Honestly, it’s hard to remember a time before Gigi Hadid. Whether she was the face of Baby Guess or walking the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York with those massive, quilted wings, she has sort of become the blueprint for what a modern supermodel looks like.
But it’s not just about the runway anymore.
By the time we hit early 2026, Hadid has effectively pivoted from being "just" a model to a full-blown creative director and business mogul. If you’ve been paying attention to her brand, Guest in Residence, you know she’s trying to do something different than the typical celebrity fast-fashion cash grab. She’s obsessed with heirloom quality. She wants you to buy a cashmere sweater today and give it to your kid in twenty years. It’s a vibe that feels very grounded for someone who earns $20 million a year.
The 2026 Reset: That Matte Black Mini Bob
If you saw the photos from earlier this January, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Gigi Hadid basically broke the internet when she ditched her signature California-blonde waves for a "matte black mini bob."
It was a total mood shift.
Hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos described the shade as a "Gen Z black" with zero red undertones. It’s inky. It’s moody. It’s a far cry from the sun-kissed girl-next-door look that launched her career back in 2014. Some people are calling it her "editorial era," and honestly, it works. It makes her look sharper, maybe even a bit more experimental, which is exactly where her career is headed right now.
More Than Just a Pretty Face: The Guest in Residence Success
When Gigi launched Guest in Residence in 2022, plenty of skeptics thought it would be another short-lived project. They were wrong. As of the Winter 2025/2026 drop, the brand is thriving.
She recently showed off a collection inspired by 1970s Los Angeles roller-skating culture—think vibrant, candy-colored cashmere that doesn’t feel stuffy. She’s leaning into "funky classics." The brand has stayed relevant by focusing on direct-to-consumer sales but also expanding into top-tier wholesale partners. She’s even doing collaborations with brands like Moon Boot and Havaianas, where she’s now a global ambassador.
You’ve gotta respect the hustle. She’s actually in the office, choosing the yarns and the Pantone swatches. It’s not just her name on a label.
Co-Parenting Khai and the Bradley Cooper Factor
People are always digging for drama in her personal life, but Gigi keeps it pretty locked down. Her relationship with Zayn Malik ended years ago, but they’ve developed a co-parenting rhythm that’s actually kind of refreshing.
In a recent Vogue interview, she mentioned that they plan their custody schedules months in advance. She’s clearly protective of her daughter, Khai. You’ll see the occasional photo of Khai’s fourth birthday or a silhouette on Instagram, but Gigi is adamant about not "giving the world the whole story."
Then there’s Bradley Cooper.
The two have been spotted all over New York and Paris recently. They were seen leaving the Vogue October issue party together, and they’ve mastered the art of the "cozy date night" look. It’s low-key. It’s adult. It’s very different from the high-octane paparazzi frenzies of her younger years.
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Activism and the Hadid Legacy
You can’t talk about Gigi Hadid without mentioning her Palestinian roots. She and her sister Bella have remained incredibly vocal about humanitarian issues.
In mid-2024, they made headlines for donating $1 million to relief efforts in Palestine, splitting the funds between organizations like HEAL Palestine and the World Central Kitchen. It’s a move that has earned them both immense praise and significant pushback, but Gigi doesn’t seem to care about the "brand risk."
She’s often said that she feels a responsibility to speak up because of her family history. Her father, Mohamed Hadid, was a refugee, and that legacy clearly informs her worldview. Whether it’s working with UNICEF or donating her Fashion Week earnings to Ukrainian victims, she’s consistently used her platform for more than just selling handbags.
Why She’s Still the "New Super"
Models.com still ranks her as one of the "New Supers," a title reserved for models who have the longevity of the 90s icons like Naomi or Cindy. In 2025 alone, she:
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- Graced the cover of Vogue (her 50th appearance across international editions).
- Starred in the Miu Miu holiday campaign.
- Became the face of Rabanne’s "Million Gold For Her" fragrance.
- Walked for Versace and Vetements in Paris and Milan.
It’s a level of saturation that would burn most people out. Somehow, she makes it look easy.
What to Expect Next
If you’re looking to channel a bit of that Hadid energy in 2026, here’s how to do it:
- Invest in Quality: Stop buying "disposable" clothes. Look for 100% natural fibers that actually last.
- The Hair Reset: If you’re feeling stuck, a dramatic color shift (like that matte black) can be a total "reset" for your personal brand.
- Boundaries: Take a page out of her book regarding social media—share the work, but keep the most precious parts of your life (like family) for yourself.
- Stay Curious: Gigi has moved into photography, directing, and design. Don’t let one job title define you.
The reality is that Gigi Hadid isn't going anywhere. She’s successfully transitioned from the "It Girl" of the 2010s to a legitimate industry power player. Whether she’s on a runway or in a boardroom, she’s proving that you can be both a global superstar and a thoughtful entrepreneur.
To keep up with her latest moves, you should definitely keep an eye on her Guest in Residence drops—they’re usually a good indicator of where the next "quiet luxury" trend is headed.