Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid have cemented their status as global supermodels, gracing magazine covers and runways worldwide. However, their ascent to fashion royalty is deeply rooted in their family history, pioneered by their mother, Yolanda Hadid, herself a successful model. The Hadid Family narrative extends beyond Gigi and Bella, encompassing a rich tapestry of personalities, careers, and relationships that have shaped their prominent place in popular culture. This article delves into the intricate dynamics of the Hadid family, exploring the individuals who contribute to this captivating dynasty.
Yolanda Hadid: The Matriarch and Model Mentor
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Yolanda Hadid, a former Ford model, at the 2024 God’s Love We Deliver Golden Heart Awards red carpet.
Born Yolanda van den Herik on January 11, 1964, in the Netherlands, Yolanda Hadid’s journey into the spotlight began at the age of 16 when she was scouted and signed by Ford Models. Her modeling career flourished throughout the 1980s and 90s, establishing her in the fashion industry. In 1994, she married real estate developer Mohamed Hadid, and together they had three children who would eventually follow in her footsteps: Jelena Noura “Gigi” Hadid (born in 1995), Isabella Khair “Bella” Hadid (born in 1996), and Anwar Khair Hadid (born in 1999). Yolanda and Mohamed’s marriage ended in divorce in 2000, but their shared commitment to their children remained.
Yolanda’s fame amplified when she joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2012. This platform offered a glimpse into her personal life, showcasing her role as a mother to teenagers Gigi, Bella, and Anwar, and her marriage to her second husband, composer David Foster. Yolanda and David married in 2011 but later divorced in 2017. Her tenure on RHOBH lasted for four seasons, concluding in 2016. Subsequently, she hosted Making a Model with Yolanda Hadid, further solidifying her presence in the reality television sphere and her expertise in the modeling world.
During her time in the public eye, Yolanda openly discussed her diagnosis with Lyme disease, bringing awareness to the challenges of living with an invisible illness. She further detailed her experiences in her 2017 memoir, Believe Me: My Battle with the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease. Today, Yolanda embraces her role as a grandmother to Gigi’s daughter, Khai, and is in a relationship with Joseph Jingoli. She leads a quieter life, primarily residing on her farm in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the values of family and a grounded lifestyle, principles she instilled in her children despite their high-profile careers.
Mohamed Hadid: The Real Estate Mogul and Patriarch
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Mohamed Hadid, father of Gigi, Bella and Anwar Hadid, at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in December 2022.
Born Mohamed Anwar Hadid on November 6, 1948, in Nazareth, Israel, Mohamed Hadid’s life journey is one of immigration and entrepreneurial success. His family, of Palestinian origin, fled to Syria before eventually immigrating to the United States when Mohamed was a teenager. He has built a prominent career as a luxury real estate developer, known for constructing opulent mansions in Beverly Hills and Bel Air. Despite his divorce from Yolanda, Mohamed maintained an amicable relationship with her and his children, making occasional appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alongside Yolanda. His impressive residences were often featured on the show, showcasing his extravagant lifestyle.
In a 2022 interview with Vogue, Bella Hadid offered insights into her childhood experiences in her father’s homes, noting they sometimes felt impersonal due to their intended purpose as properties for sale. She reflected on her father’s background and motivations, explaining, “My dad didn’t grow up with a lot at all, so to be very grand with everything he does — this was his way to make his father in heaven proud.”
Beyond real estate, Mohamed Hadid’s life includes a surprising athletic chapter. In 1992, he represented Jordan in speed skiing at the Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, standing as the sole member of the Jordanian team. Before his marriage to Yolanda, Mohamed was married to Mary Butler, with whom he has two daughters, Marielle and Alana Hadid, further expanding the Hadid family. From 2014 to 2019, he was in a relationship with Shiva Safai, with whom he appeared on the reality series Second Wives Club.
Anwar Hadid: Following His Sisters’ Footsteps (and Finding His Own Beat)
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Anwar Hadid modeling Versace during Milan Men Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023 in June 2022.
Anwar Hadid, born on June 22, 1999, is the youngest of Yolanda and Mohamed’s children and completes the trio of Hadid siblings in the modeling industry. Like Gigi and Bella, Anwar has carved out a career in fashion, working with renowned luxury brands such as Hugo Boss, Valentino, and Ralph Lauren. He has also shared the runway with his sisters, notably in a 2017 Tommy Hilfiger show, highlighting the family’s collective presence in the fashion world.
Anwar’s entry into modeling began at the age of 16, inspired by the burgeoning careers of his older sisters. He acknowledged their influence in a 2016 interview with Teen Vogue, stating, “I only got interested in fashion a couple of years ago, when Gigi and Bella started modeling.” He initially had limited exposure to designer fashion but embraced the opportunities that modeling presented. Yolanda also encouraged him to explore modeling as a business venture and to broaden his horizons.
In 2019, Anwar shared the advice he received from Gigi and Bella regarding modeling, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and confidence: “Try to be yourself and be confident and comfortable,” and “wear the clothes and don’t let them wear you.” Beyond modeling, Anwar is a musician, releasing his album BLEACH in 2019, showcasing his artistic versatility and desire for self-expression through music. He has also been noted for his relationships, including links to Nicola Peltz and a high-profile relationship with pop star Dua Lipa from 2019 to 2021.
Marielle and Alana Hadid: Expanding the Hadid Legacy
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Marielle Hadid at the launch celebration of Bella Hadid’s brand in May 2024.
Marielle Hadid, born on September 7, 1980, and Alana Hadid, born on July 27, 1983, are Mohamed Hadid’s daughters from his first marriage to Mary Butler. While maintaining a lower public profile compared to their half-siblings, Marielle and Alana are accomplished women with their own ventures. Marielle operates “Living Well with Marielle,” a business offering interior design, organization, and homemaking services, reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit.
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Alana Hadid attending the launch of Bella Hadid’s brand in May 2024.
Alana is a fashion designer and, alongside Marielle, co-founded Hadid Eyewear, demonstrating their collective engagement in the fashion industry. Alana discussed the close-knit relationship she shares with all her siblings in a 2019 Grazia interview, emphasizing their supportive and protective bond, irrespective of Gigi and Bella’s fame. She highlighted their sisterly connection, engaging in everyday activities like shopping and cooking, reinforcing their strong family ties. Alana made her runway debut at 40 during Copenhagen Fashion Week in 2023 for Saks Potts, embracing new opportunities and further expanding the Hadid family’s presence in the fashion world.
A Family Legacy
The Hadid family’s influence spans across fashion, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. From Yolanda’s modeling legacy to Mohamed’s real estate empire, and Gigi, Bella, and Anwar’s supermodel status, each member contributes to the family’s dynamic narrative. Marielle and Alana further enrich this legacy with their own professional pursuits and underscore the strong familial bonds that unite them all. The Hadid family story is more than just individual successes; it’s a story of a family dynasty, interconnected and supportive, making their mark on the world stage.
