Jelena Noura “Gigi” Hadid, born April 23, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, has become one of the most recognizable faces in global fashion, embodying a modern blend of high glamour and approachable style. A supermodel, entrepreneur, television personality, and dedicated humanitarian, Hadid has redefined what it means to be a fashion icon, particularly through her deep connection to New York City, where she has made her home and drawn inspiration for her work. With over 79 million Instagram followers and a career that spans runways, red carpets, her own clothing line, and impactful social work, Hadid’s influence is undeniable.
Early Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Gigi Hadid’s fashion journey began at just two years old, when she was discovered by Guess co-founder Paul Marciano and featured in her first campaign. Born to Mohamed Hadid, a Palestinian real estate developer, and Yolanda Hadid, a Dutch former model, Gigi was raised in a household already in the public eye. Her mother’s role on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills brought the Hadid name into pop culture, but Gigi carved her own path.After stepping back to focus on school—where she thrived as both an equestrian and captain of her high school volleyball team—Gigi returned to modeling in 2011.
By 2016, her meteoric rise was recognized when the British Fashion Council named her International Model of the Year.. Hadid’s athletic build and vibrant personality resonated during a cultural shift toward celebrating individuality in fashion, championed by designers like Donatella Versace, who saw in her the spirit of the iconic ‘90s supermodels.Since then, Hadid has remained one of the world’s highest-paid models, with Gigi Hadid net worth estimates around $30 million, fueled by campaigns for brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Maybelline, and Versace. By 2025, Gigi Hadid net worth 2025 is projected to exceed $35 million, reflecting her successful modeling contracts, brand collaborations, and entrepreneurial ventures
A New York State of Mind
New York City has been more than just a backdrop for Hadid’s career—it’s a muse.Hadid moved to New York City in 2013 to study criminal psychology at The New School, a path she later paused to pursue modeling, fully immersing herself in the city’s dynamic energy.Her latest venture, the cashmere brand Guest in Residence, launched in 2022, draws heavily from New York’s duality: the hustle of urban life and the laid-back escape to quieter locales. “I’m endlessly inspired by New York City—a place I’ve called home for many years—and the notion that we’re all guests here,” Hadid said of her 2025 summer collection, which features colorful knitwear and timeless pieces designed for versatility.
Her off-duty style, often spotted on the streets of Manhattan, has become a blueprint for modern fashion. Hadid’s knack for blending “supermodel polish” with “California kid” comfort—think white tees, classic denim, luxurious knits, and statement-making accessories like trucker caps or charm necklaces—has made her a street-style star. Whether she’s stepping out in a Guest in Residence cashmere hoodie or a tailored Tommy Hilfiger suit, her looks are both aspirational and relatable, resonating with a generation that values authenticity over unattainable perfection.
Red Carpet and Runway Chameleon
Hadid’s versatility has become a defining feature of her career. On the runway, she’s walked for virtually every major fashion house, from Chanel and Versace to Balmain and Jacquemus, opening and closing shows during the high-stakes Fashion Weeks in New York, Milan, and Paris. Her 2024 appearance at Chanel’s AW24 show in Paris, closing the season in a black knit dress layered with bold accessories, showcased her versatility. Similarly, her 2025 Vogue cover story, where she channeled a Jazz Age flapper in a beaded Fendi dress, highlighted her ability to embody different eras and aesthetics.
On the red carpet, Hadid is equally dynamic. She’s delivered unforgettable looks, like the floral Thom Browne gown at the 2024 Met Gala, a red Versace puffer coat in 2022, and a shimmering Jeremy Scott gown at the 2025 Grand Dîner du Louvre. Her penchant for bold colors, sculptural silhouettes, and statement accessories—often tiny bags or layered jewelry—sets her apart.Hadid’s collaboration with stylist Mimi Cuttrell guarantees that her red-carpet moments are as memorable as her runway walks.
Beyond Fashion: Entrepreneurship and Advocacy
In 2022, Hadid introduced Guest in Residence, a cashmere label built on principles of sustainability and accessibility. Inspired by her frustration with the inaccessibility of high-quality cashmere, the line emphasizes durable, timeless pieces. Celebrities like Blake Lively and Taylor Swift have been spotted in her designs, cementing its status in the fashion world. Her 2025 New York-inspired collection, paired with a campaign featuring fellow models exploring the city, underscores her entrepreneurial vision.
Humanitarian and Social Work
Beyond her achievements in fashion and business, Gigi Hadid is deeply committed to humanitarian causes, using her platform to advocate for global issues. Reflecting her Palestinian heritage, she has been a vocal supporter of refugee rights, particularly those affected by conflicts in the Middle East. In 2016, she partnered with UNICEF to raise awareness for children in need, visiting refugee camps in Jordan to highlight the challenges faced by displaced families. Her work with the organization has continued, with fundraising efforts and social media campaigns amplifying the need for education and healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Hadid has also supported global health initiatives, including campaigns for clean water access and maternal health. In 2020, she collaborated with the World Health Organization to promote COVID-19 relief efforts, encouraging donations to provide medical supplies to underserved communities. Her advocacy extends to mental health awareness, where she has shared her own experiences with anxiety to destigmatize the conversation, particularly for young women. Since becoming a mother in 2020 to daughter Khai, with former partner Zayn Malik, Hadid has championed children’s welfare, supporting organizations like Save the Children to secure education and safety for kids worldwide.
Her social work is deeply personal. In 2023, she donated a portion of her Guest in Residence proceeds to Palestinian relief efforts, blending her entrepreneurial endeavors with her commitment to social good.
“I want to use my voice to make a difference, even if it’s one person at a time”
She said in a 2024 interview with Vogue. Her authenticity and hands-on approach have made her a respected figure in humanitarian circles.
A Modern Fashion Icon
Gigi Hadid’s impact lies in her ability to bridge high fashion, everyday style, and meaningful advocacy. Her New York-centric aesthetic—rooted in versatile, sustainable pieces and bold accessories—reflects a modern approach to celebrity influence. Through her humanitarian work, she channels her global platform into tangible change, from supporting refugees to championing children’s rights. As she continues to dominate runways, design collections, and advocate for impactful causes, Hadid proves she’s not just a model but a cultural force shaping the future of fashion and social good.
Whether through her record-breaking modeling career, her growing entrepreneurial empire with Guest in Residence, or her humanitarian efforts, Gigi Hadid has cemented her role as a true cultural force. Her Gigi Hadid net worth 2025 reflects not just her financial success, but her ability to balance fashion, business, and advocacy.
With New York as her creative canvas, Gigi Hadid embodies what it means to be a modern icon—timeless, versatile, and purpose-driven.
