Introduction
Bella Hadid, born Isabella Khair Hadid on October 9, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, has quickly ascended to the upper echelons of the fashion world. As the younger sister of supermodel Gigi Hadid and the daughter of former model Yolanda Hadid and real estate mogul Mohamed Hadid, Bella was born into a world of fame and glamour. However, her journey to becoming one of the most recognized and sought-after models globally is marked by hard work, dedication, and overcoming personal challenges. This article delves into Bella Hadid’s early life, rise to fame, and the significant highlights that define her illustrious career.
Early Life and Family Background
Bella Hadid’s upbringing was far from ordinary. Growing up in a wealthy and famous family, Bella was exposed to the fashion and entertainment industries from a young age. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, is a former Dutch model and a well-known television personality, best known for her role on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Her father, Mohamed Hadid, is a Palestinian-American real estate developer known for building luxury hotels and mansions, primarily in the upscale neighborhoods of Los Angeles.
Bella spent her early childhood on a ranch in Santa Barbara before the family moved to Malibu, where she attended Malibu High School. Growing up in Malibu, surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Bella developed an early interest in fashion and modeling, influenced by her mother’s modeling career and her sister Gigi’s burgeoning success in the industry.
Early Interests and Challenges
Before her rise to fame in the fashion industry, Bella Hadid had ambitions that extended beyond the runway. As a teenager, Bella was passionate about equestrian sports and had dreams of competing at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Her dedication to the sport was evident as she competed in numerous events and spent countless hours training. However, her dreams were cut short in 2013 when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, a debilitating illness that also affected her mother and brother, Anwar Hadid. The diagnosis forced Bella to abandon her Olympic aspirations and shift her focus entirely.
The revelation of her battle with Lyme disease, which became public in 2015, added a layer of complexity to Bella’s public persona. Despite her illness, Bella did not let it define her. Instead, she redirected her energy into her modeling career, determined to make a name for herself in the highly competitive fashion industry.
The Beginning of a Modeling Career
Bella Hadid’s modeling career began at the age of 16 when she was featured in a commercial project for Flynn Skye. This early exposure paved the way for other opportunities, including modeling for Hannah Hayes’ Fall/Winter 2013 collection and a campaign for Chrome Hearts, a brand with which Bella continues to collaborate.
Her striking looks, characterized by her dark hair, piercing blue-green eyes, and sculpted features, quickly caught the attention of the fashion world. In August 2014, Bella signed with IMG Models, the same agency that represents her sister Gigi. This was a pivotal moment in her career, as IMG Models is one of the most prestigious modeling agencies globally, known for representing some of the biggest names in fashion.
Shortly after signing with IMG, Bella moved to New York City to study photography at the Parsons School of Design. However, her burgeoning modeling career soon took precedence, leading her to drop out of school to pursue modeling full-time. Despite this decision, Bella has expressed a continued interest in photography, hinting at a future career behind the camera once her modeling days are over.
Rise to Fame: 2015 Onwards
Bella Hadid’s rise to fame was meteoric. By 2015, she was walking the runways for some of the biggest names in fashion. Her debut at New York Fashion Week was with Desigual, a Spanish fashion brand known for its colorful and eclectic designs. This debut was quickly followed by appearances in shows for Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger, Diane von Fürstenberg, Marc Jacobs, and more.
The same year, Bella’s personal life also made headlines when she began dating Canadian singer The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye). Their relationship, characterized by high-profile appearances and collaborations, further thrust Bella into the spotlight. Although the couple had an on-again, off-again relationship, they remained one of the most talked-about pairs in the entertainment industry during their time together.
Bella’s success continued to snowball as she graced the covers of major fashion magazines, including Seventeen, Vogue Australia, Elle, Teen Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar. Her unique blend of classic beauty and modern edge made her a favorite among designers and photographers alike. Bella’s ability to adapt to various fashion styles—whether high fashion, streetwear, or avant-garde—demonstrated her versatility as a model and solidified her place in the industry.
A Breakout Year: 2016
The year 2016 was a turning point in Bella Hadid’s career. She walked in over 30 shows during fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, including high-profile gigs with Chanel, Givenchy, and Miu Miu. Bella’s presence on the runway was undeniable; her fierce walk and ability to command attention made her one of the most sought-after models during these fashion weeks.
In May 2016, Bella made her film debut with a small role in “Private,” directed by Tyer Ford. While her acting role was minor, it showcased her versatility and opened the door to potential future roles in film and television. That same year, Bella starred in campaigns for top brands like Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein, and she was named the new face of Dior Beauty, further solidifying her status as a top model.
One of the most significant milestones of 2016 was Bella being awarded the title of “Model of the Year” by the Daily Front Row’s Fashion Los Angeles Awards. This accolade was a testament to her hard work and her growing influence in the fashion industry. Bella’s career had officially taken off, and she was now recognized as one of the top models in the world.
Expanding Her Brand and Influence
Bella Hadid’s influence extends beyond the runway. She has successfully leveraged her platform to become a fashion icon and a social media sensation. With millions of followers on Instagram, Bella has become a key figure in the fashion and beauty industries, influencing trends and styles with her posts. Her social media presence has also allowed her to connect with fans and share aspects of her life, from behind-the-scenes glimpses of fashion shows to her personal struggles with Lyme disease.
In addition to her modeling work, Bella has collaborated with various brands on exclusive collections. For instance, she has worked closely with Chrome Hearts, designing a range of sunglasses and apparel that reflect her personal style. These collaborations have not only showcased Bella’s creativity but have also allowed her to expand her brand beyond modeling.
Bella has also used her platform to speak out on issues that matter to her. She has been vocal about her Palestinian heritage and has supported various causes, including the Black Lives Matter movement. Bella’s willingness to use her voice for social and political causes has endeared her to fans who admire her for more than just her beauty.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite her success, Bella Hadid has faced significant challenges in her personal life. Her battle with Lyme disease is ongoing, and she has been open about the physical and emotional toll it has taken on her. Bella’s transparency about her illness has helped raise awareness about Lyme disease and has provided support to others who are struggling with the condition.
Moreover, Bella has faced the pressures that come with being in the public eye. The scrutiny of her personal life, particularly her relationships and her appearance, has been intense. However, Bella has handled these challenges with grace and resilience, continuing to focus on her career and her personal growth.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Bella Hadid
As Bella Hadid continues to dominate the fashion industry, her future looks incredibly bright. With her extensive experience on the runway, her influence in the fashion world, and her growing presence in other areas of entertainment and business, Bella is poised to continue shaping trends and inspiring the next generation of models.
In the coming years, it is likely that Bella will expand her brand even further, potentially moving into other areas such as fashion design, photography, or even acting. Her versatility and creativity suggest that she could succeed in any endeavor she chooses to pursue.
Conclusion
Bella Hadid’s journey from a young girl with Olympic dreams to one of the most recognizable faces in fashion is a testament to her resilience, talent, and determination. Despite the challenges she has faced, Bella has emerged as a powerful force in the modeling world, with a career that shows no signs of slowing down. As she continues to evolve and grow, Bella Hadid remains a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, passion, and an unwavering commitment to one’s goals.
