At just 28 years old, Gigi Hadid has already achieved what most models dream of in a lifetime. With an estimated net worth of $30 million, she stands as one of the highest-paid and most recognized models in the world. From dominating international runways to fronting campaigns for brands like Versace and Maybelline, Gigi’s influence goes far beyond fashion—it’s a mix of talent, timing, and hustle.
So how did this California girl go from Baby Guess to global fashion icon? Let’s break it all down.
Where Did Gigi Hadid Get Her Start?
Born Jelena Noura Hadid on April 23, 1995, in Los Angeles, Gigi was practically destined for the spotlight. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, is a former model and star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, while her father, Mohamed Hadid, is a luxury real estate developer originally from Palestine.
Gigi’s childhood was spent in Santa Barbara, where she attended Malibu High School. Although she later moved to New York City to study criminal psychology at The New School, modeling quickly took center stage. It’s no surprise, considering she first started modeling at the age of two for Baby Guess.
After taking a break to focus on school, Gigi returned to modeling in her teens and was soon named the face of a Guess campaign in 2012.
When Did Her Modeling Career Truly Take Off?
Gigi’s career turned a major corner in 2013 when she signed with IMG Models and walked in her first New York Fashion Week in early 2014. That same year, she appeared on the cover of CR Fashion Book, signaling to the fashion world that a star was rising.
By 2015, Gigi was a full-fledged runway regular, walking for designers like Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Michael Kors, and Jean Paul Gaultier. She became an ambassador for Maybelline, further solidifying her global appeal. That same year, she made her debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and in 2016, was crowned International Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards.
What Makes Gigi Hadid One of the Highest-Paid Models?
It’s not just her beauty that pays—Gigi Hadid’s work ethic is next level. In a typical year, she earns $9–10 million, thanks to high-profile contracts with Maybelline, Evian, BMW, Versace, and Tommy Hilfiger.
She’s also dabbled in fashion design, launching multiple capsule collections with Tommy Hilfiger, including the popular “Gigi Boot” and multiple ready-to-wear lines. She’s collaborated with Reebok, Vogue Eyewear, and Messika Jewelry, turning her personal style into successful business ventures.
Her face graces countless international Vogue covers—from the U.S. to Japan, Italy, Spain, and beyond—and she’s a regular in top fashion publications like Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Allure.
Has Gigi Hadid Explored Other Creative Ventures?
Yes—and not just in front of the camera. Gigi has shown interest in photography and creative direction. She photographed the Versus (Versace) Spring/Summer 2017 campaign and released a Polaroid-based issue of V Magazine titled “Gigi’s Journal.”
She even gave acting a try with a short film called Virgin Eyes in 2012. While acting hasn’t taken center stage for her, her creative eye clearly plays a role in shaping her brand partnerships and editorial work.
What About Gigi’s Personal Life and Relationships?
Gigi has had several high-profile relationships. From 2013 to 2015, she dated Australian singer Cody Simpson, even starring in a couple of his music videos.
Then came her on-again, off-again relationship with former One Direction singer Zayn Malik, which began in late 2015. The two had a daughter, Khai, in 2020. Their relationship has had its ups and downs, including splits and reconciliations, but they’ve both committed to co-parenting their daughter.
Gigi tends to keep her personal life private these days, especially when it comes to her daughter, whom she rarely shares on social media.
What Kind of Real Estate Does Gigi Own?
Gigi Hadid has made smart moves in the real estate world as well. In 2015, she bought a $4 million condo in Manhattan’s NoHo neighborhood. In 2018, she purchased another $5.8 million duplex in the same building. She later filed to combine the two properties into a large, custom-designed home.
Her sister Bella Hadid lives just a few blocks away in a stunning $6.1 million penthouse, making the Hadids a real estate power duo in downtown NYC.
Has Gigi Faced Any Controversies?
While Gigi’s public persona is mostly polished, she hasn’t been entirely free from controversy. She’s faced multiple lawsuits for posting photos of herself taken by paparazzi without proper credit, a common issue among celebrities with massive online followings.
Another incident involved a video posted by her sister Bella that was perceived as culturally insensitive. The backlash was so strong, especially from Chinese fans, that Gigi withdrew from the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in China.
Despite these bumps, Gigi has managed to maintain a strong, positive presence in the fashion world and beyond.
What’s Next for Gigi Hadid?
As of 2024, Gigi continues to walk runways, star in global campaigns, and grow her influence both on and off social media. She also seems increasingly interested in creative direction, brand collaborations, and motherhood.
With her fashion lines, editorial ventures, and continued dominance in the modeling world, Gigi Hadid’s career shows no signs of slowing down.
