Ever catch yourself scrolling through Instagram and suddenly a photo stops you in your tracks? Chances are, it’s Gigi Hadid’s piercing gaze or striking look that grabs your attention. We see her everywhere—magazines, runways, TV, and billboards. But what does Gigi Hadid’s career actually look like from the inside? It’s not just a story of glamour and followers. There’s a deeper hustle, business moves, and cultural impact layered behind that famous smile. Get ready, because Gigi’s professional journey is a fascinating blend of style, brains, and sheer determination.
The Unmatched Rise of Gigi Hadid in the Fashion World
If you’re picturing overnight fame, you’ve got it wrong. Gigi’s start sounds almost like a Hollywood script, but with a twist of real grit. She was born in Los Angeles in 1995, with the full name Jelena Noura Hadid, and grew up around cameras. Her mom, Yolanda Hadid, starred on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." But Gigi didn’t just ride on the family name. Modeling started early for her—her first gig was at age two for Baby Guess. Then, she took a hiatus for school and competitive horseback riding. The moment she turned sixteen, Gigi jumped back into the modeling world and signed with IMG Models, one of the industry powerhouses. But at that stage, she wasn’t a household name. Gigi was just another pretty face auditioning at castings, hoping to stand out.
Her first big break came with a shoot for Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition, opening doors to endless campaigns. Soon after, every designer from Versace to Balmain was calling her name. It’s worth saying: Gigi didn’t just model clothes—she made them sell. That’s a superpower in the fashion universe. A 2016 quote from British Vogue sums it up perfectly:
“Gigi is the sort of model who makes fashion feel accessible. She can look both down-to-earth and untouchable in a single shoot.”Her look isn’t just runway-perfect; it feels real, relatable, and most of all, modern.
The world quickly realized Gigi wasn’t a one-season wonder. By 2016, she’d nabbed the prestigious International Model of the Year award at the British Fashion Awards. That was just the beginning. Her collaborations, most famously with Tommy Hilfiger, turned traditional catwalks into full-blown events with screaming fans lining up outside. Unlike old-school supermodels, Gigi uses Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter as part of her daily toolkit, controlling her own narrative and connecting straight to her 80+ million followers. It’s almost wild to think about how many young models now follow Gigi’s playbook—balancing runway gigs with vlogging, behind-the-scenes content, and candid moments.
As her spotlight grew, the jobs got bigger. She’s strutted for Chanel, walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and opened or closed for every brand that mattered. Some claim she redefined what a supermodel looks like in the 2020s—part business mogul, part cultural influencer, and one hundred percent trendsetter. A fun fact? She even took a playful turn as a guest judge on "RuPaul’s Drag Race" and Project Runway, proving she’s more than just a face—she’s a personality you want to watch. This makes her career in the fashion world not just impressive but also deeply influential.
Expanding The Brand: Gigi Beyond the Runway
Most people see Gigi Hadid as a supermodel, but she’s mastered the art of being more than just a model. Think of her career as a tree branching in every direction: creativity, entrepreneurship, activism, and even design. After solidifying her runway status, Gigi got curious—what else could she do? So, she started co-designing collections. Her ongoing work with Tommy Hilfiger stands out, where she didn’t just model the clothes, she took part in the design process. The “Tommy x Gigi” collections sold out in hours. This isn’t just about a pretty face—this is about business savvy and understanding what young people want. The lesson? If you’re in the fashion world, don’t just sell the look, create the look.
Commercials and campaigns became second nature. You might have spotted her in Reebok, Maybelline, or BMW adverts, but she’s picky—she chooses brands that match her vibe and values. Then there’s her social media presence, which feels less like a marketing machine and more like an open diary. She talks about her mental health, her interests, her support for Black Lives Matter, and her solidarity with Palestinian roots. With every post, it’s clear: Gigi’s voice carries. Young fans aren’t just following her fashion—they’re paying attention to everything else she stands for.
There’s a little-known side to Gigi’s brand, too: her love for cooking and design. In 2022, she launched a home decor line inspired by her own taste, and she’s rumored to be working on a cookbook. This surprises people, but the lesson here is simple: you can evolve. Gigi uses her platform for more than just style—she’s talking wellness, lifestyle, and social change. She’s redefined what “celebrity businesswoman” looks like—not just mixing products, but mixing purpose and passion.
