Bella Hadid: The Rise of a Supermodel Icon

Bella Hadid

Who Is Bella Hadid? The Supermodel the World Can’t Stop Watching

If you’ve been following the fashion world over the past decade, chances are you already know who Bella Hadid is — but if you don’t, you’re in for quite a story. Born Isabella Khair Hadid, this American supermodel has earned a legendary spot in an industry that doesn’t hand out such titles easily. She’s graced more than 35 international Vogue covers, walked for the biggest luxury houses on the planet, and built a cultural influence so powerful that economists actually gave it a name: the Bella Effect.

But what happened to Bella Hadid to make her the icon she is today? What is wrong with Bella Hadid’s health? Why did The Weeknd and Bella Hadid break up? And who is Bella Hadid dating now? Whether you’re here for the fashion, the personal drama, or just to learn more about one of the most talked-about women alive, this deep dive covers it all.

Quick Biography Facts

Bella Hadid

Full Name: Isabella Khair Hadid Date of Birth: October 9, 1996 Age: 28 years old Birthplace: Washington, D.C., USA Raised In: Santa Barbara & Beverly Hills, California Nationality: American Ethnicity: Palestinian (father) & Dutch (mother) Religion: Islam

Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Dark Brown

Father: Mohamed Hadid (Palestinian-American real estate developer) Mother: Yolanda Hadid (Dutch former model) Siblings: Gigi Hadid (older sister), Anwar Hadid (younger brother) Marital Status: Unmarried Children: None

Profession: Supermodel, Entrepreneur, Actress Agency: IMG Models (signed 2014) Net Worth: ~$25 million (est. 2024) Active Since: 2012

Health: Diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease (2012) Education: Parsons School of Design, NYC (Photography) Hobbies: Equestrian riding, Photography Boyfriend (2024): Adan Banuelos (horse rancher) Current Residence: Fort Worth, Texas

Notable Achievements:

  • 35+ international Vogue covers
  • Model of the Year — Models.com (2016)
  • Model of the Year — British Fashion Council (2022)
  • TIME 100 Most Influential People (2023)
  • Highest-paid model (~$19M earned in 2023)

Early Life & Background: Where It All Began

A Star-Studded Family Tree

Bella Hadid was born on October 9, 1996, in Washington, D.C., and raised in sunny Southern California. For anyone wondering how old is Bella Hadid — she is 28 years old as of 2024. She grew up as the middle child in an extraordinary family. Her father, Mohamed Hadid, is a Palestinian-American real estate developer, which is also why many people ask: is Bella Hadid Palestinian? The answer is yes — on her father’s side, she proudly holds Palestinian heritage.

Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, is a Dutch former model who once graced the pages of major fashion publications herself, and who has been open about her own health battles with Lyme disease. Bella shares the spotlight with her siblings: her older sister Gigi and Bella Hadid are among the most photographed siblings in fashion history, and their younger brother Anwar Hadid is also a model.

The family grew up on a stunning ranch in Santa Barbara before eventually relocating to Beverly Hills, a move that would set the stage for Bella’s eventual launch into the fashion world. As for the question of faith — is Bella Hadid Muslim? Yes, she was raised Muslim and has spoken about her Palestinian and Islamic roots as a core part of her identity.

Where Does Bella Hadid Live?

For years, Bella split her time between New York City and wherever fashion week took her — Paris, Milan, London. However, in 2024, she made a quieter, more personal move. Bella Hadid relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, with her boyfriend, embracing a slower, ranch-style lifestyle that feels like a return to her Santa Barbara roots.

Pre-Modelling Years: Horses, Dreams, and a Devastating Diagnosis

The Equestrian Who Almost Went to the Olympics

Long before the runways, there were horses. Bella Hadid young was a girl utterly devoted to equestrian sport, having begun horseback riding at just 3 years old. She competed seriously in horsemanship through her early teen years and had genuine Olympic aspirations — specifically, she dreamed of representing the United States at the 2016 Rio Olympics as an equestrian athlete.

That dream, unfortunately, was not meant to be.

What Illness Does Bella Hadid Have?

