Isabella Khair Hadid, born in Washington, D.C. in 1996, shifted from competitive equestrian pursuits to a professional modeling career that began at age sixteen. Rising through international runway circuits, she eventually achieved industry recognition as a premier model, securing major global campaigns and numerous high-profile editorial appearances throughout her rapid ascent in the fashion sector.
Early Development and Equestrian Background
Raised on a ranch in Santa Barbara and later in Beverly Hills, Hadid trained as an equestrian during her teenage years. Her initial career focus centered on the discipline of equitation, with aspirations to compete at the 2016 Summer Olympics, though the sport is not an Olympic discipline. During her high school years at Malibu High School, she navigated health challenges including an ADHD diagnosis and chronic Lyme disease, the latter of which she shared with her mother, Yolanda Hadid, and brother.
Initial Professional Modeling
Hadid’s entry into professional work started with commercial projects for Flynn Skye and modeling assignments like Lesa Amoore’s The Swan Settings. She later modeled for Hanna Hayes’ 2013 collection and campaigned for Chrome Hearts. Following her graduation from high school in 2014, she moved to New York City to study photography at the Parsons School of Design, eventually suspending these studies to prioritize her modeling commitments.
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Signing with IMG Models in August 2014, she made her New York Fashion Week debut shortly thereafter. By 2015, her presence expanded across major fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, including debuts for Chanel and Tom Ford. In 2016, industry professionals at Models.com voted her Model of the Year. She continued to reach milestones in 2017, setting a record for the highest number of Vogue September covers in a single year.
Professional Standing and Public Profile
As of 2023, Hadid maintained one of the highest earnings in the modeling industry, reported at $19 million. Her portfolio includes at least 35 international Vogue covers and a long-standing role as a brand ambassador for Dior Makeup. Time magazine included her in their list of the 100 most influential people in 2023, and the British Fashion Council named her Model of the Year in 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1996, Washington, D.C.
- Citizenship: United States
- Primary Occupations: Equestrian, model
- Education: Malibu High School, Parsons School of Design
- 2016 Model of the Year: Models.com
- 2022 Model of the Year: British Fashion Council
- 2023 Reported Earnings: $19 million
- Languages: English, American English
Questions readers ask
Did Bella Hadid compete in the Olympics?
No, although she was a competitive equestrian as a teenager and aspired to do so, equitation is not an Olympic discipline.
What did Bella Hadid study before modeling?
After graduating from Malibu High School, she enrolled at the Parsons School of Design to study photography.
When did she begin her modeling career?
Her modeling career began at age sixteen with a commercial project for Flynn Skye.
Achievements
- Educated at Parsons School of Design
- Worked as model and equestrian
