Gigi Hadid – Biography
Full Name: Jelena Noura Hadid
Stage Name: Gigi Hadid
Date of Birth: April 23, 1995
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
Nationality: American
Profession: Fashion Model, Television Personality
Early Life and Family
Gigi Hadid was born into a well-known family. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, is a former model and a reality TV star best known for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Her father, Mohamed Hadid, is a real estate developer. Gigi has two younger siblings, Bella Hadid and Anwar Hadid, both of whom are also successful models.
She is of mixed descent — her father is Palestinian-American, and her mother is Dutch-American.
Gigi began modeling at a very young age. At just two years old, she was discovered by Paul Marciano of Guess and started modeling for Baby Guess. However, she paused her modeling career to focus on school.
Education
Gigi graduated from Malibu High School in 2013, where she was also active in volleyball and horseback riding. She later moved to New York City to focus on her modeling career and briefly studied criminal psychology at The New School but left to pursue modeling full-time.
Career Breakthrough
Gigi’s professional modeling career took off in 2013 when she signed with IMG Models. Her big break came in 2014 when she made her debut walking in New York Fashion Week. She quickly rose to fame with her striking looks and charismatic presence.
She has since walked for major fashion houses including Versace, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Tommy Hilfiger, and Victoria’s Secret. Gigi became a global ambassador for brands like Maybelline, Reebok, and Tommy Hilfiger, with whom she also collaborated on a fashion line.
Achievements and Recognition
- Named Model of the Year at the First Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards in 2015.
- Appeared on the cover of major magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Glamour.
- Hosted major fashion events, including the American Music Awards (2016).
- Walked in several Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows.
Personal Life
Gigi Hadid has had high-profile relationships, most notably with British singer Zayn Malik. The couple began dating in 2015 and had an on-and-off relationship for several years. In September 2020, they welcomed a daughter named Khai.
Gigi is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life despite her fame. She has also been vocal about political and social issues, including her Palestinian heritage and support for various humanitarian causes.
Interesting Facts
- Gigi’s nickname came from her mother, who used to call her that as a child.
- She has over 80 million followers on Instagram.
- In addition to modeling, she has dabbled in photography and creative directing.
Fashion Influence and Style
Gigi Hadid is considered one of the most influential fashion icons of her generation. She has redefined modern modeling with her combination of high-fashion elegance and casual streetwear charm. Her personal style is often described as effortlessly chic, combining designer labels with approachable fashion choices.
She frequently makes headlines for her appearances at Fashion Weeks in Paris, Milan, New York, and London, often praised for both her runway presence and her off-duty model looks.
Business Ventures and Collaborations
Gigi has expanded her brand beyond modeling:
- Tommy Hilfiger x Gigi Hadid: She co-designed several capsule collections with the brand, blending American sporty style with her own personal aesthetic.
- Reebok Collaboration: She worked with Reebok on campaigns that promoted women’s empowerment and athletic fashion.
- Guest Editor and Photographer: Gigi has taken creative control behind the camera, shooting fashion campaigns and magazine spreads, including a Vogue cover featuring herself and Zayn Malik.
These ventures show her versatility as not just a model, but a creative entrepreneur.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Gigi is actively involved in charity and activism. Some of her notable efforts include:
- Donating her earnings from fashion shows to COVID-19 relief in 2020.
- Advocating for Palestinian rights and using her platform to raise awareness of humanitarian crises.
- Supporting organizations such as UNICEF, Feeding America, and Black Lives Matter.
- Participating in fashion initiatives that support sustainable fashion and ethical labor.
Her social media is often used to highlight both her professional work and the causes she believes in, showing a balance between influence and responsibility.
Motherhood and Recent Life
Since becoming a mother in 2020, Gigi has taken a more selective approach to her career, choosing meaningful projects that allow her time with her daughter, Khai. Despite stepping back slightly from constant public appearances, she remains a highly sought-after figure in the fashion industry.
She has spoken in interviews about the joy and challenges of motherhood, emphasizing how it has changed her outlook on life and work.
Legacy and Future
Even in her early 30s, Gigi Hadid has already established a lasting legacy in fashion. With over a decade of experience in the industry, she continues to evolve as a model, businesswoman, and public figure. Her influence stretches across generations, and she remains a role model for aspiring models worldwide.
As she continues to blend fashion, family, and advocacy, Gigi Hadid proves that beauty, brains, and compassion can coexist in one powerful figure.
Media Presence and Public Perception
Gigi Hadid’s fame isn’t limited to the runway — she’s also a media personality. She has made numerous appearances on television, including:
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (through her mother Yolanda)
MasterChef Celebrity Showdown (where she won $25,000 for Global Lyme Alliance)
RuPaul’s Drag Race and Lip Sync Battle
-
Hosting duties at major events like the iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards and co-hosting the American Music Awards
Her natural charisma and relatability have earned her a broad fan base. She’s admired not just for her beauty but also for her humility and professionalism. Despite being one of the most photographed models in the world, Gigi is often praised for maintaining a grounded and approachable personality.
Relationships and Public Interest
Gigi’s personal life, particularly her relationship with Zayn Malik, has drawn significant media attention. The couple’s relationship began in 2015 and included public appearances, magazine covers, and even a joint Vogue shoot. Their daughter, Khai, born in 2020, is a cherished part of both their lives, though they’ve kept her largely out of the public eye to protect her privacy.
While Gigi and Zayn have since parted ways, they continue to co-parent respectfully, with Gigi often sharing her pride and love for motherhood in interviews.
Cultural Identity and Advocacy
Gigi Hadid is outspoken about her heritage and identity. She takes pride in her Palestinian and Dutch roots, often celebrating both cultures in her work and public statements. She has used her voice to advocate for global issues such as:
- Human rights in Palestine
- Refugee support and aid
- Environmental awareness in fashion
- Women’s rights and representation
By combining her platform with activism, Gigi represents a modern celebrity who is aware of her influence and uses it meaningfully.
Awards and Honors
Gigi has received numerous accolades throughout her career:
- International Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council (2016)
- Named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people
- Multiple appearances on Forbes’ Highest-Paid Models list
- Recognized by Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar as a fashion icon
These recognitions are a testament to her impact not only in fashion but in culture at large.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Gigi Hadid?
As of now, Gigi continues to balance her modeling career, business interests, and personal life. Some of her current and possible future pursuits include:
- Expanding her fashion brand and design projects
- Investing in clean beauty and sustainable fashion
- Continuing to act as a voice for humanitarian causes
- Possibly venturing into acting or writing
Given her intelligence, drive, and creativity, it’s likely Gigi will continue evolving — perhaps even outside the fashion world.
Conclusion
Gigi Hadid is much more than a supermodel — she is a symbol of modern womanhood: confident, compassionate, and multifaceted. From early beginnings in Malibu to the runways of Paris, she has not only dominated the fashion world but also redefined what it means to be a public figure in the 21st century.
Whether on a magazine cover, a catwalk, or speaking out for change, Gigi Hadid continues to inspire millions around the world — and her journey is far from over.
