and athletically, especially as a competitive horseback rider and volleyball player. Following graduation, she briefly studied criminal psychology at The New School in New York City before leaving to pursue her modelling career full-time.
Rise to Stardom
Gigi Hadid’s modelling career began at a young age, when she was noticed by Paul Marciano of Guess. She began modelling for Baby Guess but took a hiatus to pursue her schooling. After returning to modelling in 2013, she swiftly garnered traction, signing with IMG Models and making her New York Fashion Week debut in 2014. Her early campaigns for well-known companies like Tom Ford and Chanel established her as a rising star.
Her breakthrough came in 2015, when she walked for designers including Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Jean Paul Gaultier. That same year, she made her first appearance on the cover of Vogue, ushering in her reign as fashion’s queen.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Gigi has long been a favourite among leading designers and companies. She has walked the catwalk for prominent fashion brands such as Versace, Fendi, Prada, and Victoria’s Secret. Her ability to adapt between high fashion, commercial campaigns, and editorial assignments has earned her industry recognition.
One of Gigi’s most memorable professional accomplishments was earning the International Model of the Year award at the 2016 British Fashion Awards. Her partnerships with well-known companies such as Tommy Hilfiger, Reebok, and Maybelline demonstrate her ability to influence and define trends beyond the runway. Her Tommy x Gigi line with Tommy Hilfiger, which debuted in 2016, was a huge hit, highlighting her creative abilities.
Gigi has appeared on the covers of several renowned magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Glamour. Her presence on social media, where she has millions of followers, increases her power in the fashion industry. She utilises her platform for more than simply self-promotion; she also advocates for vital issues.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Gigi Hadid’s personal life has frequently been the focus of media coverage. She has been in high-profile partnerships, most notably with British musician Zayn Malik, with whom she has a daughter, Khai, who was born in 2020.
Aside from the flash and glamour, Gigi is extremely dedicated to philanthropy. She has sponsored a number of philanthropic organisations, including UNICEF, Save the Children, and Feeding America. She was very passionate about social and political problems, urging for Palestinian rights, women’s empowerment, and mental health awareness.
Challenges and Resilience
Despite her achievements, Gigi has encountered hurdles in the profession. She has been open about her experiences with body image criticism, emphasising the value of self-love and accepting natural bodily changes. Her struggle with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune thyroid ailment, has also affected her life, showcasing her strength and resolve to keep her job while putting her health first.
During the COVID-19 epidemic, she took a break from modelling to focus on parenting, but she returned with renewed vigour and purpose. Her ability to reconcile personal and professional goals continues to inspire many young women globally.
Legacy and Influence
Gigi Hadid is more than a model; she is a cultural phenomenon who has revolutionised beauty and success in the fashion industry. Her influence goes beyond the runway to include beauty standards, fashion trends, and social engagement. As she evolves, her impact will undoubtedly grow in the next years.
Her rise from a little girl with modelling ambitions to a global celebrity exemplifies hard work, devotion, and genuineness. Whether she is on the cover of a magazine, walking a famous catwalk, or using her voice for relevant causes, Gigi Hadid represents what it means to be a modern supermodel—one who is gorgeous, outspoken, and fearless to speak up for what she believes.
