Jelena Noura “Gigi” Hadid, born on April 23, 1995, is a world-renowned American fashion model and television personality who has graced the covers of numerous international magazines and walked the runways for the biggest names in fashion. Recognized as one of the “New Supers” by Models.com, she was named International Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council in 2016. Since 2017, she has consistently ranked among the world’s highest-paid models. Her influence extends beyond the catwalk, with a significant social media presence and ventures into design. Gigi Hadid’s biography is a testament to her early start in modeling, her breakthrough into high fashion, and her status as a cultural icon.
Gigi Hadid Overview
| Full Name | Jelena Noura Hadid |
| Date of Birth | April 23, 1995 |
| Age | 30 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Family | Mohamed Hadid (Father), Yolanda Hadid (Mother), Bella Hadid (Sister), Anwar Hadid (Brother), Alana Hadid (Half-Sister), Marielle Hadid (Half-Sister), Aydan Nix (Half-Sister) |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Profession | Model, television personality |
| Net Worth | Estimated $30 million |
Early Life and Education of Gigi Hadid
Jelena Noura Hadid was born in Los Angeles, California, to real-estate developer Mohamed Hadid and former model Yolanda Hadid (née van den Herik). Her father is of Palestinian descent, and her mother is Dutch. Through her father, she has lineage tracing back to Zahir Al-Umar, the 18th-century Arab ruler of northern Palestine. Gigi and her younger siblings, Bella and Anwar, who are also models, were raised on a ranch in Santa Barbara for ten years before the family relocated to Beverly Hills. She also has two older paternal half-sisters, Marielle and Alana, and a younger half-sister named Aydan Nix. The nickname “Gigi” was given to her by her mother during her childhood.
Hadid graduated from Malibu High School in 2013, where she was the captain of the varsity volleyball team and a competitive equestrian. Her passion for volleyball was so strong that she even participated in the Junior Olympic qualifiers. Following high school, she moved to New York City to pursue a degree in criminal psychology at The New School. However, she ultimately put her studies on hold to focus on her burgeoning modeling career.
Gigi Hadid’s Career
Early Work and Breakthrough
Gigi Hadid’s modeling career began at the tender age of two when she was discovered by Paul Marciano of Guess. She modeled for Baby Guess before taking a break to concentrate on her education. She made her return to modeling in 2011 and once again collaborated with Marciano, becoming the face of a Guess campaign in 2012.
A significant turning point in her career came in 2013 when she signed with IMG Models. This led to her New York Fashion Week debut in February 2014, where she walked for Desigual. That same month, she achieved a high-fashion breakthrough by appearing on the cover of Carine Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book. In July 2014, she starred alongside Patrick Schwarzenegger in a Tom Ford eyewear campaign.
Rise to Supermodel Status
By 2015, Hadid’s career was in full swing. She was named Model of the Year by the Daily Front Row and became a brand ambassador for Maybelline. She walked for a slate of renowned designers, including Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Michael Kors, and Jean Paul Gaultier. Her debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in December 2015 further solidified her status as a top model.
Hadid has graced the covers of numerous international editions of Vogue, including those for the United States, Paris, Italy, Britain, and Japan. She has also appeared in campaigns for high-profile brands like Versace, Fendi, and Balmain. In 2016, she was honored as the International Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council. Beyond modeling, she has ventured into design, co-designing a capsule collection with Tommy Hilfiger called Gigi by Tommy Hilfiger and launching the Gigi Boot with Stuart Weitzman.
Gigi Hadid Personal Life & Family
Gigi Hadid’s family life is deeply intertwined with the fashion industry. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, is a former model, and her siblings, Bella and Anwar Hadid, are also successful models. She has two older half-sisters, Marielle and Alana, from her father’s previous marriage, and in May 2025, it was revealed that she has a younger half-sister named Aydan Nix.
Hadid’s romantic life has also been in the public eye. She was in an on-and-off relationship with Australian singer Cody Simpson from 2013 to 2015. She later dated singer Joe Jonas in 2015. Her most high-profile relationship was with former One Direction member Zayn Malik, which began in late 2015. The couple had an on-again, off-again relationship for several years. In September 2020, they welcomed their daughter, Khai Hadid Malik. The couple ended their relationship in October 2021 following an incident involving Malik and Hadid’s mother, Yolanda. They continue to co-parent their daughter. Since 2023, Hadid has been in a relationship with actor Bradley Cooper.
Awards and Achievements of Gigi Hadid
- First Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards: Model of the Year (2015)
- British Fashion Awards: International Model of the Year (2016)
- Ranked in the Top 50 Models at Models.com (2014)
- Named one of the “New Supers” by Models.com
Gigi Hadid Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Gigi Hadid’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. She is one of the highest-paid models in the world, with annual earnings estimated between $9-10 million. Her income is derived from various sources, including major contracts with brands like Maybelline, Versace, and Tommy Hilfiger. She also earns significant income from her numerous fashion show appearances and brand collaborations.
Legacy and Influence
Gigi Hadid is considered a supermodel of the millennial generation. Her success has been meteoric, and she has become a prominent figure in high fashion. Beyond her modeling work, her substantial social media presence has made her a key influencer, extending her reach into the broader realms of fashion and culture. She has also used her platform for activism and has been involved in philanthropic work, supporting various charities.
Interesting Facts about Gigi Hadid
- Her real name is Jelena Noura Hadid.
- She was a competitive horseback rider.
- She initially studied criminal psychology at The New School in New York City.
- She has made multiple appearances on the reality TV series The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alongside her mother.
- She is a skilled volleyball player and was the captain of her high school team.
- She has a passion for cooking and has shared her recipes on social media.
Controversies
In 2017, Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik appeared on the cover of Vogue, where they were controversially labeled as “gender fluid,” for which the magazine later apologized. In October 2021, her then-partner Zayn Malik pleaded no contest to four charges of harassment against her mother, Yolanda Hadid. This event led to the end of their romantic relationship.
Social Media Presence
Gigi Hadid has a massive following on social media, making her a powerful influencer. As of early 2025, she has amassed a significant number of followers on platforms like Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her professional and personal life. She has used her online presence to connect with fans and promote her various projects and collaborations.
Final Words about Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid continues to be a dominant force in the fashion industry. From her early start as a child model to her current status as a supermodel and cultural icon, her journey has been remarkable. With a successful career, a growing family, and a powerful platform, she is poised to continue influencing the worlds of fashion and pop culture for years to come. Her current focus includes co-parenting her daughter Khai and her ongoing work with major fashion brands, as well as her own creative ventures.
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