Gigi Hadid: How She’s Unlike Past Supermodels, Ladder to the Top Much Easier to Climb

Gigi Hadid was officially dubbed a supermodel following her first walk down the Victoria’s Secret runway during their annual fashion show that took place in November and aired on TV last week. T...
Gigi Hadid: How She’s Unlike Past Supermodels, Ladder to the Top Much Easier to Climb
Written by Kimberly Ripley
  • Gigi Hadid was officially dubbed a supermodel following her first walk down the Victoria’s Secret runway during their annual fashion show that took place in November and aired on TV last week. That show wrapped what the New York Post is calling “the year of Gigi Hadid.”

    Prior to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the 20-year-old landed on the covers of Vogue Italia and W. She was the face of the Balmain fall 2015 fashion campaign. She was featured in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue and even had a cameo in her friend Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” music video. Gigi Hadid was also spotted in the company of a couple of high-profile guys–Joe Jonas (now her ex) and Zayn Malik of One Direction fame, who she is still dating.

    The NY Post also raises a really important point in covering “the year of Gigi Hadid.” That point comes in the form of how she differs from supermodels in the past. Yes, she is tall, lanky, and lithe–but she also comes from a background that set her up for success. Unlike Karlie Kloss, Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss, and even Twiggy–all of whom came from humble beginnings, Gigi Hadid grew up in the spotlight, amidst a life of privilege, fortune, and fame.

    Gigi Hadid’s father, Mohamed Hadid, is a real estate developer who has made news for his controversial business deals. Her mom, Yolanda Foster, is a former Ford model (was that Gigi’s”in?”) and one of the stars of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Her soon-to-be former stepfather, David Foster, was once married to Linda Thompson, who is one of Caitlyn–then-Bruce Jenner’s ex-wives. Kendall Jenner–Caitlyn Jenner’s daughter with the Keeping Up With the Kardashians matriarch Kris Jenner–is one of Gigi Hadid’s best friends. Do you see the ladder of opportunity here, and how much easier it no doubt was for Gigi Hadid to climb it over young women without her foundation?

    Certainly no one is doubting that Gigi Hadid is a gorgeous supermodel. The issue is the way she landed the opportunities she’s had this past year.

    With people like Gigi Hadid in the running, it’s almost impossible for relatively unknown supermodel wannabes to make it in the field.

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