Bella Hadid, Biography
Bella Hadid is one of the most recognizable faces in modern fashion. From runway shows in Paris and Milan to record-breaking magazine covers, she has built a career that places her among the highest-paid models in the world. This guide covers her life, career milestones, and what makes her one of the defining models of her generation.
Early Life and Background
Isabella Khair Hadid was born on October 9, 1996, in Washington, D.C. She is the daughter of real estate developer Mohamed Hadid and former model and television personality Yolanda Hadid. Bella grew up in Los Angeles, California, alongside her older sister Gigi Hadid, who is also a world-famous model, and her younger brother Anwar Hadid.
Bella has Palestinian and Dutch heritage. Her father is Palestinian, and her mother is Dutch. She has spoken proudly about her Palestinian roots on several occasions.
As a teenager, Bella was passionate about horseback riding and dreamed of competing in the Olympics as an equestrian. She trained seriously for years, but chronic Lyme disease forced her to give up that dream. She was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012, a condition her mother and brother also battle. Bella has been open about how the illness affected her life and career.
Entry Into Modeling
Bella began modeling at just 16 years old with a commercial project for Flynn Skye. In August 2014, she signed with IMG Models, one of the most powerful agencies in the industry. That same fall, she made her New York Fashion Week debut walking for Desigual.
Unlike her sister Gigi, who found fame quickly, Bella’s rise was more gradual. Early in her career, she underwent rhinoplasty at age 14, a decision she later said she regretted. She has been candid about growing up in the shadow of her sister’s success and working hard to establish her own identity in the fashion world.
Breakthrough and Career Milestones
Bella’s career accelerated rapidly from 2015 onward:
- 2015: Walked for major designers including Tom Ford, Diane von Furstenberg, and Marc Jacobs. Appeared in campaigns for Balmain, Topshop, and Calvin Klein.
- 2016: Made her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut. Won Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards in London, beating her sister Gigi and other top contenders.
- 2017: Became the face of Dior Beauty and Bulgari. Set a record with five Vogue covers in a single month across different international editions.
- 2018–2019: Continued dominating runways for Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Fendi, and Off-White. Ranked among the highest-paid models in the world by Forbes.
- 2020s: Expanded into business ventures while remaining a runway staple at every major fashion week.
Magazine Covers and Campaigns
Bella has appeared on the cover of Vogue editions across the globe, including American, British, French, Italian, and Japanese Vogue. She has also graced the covers of Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, W, and Pop Magazine.
Her advertising campaigns read like a who’s who of luxury fashion: Dior, Bulgari, Calvin Klein, Moschino, Versace, Fendi, and Charlotte Tilbury, among many others. In 2022, her spray-on dress moment at the Coperni show, where a dress was painted directly onto her body on the runway, became one of the most viral fashion moments of the decade.
Business Ventures
Beyond modeling, Bella has built a business portfolio:
- Orebella: Her fragrance brand, launched in 2024, featuring skin-friendly perfumes.
- Kin Euphorics: She co-founded this non-alcoholic beverage brand focused on functional drinks.
- Acting: Bella has expressed interest in acting and appeared in the Hulu series Ramy, playing a version of herself.
Personal Life
Bella’s personal life has often made headlines. She was in an on-and-off relationship with singer The Weeknd from 2015 to 2019. Since 2023, she has been in a relationship with cowboy and horse trainer Adan Banuelos, and she has embraced the equestrian and Western lifestyle in Texas.
She is known for her close bond with her sister Gigi and her dedication to her family. Bella is also an advocate for Palestinian humanitarian causes and has used her platform to speak out on issues she cares about.
Health and Advocacy
Bella has been vocal about her struggles with Lyme disease and mental health. She has shared that she experiences anxiety and has undergone long treatment protocols for her chronic illness. Her openness has helped raise awareness and made her relatable to fans dealing with similar challenges.
Awards and Recognition
- Model of the Year, Fashion Awards (2016)
- Model of the Year, GQ Men of the Year Awards (2019)
- Multiple Models.com Model of the Year awards, including Readers’ Choice
- Consistently ranked in Forbes’ list of highest-paid models, earning an estimated $19 million in a single year at her peak
Bella Hadid’s Impact on Fashion
Bella is credited with helping define the aesthetic of late-2010s and early-2020s fashion. Her street style, from vintage-inspired looks to bold red carpet moments, is widely imitated. Designers praise her chameleon-like ability to transform for each show, and photographers consider her one of the most compelling faces of her era.
FAQs
How old is Bella Hadid?
Bella Hadid was born on October 9, 1996, making her 29 years old as of 2026.
What is Bella Hadid’s net worth?
Estimates place her net worth around $25 to $30 million, earned through modeling contracts, campaigns, and business ventures.
Are Bella and Gigi Hadid full sisters?
Yes, they share the same parents, Mohamed and Yolanda Hadid.
What is Bella Hadid famous for besides modeling?
Her business ventures like Orebella fragrance, her advocacy work, her viral fashion moments, and her influence on street style and beauty trends.
Does Bella Hadid still model?
Yes. While she has expanded into business, she continues to walk major runways and front luxury campaigns.
Final Thoughts
Bella Hadid’s journey from a horseback-riding teenager in Los Angeles to one of the most famous models on the planet is a story of resilience and reinvention. Battling chronic illness, stepping out of her sister’s shadow, and building a business empire alongside her modeling career, she has proven there is far more to her than a famous face.