Gigi’s Influence on Fashion and Pop Culture
Let’s be real: a lot of us wear what we see on people like Gigi. Her off-duty looks—think baggy jeans, crop tops, and chunky sneakers—spark trends overnight. In fact, it was Gigi who helped bring athleisure to the front row of Paris Fashion Week. Remember that viral photo of her and Kendall Jenner in matching puffer jackets? Sales for those styles soared in days. What’s crazier: Gigi doesn’t always play by the book. Once, she finished a runway show, got mobbed by a prankster, and defended herself without missing a beat. She became a symbol of taking charge in a chaotic industry. If you scan lookbooks from Balmain, Versace, and Anna Sui since 2015, Gigi’s signature walk and poses are everywhere—new faces copy her energy.
Her pop culture reach goes way beyond fashion. She’s fronted magazine covers you probably have at home—Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, sometimes seven in a single month. She’s also appeared in music videos (remember “Pillowtalk” with Zayn Malik?) and served as a muse for artists and photographers worldwide. Gigi is part of what people call the “Instagram Supermodels,” using tech as a career platform as much as a runway. That’s actually a huge shift compared to the silent, mysterious models of the ‘90s.
One tip you can steal from Gigi’s playbook? Stay real. She’s known for calling out the pressures of body image and the non-stop grind that comes with fashion. During difficult times—like dealing with media invasions in her personal life—she’s always honest, even if it’s uncomfortable. This connection to her audience makes her not only a fashion icon but also a role model for resilience and self-acceptance.
The Many Sides of Gigi’s Career
Thinking Gigi is just a runway model? That’s yesterday’s news. Gigi Hadid’s career actually covers a few distinct chapters. Here’s a closer look at them:
- Runway and Editorial Modeling: Classic strutting down the world’s hottest catwalks, but with way more influence than a pose. Labels trust her to headline entire fashion weeks, Paris to Milan.
- Brand Collaborator/Designer: Her fashion line with Tommy Hilfiger, and most recently others rumored for 2025, show she can create, design, and launch multi-million dollar collections.
- Social Media Star: With over 80 million Instagram followers, Gigi pioneered using social media to share the real—not just the glamorous. She mixes catwalk shots with family selfies, activism posts, and playful memes.
- TV Personality: Guest stints on "Project Runway" and “Next in Fashion" on Netflix highlight her natural screen presence. She’s rumored to be developing her own lifestyle show—think Martha Stewart, but Gen Z style.
- Businesswoman and Activist: Campaigning for UNICEF, using her voice for global causes, and supporting emerging talents in fashion. She’s even helped raise money for children’s charities across the globe.
- Personal Projects: Food, interior design, and lifestyle brand ideas aimed at fans who want to live a slice of the Gigi vibe at home.
The cool thing? Her influence spreads across all these areas, showing it’s possible to wear many hats—if you back it up with hard work and authenticity.
Lessons from Gigi for Building a Standout Career
You don’t have to want to be a model to learn from Gigi Hadid. Her career is packed with practical tips to help anyone stand out, whatever your field. Here’s what you can pick up from her journey:
- Embrace Your Roots: Gigi never lets people forget her Palestinian-Dutch heritage, and she’s used her background to fuel her confidence and point of view. Being unique is a strength—lean into what makes you different.
- Stay Adaptable: Notice how Gigi jumped from photo shoots to designing to running campaigns for new causes? She evolves with her industry. Whether you’re in fashion or tech, flexibility is gold.
- Build a Personal Brand: She doesn’t hide behind PR teams. Her social media is direct and honest. Your personal brand is your story—own it and tell it before someone else does.
- Speak Up: Gigi talks openly about mental health struggles and dealing with negativity. Sharing your struggles can make you more relatable—not less valuable.
- Work Hard, But Find Balance: Gigi has said in interviews it’s easy to get "burnt out on the hustle." She regularly posts about taking time off for family, riding horses, or spending time in nature. Never underestimate the power of downtime for long-term success.
So, when you see Gigi Hadid slaying a runway or smashing a selfie, remember: that’s the surface. Underneath, there’s creative strategy, business deals, activism, and a whole lot of heart. Her career isn’t just about labels or likes—it’s a blueprint for making your passion your professional signature, whatever your industry dreams might look like.
