Gigi Hadid Biography: A Fashion Powerhouse in 2025
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- July 21, 2025
Gigi Hadid, born Jelena Noura Hadid on April 23, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, is an American supermodel and television personality. Renowned for her work with brands like Versace and Chanel, Gigi Hadid has become a global fashion icon. With over 50 Vogue covers and a $30 million net worth, she continues to shape the industry. This biography covers her early life, career highlights, struggles, controversies, personal life, social media presence, philanthropy, and lesser-known facts, highlighting her influence in 2025.
About Gigi Hadid
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jelena Noura Hadid |
| Born | April 23, 1995, Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Profession | Supermodel, Television Personality, Designer |
| Notable Work | Guest in Residence, Maybelline, Rabanne, Vogue Covers |
| Marital Status | Unmarried; Dating Bradley Cooper (2023–present) |
| Children | Daughter: Khai Hadid Malik (b. September 2020) |
| Net Worth | ~$30 million (2025, Forbes) |
| Awards | International Model of the Year (2016, British Fashion Council) |
Gigi Hadid’s Early Life
California Roots
Born to Palestinian-American real estate developer Mohamed Hadid and Dutch former model Yolanda Hadid, Gigi Hadid grew up on a Santa Barbara ranch. She has two younger siblings, Bella and Anwar, both models, and two older half-sisters, Marielle and Alana. In 2025, Gigi and Bella announced a new half-sister, Aydan Nix, connected through their father.
Early Passions
Raised in a fashion-focused family, Gigi started modeling at two for Baby Guess. She paused to focus on school, excelling as captain of her volleyball team at Malibu High School. After graduating in 2013, she moved to New York to study criminal psychology at The New School but soon prioritized modeling.
Struggles and Down Phases
Fame’s Toll
The intense scrutiny of fame took a toll on Gigi Hadid. In a 2025 Vogue interview, she described feeling suffocated by her work ethic and public expectations, leading to periods of isolation. She moved to rural Pennsylvania to find balance, especially after her daughter’s birth.
Health and Privacy Challenges
Diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012 alongside her mother and brother, Gigi battled fatigue and anxiety. Additionally, invasions of privacy, like a 2016 incident where prankster Vitalii Sediuk grabbed her, pushed her to set firmer boundaries, as she shared with Harper’s Bazaar.
Career Highlights
Modeling Breakthrough
Gigi signed with IMG Models in 2013 and debuted at New York Fashion Week in 2014 for Desigual. By 2015, she walked for Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Victoria’s Secret, earning the title of Model of the Year by Daily Front Row. In 2016, she won International Model of the Year from the British Fashion Council.
Brand Collaborations
Since 2017, Gigi has been among the highest-paid models, earning $20 million by 2023. She starred in campaigns for Maybelline, Tommy Hilfiger, and Rabanne’s Million Gold For Her fragrance in 2024. In 2025, her Guest in Residence brand collaborated with Madhappy, launching a women’s apparel line.
Media Ventures
Gigi co-hosted Next in Fashion on Netflix in 2023 with Tan France. She appeared in music videos like Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” and Zayn Malik’s “Pillowtalk.” Her 2025 Vogue April cover, shot by Annie Leibovitz, showcased her as a Jazz Age icon.
Personal Life
Gigi dated Zayn Malik from 2015 to 2021, welcoming their daughter, Khai, in 2020. After their split, she began dating Bradley Cooper in 2023, going Instagram-official in 2025. Living in Pennsylvania, she enjoys horseback riding and cooking, balancing motherhood with her career.
Controversies
2017 Visa Denial
In 2017, Gigi Hadid was denied a visa for China’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after a video of her mimicking Asian facial features sparked racism accusations. She apologized, but the incident fueled debates on X, with users like @FashionWatchdog criticizing her actions.
Political Backlash
Gigi’s vocal support for Palestine, including 2023 posts condemning Israel’s actions, led to her inclusion on the “Blockout 2024” list. While some X users like @GigiFanBase praised her advocacy, others accused her of spreading misinformation, as noted by Molfar.
Social Media Presence
With 79 million Instagram followers (@gigihadid) and 1.5 million on X (@gigihadid), Gigi shares fashion campaigns, family moments, and advocacy posts. Her 2025 post celebrating her 30th birthday with Bradley Cooper gained 600,000 likes, reinforcing her digital influence.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Volleyball Star: Captained her high school volleyball team.
- Equestrian Roots: Competed in horseback riding as a teen.
- Criminal Psychology: Briefly studied at The New School before modeling.
- Lyme Disease: Diagnosed in 2012, impacting her energy levels.
- Barbie Doll: Inspired a Tommy Hilfiger Barbie in 2017.
- Music Video Director: Co-directed DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean” video.
- Muslim Heritage: Proudly embraces her Palestinian roots.
- Mykonos Robbery: Her villa was robbed during a 2019 vacation.
Philanthropy
Gigi supports the Global Lyme Alliance, raising $25,000 via MasterChef in 2016. She joined UNICEF in 2018, traveling to Bangladesh to aid children. In 2020, she played a virtual charity tennis match for COVID-19 relief. Her 2024 Instagram fundraiser for Palestine raised $500,000.
Current Status and Influence
In 2025, Gigi Hadid boasts a $30 million net worth. Her Guest in Residence x Madhappy collaboration and Havaianas ambassadorship highlight her business savvy. As a mother and advocate, she inspires millions, with Forbes ranking her among the top models.
Conclusion
This Gigi Hadid biography traces her journey from a child model to a fashion powerhouse. Overcoming health struggles and controversies, Gigi Hadid redefined modeling with her bold style and ventures like Guest in Residence. Her philanthropy and influence shine in 2025, cementing her as a global icon.
