Humble Glamour: Roots in Malibu

Born to Palestinian-Jordanian real estate mogul Mohamed Hadid and Dutch-American former model Yolanda Hadid, Gigi (Jelena Noura) and Bella (Isabella Khair) grew up in the serene affluence of Malibu. The glitz of their surroundings never overshadowed their ambition. With their mother guiding them—both as a parent and a former model—they were introduced to the fashion world at an early age.

Gigi began modeling as a toddler for Baby Guess, then paused to focus on school and sports (she was a competitive horseback rider and volleyball player). Bella, the younger of the two, was also a competitive equestrian before chronic Lyme disease shifted her focus fully to modeling.

Breaking Through: Gigi’s Early Stardom

Gigi’s breakthrough came in 2014 when she made her New York Fashion Week debut. Her look—California sun-kissed and effortlessly cool—resonated. With her tall frame, blonde hair, and confident presence, she quickly landed campaigns with Tom Ford, Maybelline, and Victoria’s Secret. By 2016, she was named International Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council.

Gigi’s appeal has always been her approachability mixed with high fashion edge. Whether walking for Chanel or hanging out with besties like Kendall Jenner and Taylor Swift, she seemed grounded and relatable.

Bella’s Rise: From Shadow to Spotlight

Bella Hadid, initially known as “Gigi’s sister,” quickly established a name all her own. With darker features, sultry eyes, and a more editorial look, she offered a striking contrast. Her aesthetic aligned perfectly with luxury fashion’s turn toward edgier, more avant-garde faces.

Bella’s big moment came in 2016 when she won Model of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year Awards. Known for her smoldering runway walk and cool, mysterious vibe, she became a favorite of designers like Alexander Wang, Riccardo Tisci, and Virgil Abloh.

Despite public scrutiny over cosmetic surgery rumors and her own struggles with mental health and Lyme disease, Bella remained candid, offering fans a glimpse into the pressure of perfection behind the scenes.

Sisters, Not Rivals

The media loves to compare them, but the Hadid sisters have always shown up for each other. From walking the same shows to appearing in joint campaigns (like Fendi and Moschino), they balance sisterhood with professionalism. Their styles may be different, but their goals are aligned: to dominate the fashion industry while remaining authentic.

More Than Models

Both sisters have branched into design and activism. Gigi collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger for the hugely successful Tommy x Gigi line. She’s also used her platform to speak out on issues close to her heart—from Palestinian rights to motherhood (she welcomed a daughter, Khai, in 2020 with ex-partner Zayn Malik).

Bella, meanwhile, has become a vocal advocate for mental health and political causes. She’s unapologetically shared her struggles on social media, helping to destigmatize anxiety and depression.

The Hadid Legacy

In a world where models often come and go with the season, Gigi and Bella have not only stayed relevant—they’ve evolved. They’ve become more than fashion muses. They are storytellers, entrepreneurs, and activists. Their journey from Malibu to Milan is not just about beauty or privilege, but about grit, vision, and the power of sisterhood.