Jelena Noura “Gigi” Hadid: A Journey Through the Fashion World
Early Life and Family Background
Jelena Noura “Gigi” Hadid, an eminent American model, was signed to IMG Models in 2013. By November 2014, she had made her mark, debuting in the Top 50 Models ranking at Models. In 2016, her exceptional talent was recognized when the British Fashion Council named her International Model of the Year.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, She is the daughter of real estate mogul Mohamed Hadid and former model Yolanda Hadid (née Van den Herik). Her mother, a Dutch-born American, and her Palestinian-American father endowed her with a rich cultural heritage. Gigi proudly claims descent from Daher Al Omer, the Prince of Nazareth and Sheik of Galilee, through her father’s lineage. She has two younger siblings, Bella and Anwar, both successful models, as well as two older paternal half-sisters, Marielle and Alana. After her parents’ divorce, her mother remarried music producer David Foster, bringing five stepsisters into Gigi’s life.
In 2013, she graduated from Malibu High School, where she excelled as the captain of the varsity volleyball team and was a competitive horseback rider. Post-graduation, she relocated to New York City to pursue higher education and modeling. She enrolled at The New School to study criminal psychology but paused her studies to fully commit to her burgeoning modeling career.
The Modeling Career Begins
Gigi’s modeling career was set in motion at the tender age of two when she was discovered by Paul Marciano of Guess clothing. She initially modeled for Baby Guess but took a break to focus on her education. In 2011, she made a triumphant return to modeling, working again with Marciano and becoming the face of a Guess campaign in 2012. Over the years, she has shot three campaigns with Guess as an adult.
Upon moving to New York City and signing with IMG Models in 2013, Gigi’s career rapidly advanced. She made her New York Fashion Week debut in February 2014, walking for Desigual’s show. That same month, she gained high fashion recognition by gracing the cover of CR Fashion Book magazine. On July 15, 2014, she starred alongside actor and model Patrick Schwarzenegger in Tom Ford’s Eyewear autumn/winter campaign. Gigi also co-hosted the Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards event in New York City on September 5, 2014. Her career continued to flourish with starring roles in campaigns for Tom Ford F/W 2014, Tom Ford Velvet Orchard Fragrance, and Tom Ford Beauty 2014. She graced the covers of Galore magazine and Carine Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book in 2014.
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Rising Through the Ranks
Gigi and her sister Bella began the Spring/Summer 2017 campaign season together, starring in campaigns for both Fendi and Moschino. Gigi also became the face of the S/S 2017 campaign for Max Mara accessories, Stuart Weitzman, and DSQUARED2. The second Tommy Hilfiger and Gigi Hadid ready-to-wear collection was unveiled in February 2017 for the Spring season. Showcasing her versatility, Gigi took on the role of photographer for the Versus (Versace) Spring/Summer 2017 campaign, featuring singer Zayn Malik and model Adwoa Aboah. She also photographed a special summer edition of V Magazine titled “Gigi’s Journal,” featuring Polaroids of fashion industry colleagues, celebrities, and close friends.
In March 2017, Gigi appeared on four Vogue covers: United States, Britain, China, and the inaugural Arabia edition. She also featured on covers for the CR Fashion Book (Spring/Summer 2017), Jolie (April 2017), and The Daily (Spring 2017). Her May 2017 covers included the Netherlands editions of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour, as well as the June/July 2017 cover of US Harper’s Bazaar. Gigi starred in editorials for Vogue US (April 2017) and LOVE Magazine (Spring/Summer 2017).
During Fall/Winter 2017 Fashion Month in New York, Milan, and Paris, Gigi opened shows for Jeremy Scott, Anna Sui, Versus (Versace), Alberta Ferretti, Missoni, H&M, and Balmain, and closed shows for Isabel Marant, Moschino, Max Mara, and Anna Sui. At The Daily Front Row’s third annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards, Gigi was honored for the Best Design Debut for her collection with Tommy Hilfiger.
Gigi Hadid’s journey in the fashion industry is marked by her dedication, versatility, and undeniable talent, making her a standout figure on the global stage.
In the modern era of technology, having a strong social media presence is just as important as walking the runway for a model’s career. Gigi Hadid’s clever utilization of social media channels, specifically Instagram, has been crucial in her journey to fame. Having millions of followers, she has established herself as a strong influencer, utilizing her platform to interact with fans, endorse brands, and offer insights into her personal life.
Fans worldwide have been charmed by her genuineness and ability to connect. Gigi stands out from other celebrities by sharing a blend of work and personal life, which has made her a highly relatable and beloved individual in the fashion world.
Working together on business projects and starting new business ventures
Gigi’s impact goes further than just being a model. She has entered the world of fashion design with success, working with many well-known brands. One of the most prominent partnerships she has had is with Tommy Hilfiger. The TommyXGigi line, launched in 2016, was highly praised and achieved commercial success. Gigi’s keen fashion sense and her ability to connect with a wide audience were emphasized in the collaboration.
Gigi has also partnered with Reebok, Maybelline, and Vogue Eyewear, in addition to her collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger. These partnerships have enhanced her reputation as a versatile talent with strong business skills.
Advocacy in one’s personal life
In addition to her career successes, Gigi Hadid is recognized for her activism efforts. She is a vocal supporter of different movements, such as promoting mental health awareness, body positivity, and advocating for Palestinian rights. Her readiness to utilize her platform to address significant topics has garnered her respect and admiration.
Gigi’s private life has also been a matter of public fascination. Her romantic involvement with singer Zayn Malik has received extensive attention from the press. In September 2020, the couple had their first child, a daughter called Khai. Gigi’s journey into motherhood has begun.
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