Gigi Hadid: Journey Of A Fashion Icon

Standing at an impressive 5-feet-10-inches, Gigi Hadid has made her mark in the modeling world from a very young age. She was born in 1995 to a family with deep ties to the fashion industry; her mother, Yolanda Hadid, was a renowned model and a star of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Although she initially focused on competitive horseback riding and volleyball during her high school years at Malibu High School, she returned to modeling at the age of 17. Gigi has collaborated with high-profile brands such as Tom Ford, Versace, Reebok, and Victoria's Secret, solidifying her status as a leading fashion model through countless magazine covers and runway shows at major fashion events worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Jelena Noura Hadid, widely known as Gigi, was born in Los Angeles on April 23, 1995. She grew up in Santa Barbara, where her passion for horseback riding bloomed. With modeling in her lineage, courtesy of her mother, Yolanda, who was a famous Dutch model, Gigi's path seemed destined. She recounts that her modeling career began at the tender age of two when she was discovered by Paul Marciano, co-founder of Guess.

Throughout her early years, Gigi juggled her modeling career with her desire for a typical childhood. After modeling for Baby Guess and Guess Kids, she decided to take a break to focus on her education and sports. Gigi became the captain of her high school volleyball team and even qualified for Junior Olympics. After graduating in 2013, she moved to the East Coast to study criminal psychology at The New School in New York City. However, her modeling career took off after signing with IMG Models, leading her to pause her studies.

Siblings and Family Dynamics

Gigi Hadid has two younger siblings, Bella and Anwar, who are also successful models. The trio is often seen supporting each other's careers in various fashion events. Both Gigi and Bella have walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and starred in campaigns together for renowned brands like Fendi and Moschino. Their collaboration in 2017 made them the first siblings to feature on the Forbes World’s Highest Paid Models list.

Gigi has expressed that her sister Bella is a significant source of strength for her. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, she shared how Bella understands the pressures of the modeling industry, allowing Gigi to confide in her. In addition to her siblings, Gigi has two older half-sisters, Marielle and Alana, along with five step-sisters from her mother's marriage to music producer David Foster, including Erin and Sara Foster, stars of VH1's Barely Famous.

Modeling Career Highlights

Gigi made her debut at New York Fashion Week in February 2014, walking for Desigual. However, she credits her significant breakthrough to French fashion editor Carine Roitfeld, who featured her on the cover of the spring 2014 issue of CR Fashion Book. The following months proved fruitful for Gigi as she starred in various campaigns, including a collaboration with Tom Ford where she appeared alongside Patrick Schwarzenegger.

In January 2015, she became the brand ambassador for Maybelline, marking her rapid rise in the industry. Gigi's first appearance in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in December 2015 came after two unsuccessful auditions to become an Angel. She later gained confidence and officially earned her wings in the following year's show. Gigi's collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger in 2016 further elevated her status, leading her to walk for iconic designers like Versace, Chanel, and Fendi.

Television and Film Appearances

Gigi's talents extend beyond modeling; she has also ventured into acting and reality television. Her first acting role was in the short film Virgin Eyes in 2012. In 2014, she portrayed Slay-Z in Taylor Swift's popular music video Bad Blood. Gigi has appeared in other music videos and directed the 2015 clip Cake by the Ocean for DNCE.

Her reality television debut came with her mother Yolanda on Bravo's The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills from 2012 to 2016. Since then, Gigi has participated in various shows, including Masterchef and Lip Sync Battle. In November 2016, she co-hosted the American Music Awards, showcasing her versatility and charisma beyond modeling.

Health Challenges

In February 2018, Gigi addressed body-shaming comments from social media users by revealing her struggle with Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune thyroid disorder. She emphasized that her body changes were often misunderstood, as she was not diagnosed with the condition when she entered the modeling industry. Gigi openly discussed her journey to find proper medication and undergo holistic treatments to balance her thyroid levels.

Gigi reaffirmed her commitment to her health by stating that she would no longer feel compelled to explain her body's appearance. She stressed the importance of accepting diverse body types and encouraged others to embrace their individuality, regardless of societal beauty standards.

Personal Relationships

Gigi Hadid's personal life has often made headlines, particularly her relationships. She was previously linked to singers Cody Simpson and Joe Jonas before beginning a relationship with Zayn Malik in November 2015. Their romance blossomed after they met at a Victoria's Secret party, where Zayn approached Gigi and asked her out.

The couple has collaborated professionally as well, starring together in Zayn's music video for Pillowtalk and participating in several photo shoots for Vogue. Despite their public relationship, they confirmed their breakup in March 2018 but reunited later that summer. In April 2020, news broke that Gigi and Zayn were expecting their first child, and they welcomed their daughter Khai in September.

Gigi's journey is marked by resilience, determination, and a commitment to her craft. Through her modeling, television appearances, and personal experiences, she has become a role model for many, showcasing the importance of embracing one's unique journey.

Quick Facts about Gigi Hadid

• Birth Year: 1995
• Birth Date: April 23, 1995
• Birth State: California
• Birth City: Los Angeles
• Country: United States
• Gender: Female
• Best Known For: Gigi Hadid is an American fashion model who has worked with top fashion designers and appeared on the covers of Vogue, Teen Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, and Glamour.
• Astrological Sign: Taurus
• Education: The New School
• Nationality: American

In summary, Gigi Hadid's journey from a young girl discovering her passion to becoming a global fashion icon is inspiring. She has navigated the challenges of the modeling industry with grace, resilience, and a commitment to her health and personal values. With her continued presence in the fashion world and her advocacy for body positivity, Gigi remains a powerful figure for many aspiring models and fans alike.