Gigi Hadid is one of the highest-paid supermodels in the world, gracing the covers of major fashion magazines, walking for top designers, and working with global brands like Vogue Sunglasses.
But her journey to success wasn’t instant—it took early exposure to fame, hard work, smart branding, and major fashion collaborations to become one of the most recognizable faces in the modeling industry.
Here’s a deep dive into how Gigi Hadid became one of the most famous models in the world.
Born Into Fame: Gigi Hadid Became Famous Model
Gigi Hadid was born Jelena Noura Hadid on April 23, 1995, in Los Angeles, California. She was born into a wealthy and well-connected family:
- Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, was a Dutch supermodel and reality TV star (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills).
- Her father, Mohamed Hadid, is a real estate tycoon known for his luxury properties.
With her mother’s modeling background and Hollywood lifestyle, Gigi was introduced to the fashion and entertainment industry at a young age.
Early Start in Modeling: Baby Guess Campaigns
Gigi’s modeling career started at just two years old when she was discovered by Paul Marciano, the co-founder of Guess. She appeared in Baby Guess campaigns, but her parents prioritized her education, so she took a break from modeling to focus on school.
Gigi Hadid’s Big Break: Signing with IMG Models & Moving to NYC
After graduating from high school in 2013, Gigi moved to New York City to pursue modeling full-time while studying criminal psychology at The New School.
Her big break came when she signed with IMG Models, one of the biggest modeling agencies in the world. From there, her career skyrocketed.
Major Campaigns & Vogue Sunglasses Collaboration
One of Gigi Hadid’s most notable brand collaborations was with Vogue Eyewear. She launched her own Vogue Sunglasses collection, which became a massive success.
Her Vogue Sunglasses campaign helped solidify her status as both a fashion icon and a businesswoman, proving that she could not only model for luxury brands but also design and influence global trends.
Other major campaigns in her career include:
- Tom Ford (her first big campaign in 2014)
- Maybelline (became a brand ambassador)
- Versace
- Fendi
- Reebok x Gigi Hadid Collection
These collaborations helped Gigi establish herself as one of the most in-demand models in the world.
Gigi Hadid’s Runway Debut with Travis Scott
In 2014, Gigi made her New York Fashion Week debut, walking for Desigual.
From there, she quickly became a runway favorite, walking for brands like:
- Chanel
- Marc Jacobs
- Balmain
- Versace
- Tommy Hilfiger
Her strong walk, effortless beauty, and natural charisma set her apart from other models, making her one of the top choices for high-fashion shows.
Gigi Hadid & Victoria’s Secret: A Defining Career Moment
One of Gigi’s biggest milestones was walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2015.
Despite being rejected in previous years, she didn’t give up. When she was finally accepted, her emotional reaction and stunning presence on the runway made headlines worldwide.
Her Victoria’s Secret debut helped establish her as a top-tier supermodel.
The Power of Social Media & Celebrity Influence
Unlike old-school supermodels, Gigi Hadid’s rise to fame was fueled by social media.
She built a massive following by sharing:
✅ Behind-the-scenes fashion moments
✅ Personal insights and life updates
✅ Brand collaborations and fashion trends
Her authenticity and relatability made her a fan favorite, helping her gain millions of followers and making her one of the most influential models on Instagram.
Becoming One of the Highest-Paid Supermodels in the World
Gigi Hadid has consistently ranked as one of the highest-paid supermodels in the world.
According to Forbes, she earns millions per year through:
- Runway shows
- Brand endorsements
- Magazine covers
- Fashion collaborations
Her ability to balance high fashion, commercial success, and social media influence has made her one of the top-earning models globally.
Gigi Hadid x Tommy Hilfiger: A Career-Defining Collaboration
In 2016, Gigi collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger to launch the “Tommy x Gigi” collection.
This was a game-changing move, as the collection sold out quickly and proved that she wasn’t just a model—she was a fashion influencer and designer.
This collaboration boosted her credibility as a businesswoman and made her a major player in the fashion industry beyond modeling.
Winning “Model of the Year” & Other Industry Awards
Gigi Hadid’s success has been recognized with multiple awards, including:
🏆 “Model of the Year” at the British Fashion Awards (2016)
🏆 International Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council
🏆 One of the highest-paid models by Forbes
These accolades confirmed that she was more than just a social media star—she was a true supermodel.
Gigi Hadid’s Impact on the Fashion Industry
Gigi Hadid has helped redefine the modern supermodel, blending high-fashion glamour with social media influence.
She has inspired a new generation of models, showing that success takes talent, business strategy, and a strong personal brand.
What’s Next for Gigi Hadid?
Even after years in the industry, Gigi continues to dominate fashion. She has expanded her career beyond modeling by:
✅ Launching Guest in Residence, her own luxury knitwear brand
✅ Continuing to walk for top designers like Versace, Chanel, and Prada
✅ Advocating for important causes, including Palestinian rights and mental health awareness
With her talent, business mindset, and loyal fanbase, Gigi Hadid’s influence in fashion isn’t fading anytime soon.
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