Gigi Hadid quickly became one of the most recognizable young models of her generation. With her California upbringing, distinctive look, famous family connections and growing presence in fashion and entertainment, she attracted attention far beyond the runway.
Although she was raised in Beverly Hills and appeared alongside her mother, Yolanda Hadid, on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Gigi eventually built a successful modeling career in major fashion capitals including New York and Paris.
Her social media presence also helped fans see a more relaxed and personal side of the model. But how much do you really know about Gigi Hadid? Here are 15 interesting facts that reveal more about her background, interests, family and life away from the runway.
15. Her real name is Jelena
Gigi Hadid is actually named Jelena Noura Hadid. The nickname “Gigi” came from her family and eventually became the name everyone knew her by. According to the story she has shared, her mother, Yolanda, used the nickname when Gigi was young. When there was another girl named Helena at school and the two names became confusing, Gigi began using her nickname more regularly. It eventually became her professional name.
14. She began modeling as a child
Gigi’s modeling career started much earlier than many people realize. She was discovered by Paul Marciano of Guess when she was still a child and appeared in campaigns for Baby Guess. She later worked with Guess Kids before eventually returning to the brand as an adult.
Her professional career took a major step forward when she signed with IMG Models at 17. From there, her modeling opportunities expanded rapidly, leading to major fashion campaigns and runway appearances.
13. She has a serious athletic side
Before modeling became her full-time career, Gigi was heavily involved in sports. During her teenage years, she competed in horseback riding and played volleyball at club level. She even reached the Junior Olympic qualifiers in volleyball.
Rather than focusing entirely on modeling during high school, she wanted to experience a normal teenage life. Her athletic background remains an interesting part of her story and shows that her interests extended well beyond fashion.
12. She studied criminal psychology
Fashion wasn't the only subject that interested Gigi. In 2013, she enrolled at The New School in New York and studied criminal psychology. Her choice of subject was certainly unexpected for someone building a career in modeling.
Her education reflected another side of her personality: curiosity and an interest in understanding people and behavior. Balancing college with an increasingly demanding modeling career was no small challenge.
11. She has used affordable beauty products
Despite working in an industry surrounded by luxury beauty products, Gigi has spoken about using affordable cosmetics. She became associated with Maybelline and has discussed enjoying the brand's products since she was a teenager.
That down-to-earth approach made her beauty routine seem more accessible to fans. While professional makeup artists may use high-end products for photo shoots and fashion shows, Gigi has shown that everyday beauty doesn't necessarily require an expensive collection.
10. Black leggings are one of her favorite wardrobe staples
Gigi may spend plenty of time wearing designer fashion on the runway, but her everyday style has often been much more relaxed. One of her favorite casual pieces has been the classic black legging.
Leggings are easy to combine with sneakers, T-shirts, jackets and oversized tops, making them a practical choice for a busy lifestyle. Gigi has frequently embraced this comfortable, effortless approach to off-duty fashion.
9. She isn't afraid of burgers and comfort food
Gigi has never fit the stereotype that every model survives on salads and green juice. After moving from Los Angeles to New York, she became known for enjoying the city's huge variety of food.
She even embarked on a personal mission to try different burgers around New York. Her willingness to talk about burgers, fries and fast food gave fans a glimpse of a more relatable side of the supermodel.
8. Her father built a successful real estate business
Gigi and Bella Hadid grew up in a wealthy family. Their father, Mohamed Hadid, built a successful career in real estate development and became known for luxury properties in places such as Beverly Hills and Aspen.
His career meant that the Hadid sisters grew up around an affluent lifestyle long before they became famous models themselves. Gigi's family background and Beverly Hills upbringing later became familiar to television audiences through The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
7. Her dating history has included famous singers
Gigi's personal life has received plenty of media attention, particularly her relationships with musicians. She dated Australian singer Cody Simpson for several years and was later linked romantically with Joe Jonas.
Her relationship with former One Direction member Zayn Malik became especially prominent in the media. Their high-profile romance even led to memorable fashion moments together, including a major Vogue feature.
6. She is extremely protective of her sister Bella
Gigi and Bella aren't simply sisters; they have also become close companions while navigating the fashion industry together. Gigi has repeatedly shown how protective she is of her younger sister.
During one fashion event, Gigi reportedly became upset when a photographer photographed models while they were changing, including Bella. Her reaction demonstrated just how seriously she takes her role as a big sister and how strongly she looks out for Bella.
5. She has an unusual connection to the Jenner family
Gigi and Kendall Jenner have long been known as friends, but their families are connected in a surprisingly complicated way. Gigi's mother, Yolanda, was previously married to David Foster. Foster was previously married to Linda Thompson, who was once married to Caitlyn Jenner.
That unusual chain of relationships created a connection between the Hadid and Jenner families. It is one of those Hollywood family-tree stories that sounds complicated at first, but helps explain why Gigi and Kendall have been so close over the years.
4. She is more of a homebody than you might expect
Fashion shows, celebrity parties and red-carpet events make up a large part of Gigi's public image, but her ideal evening is much quieter. She has described herself as something of a “grandma” and said she enjoys having dinner somewhere relaxed enough to actually talk with friends.
Rather than spending every night in a loud nightclub, Gigi has expressed a preference for good food, conversation and getting home early. It is a surprisingly low-key lifestyle for someone whose career keeps her constantly in the spotlight.
3. She moved to New York to pursue modeling
Unlike many aspiring entertainers who move from the East Coast to Los Angeles, Gigi took the opposite route. She left her comfortable Beverly Hills upbringing and moved to New York City to focus on her modeling career.
The decision quickly proved worthwhile. New York placed her closer to major fashion agencies, designers and photographers, helping her establish herself as an international model.
2. She has Dutch and Palestinian heritage
Gigi's distinctive appearance reflects her diverse family background. Her father, Mohamed Hadid, is Palestinian, while her mother, Yolanda, has Dutch ancestry.
Growing up in the United States, Gigi became known primarily as an American model, but her multicultural heritage has always been an important part of her family story and public identity.
1. She still gets nervous before fashion shows
Even after becoming an experienced runway model, Gigi admitted that fashion shows could still make her nervous. Walking in front of a huge audience and influential people from the fashion industry comes with plenty of pressure.
Unlike a filmed performance, a live runway show cannot simply be restarted if something goes wrong. Every step matters, which makes Gigi's admission that she still feels nervous before shows particularly relatable.
Her willingness to acknowledge those nerves offers a different perspective on the seemingly effortless confidence models display on the runway. Behind the polished appearance is someone who still experiences the same excitement and pressure as many other performers.
From her unusual real name and childhood modeling experience to her athletic background, family connections and surprisingly relaxed personality, Gigi Hadid has a much more interesting story than her glamorous public image might suggest.