GIGI HADID: A Breakthrough Journey from Desigual to Stardom
Jelena Noura Hadid, known globally as Gigi Hadid, is one of the most celebrated models in the fashion industry today. Renowned for her striking beauty, distinct personality, and extraordinary talent, she has graced countless magazine covers and walked on some of the most prestigious runways in the world. The story of her breakthrough into fashion modeling began with a well-known Spanish brand, Desigual.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, to real estate developer Mohamed Hadid and former model Yolanda Hadid, Gigi was exposed to the fashion world from an early age. Her career started when she was just two years old, modeling for Baby Guess. Despite her early entry into the world of modeling, Gigi took a hiatus to concentrate on her studies, only to return more focused and determined to the industry later in her teens.
Desigual: The Launch Pad
Gigi's momentous breakthrough into high-fashion modeling came in February 2014. She was 18 at the time and a relatively unknown face in the industry. It was then that she made her New York Fashion Week debut walking for Desigual, a vibrant and colorful Spanish brand known for its bold, unique designs.
This opportunity was undoubtedly pivotal. Her Desigual show appearance marked the beginning of a meteoric rise. The youthful charm she exhibited, combined with her natural stride on the catwalk, caught the eyes of many fashion insiders. The blonde beauty, who was studying criminal psychology at The New School in New York at the time, made heads turn with her refreshing look and distinctive runway presence.
After Desigual: A Skyrocketing Career
Following her impactful debut, Gigi's career took off at breakneck speed. Later in 2014, she was named one of the 12 rookies in Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit issue. This exposure amplified her name in the industry, and she became a highly sought-after face for major fashion designers and prestigious brands.
In December of the same year, Gigi made a significant career move by signing with IMG Models, one of the top modeling agencies globally. This contract gave her the platform to showcase her talent on a larger scale and opened doors to numerous high-profile opportunities.
In 2015, she became the face of Maybelline and walked for Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Michael Kors, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Max Mara, among other high-profile designers. However, the landmark moment in that year was when she made her first appearance in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, a coveted platform for any model.
Gigi Today: A Global Supermodel
Gigi Hadid's career trajectory since her Desigual debut has been nothing short of incredible. She's graced covers of Vogue magazine multiple times and has become a regular on high-profile runways, from Milan and Paris to New York and London. She's fronted campaigns for Versace, Balmain, Tom Ford, and many more leading fashion brands.
Moreover, Gigi's influence has extended beyond the world of fashion. She's an advocate for body positivity and has candidly spoken about the pressures of the modeling industry. Also, as a UNICEF ambassador, she has used her platform to shed light on global issues.
In conclusion, the story of Gigi Hadid's breakthrough into fashion modeling demonstrates the power of seizing opportunities and making the most of them. The Desigual show was indeed the catalyst that propelled her into the spotlight, but her talent, determination, and hard work have cemented her position as a global fashion icon. Gigi Hadid has emerged from her humble beginnings at Desigual to become one of the defining supermodels of her generation, and she continues to inspire others with her story.