Gigi Hadid, born Jelena Noura Hadid on April 23, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, is a globally renowned fashion model and television personality. She began her modeling career as a child with Baby Guess and later signed with IMG Models in 2013. Gigi made her New York Fashion Week debut in 2014 and has since become one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion industry. She has graced the covers of numerous international editions of Vogue and worked with top brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Maybelline, and Versace. In 2016, she was named International Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council. Gigi is also known for her advocacy for mental health and her openness about living with Hashimoto's disease.

Before Gigi Hadid became a globally recognized supermodel, she had a relatively normal upbringing in Los Angeles, California. She was born into a family with connections to the fashion and real estate industries—her mother, Yolanda Hadid, was a former model, and her father, Mohamed Hadid, is a real estate developer. Gigi's modeling career began early when she was discovered at the age of two by Paul Marciano, the co-founder of Guess. She appeared in Baby Guess campaigns but paused her modeling to focus on school and sports. During her high school years at Malibu High School, she was the captain of the varsity volleyball team and an accomplished equestrian. After graduating, Gigi briefly studied criminal psychology at The New School in New York City but decided to pursue modeling full-time, signing with IMG Models in 2013. Her early experiences and family background laid the foundation for her eventual success in the fashion industry.

Gigi Hadid built her fortune through her highly successful career as a fashion model, television personality, and entrepreneur. She has worked with top brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Maybelline, Versace, and Chanel, and has graced the covers of over 35 international editions of Vogue. Her collaborations with major fashion houses and her appearances in high-profile campaigns have made her one of the highest-paid models globally. In addition to modeling, Gigi has ventured into entrepreneurship, including designing collections for Tommy Hilfiger and launching her own projects. Her ability to leverage her fame and talent has contributed significantly to her financial success.