This is one of the most searched questions around her name, and the answer is both simple and heartbreaking. What disease does Bella Hadid have? She was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease in 2012, alongside her mother Yolanda and her brother Anwar. As for how did Bella Hadid get Lyme disease — Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, and given her years of outdoor equestrian activity on ranches and fields, exposure to ticks was a real and ongoing risk.

So what does Bella Hadid have, exactly? Chronic Lyme disease is a long-term condition that can cause debilitating fatigue, neurological problems, joint pain, and a host of other symptoms that fluctuate over time. For Bella, it meant giving up competitive horse riding in 2013 — a loss that she has described as one of the most painful moments of her life.

For anyone still wondering what is wrong with Bella Hadid or what’s wrong with Bella Hadid, the answer is that she continues to manage this chronic illness even amid one of the most demanding careers in the world. And is Bella Hadid sick in the sense of active struggles? Yes — she has been candid in interviews about ongoing health challenges, including periods of hospitalization and treatment. The news of her continued battles prompted widespread searches for what happened to Bella Hadid news whenever she shared updates publicly.

Despite all of this, she went on to attend the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she studied photography — a passion that would later influence her artistic approach to modeling and visual storytelling.

Modelling Career: From First Shoot to Fashion Royalty

Bella Hadid

Early Beginnings (2012–2014): The Spark

Bella Hadid started modelling at age 16 with a commercial project for Flynn Skye, a small but meaningful first step. Early campaigns for Chrome Hearts in 2013 and 2014 started putting her face in front of a more style-conscious audience. Then came the pivotal moment: in August 2014, she signed with IMG Models — the same powerhouse agency that represented her sister Gigi — and made her New York Fashion Week debut walking for Desigual.

Breakthrough Years (2015–2016): The World Takes Notice

2015 was the year everything shifted. Bella walked for Tom Ford’s collection and debuted at fashion weeks in London and Paris, announcing herself to the global fashion elite. By late 2015, she made her Chanel debut, and in 2016, she and Gigi walked the Chanel Haute Couture runway together in one of fashion’s most talked-about sister moments.

Also in 2016, Bella signed her first major beauty campaign as a brand ambassador for Dior Beauty, cementing her status as more than a runway model — she was becoming a face. Industry professionals on Models.com voted her “Model of the Year” in 2016, and no one could argue with the choice.

Peak Career (2017–2022): Living Legend Territory

From 2017 onward, Bella Hadid didn’t just participate in fashion — she defined it. In 2017, she broke the record for appearing on five international Vogue September covers in a single year, a feat almost unheard of in the industry. She walked for Victoria’s Secret, Versace, Givenchy, Fendi, and dozens of other luxury houses, becoming a fixture on every major runway.

Then came the moment that the entire internet couldn’t stop talking about: at Paris Fashion Week in 2022, Bella closed Coperni’s Spring 2023 show by walking out in a nude bodysuit while designers spray-painted a slip dress directly onto her body using Fabrican technology. It was one of the most breathtaking live fashion moments in recent memory, and it went viral worldwide.

In 2022, she was named Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council. By 2023, she was one of the world’s highest-paid models, with Bella Hadid net worth estimates reflecting earnings of approximately $19 million in that year alone — making her one of the top earners in modeling globally.

The Bella Effect: Why Brands Want Her on Their Runway

The fashion industry loves a muse, but Bella Hadid is something rarer — she’s a proven commercial force. Her ability to elevate a brand’s profile and drive real monetary value became so recognized that it was literally branded the “Bella Effect.” In 2022, brands she walked for saw monetary value increases of up to 29%, with Jil Sander experiencing a staggering 90% rise in brand value following her appearance.

Designer Thom Browne described her as a talent born once in a generation. Time magazine agreed, naming her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023. At this point, calling Bella Hadid just a model feels almost like an understatement.

Physical Stats: Height, Weight, and the Body Conversation

Since these are among the most searched topics around her name, let’s address them directly and with care.

How tall is Bella Hadid? Bella Hadid height is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) — a classic runway-ready stature that has served her well across the world’s most prestigious catwalks.

As for Bella Hadid weight and how much does Bella Hadid weigh — she has not publicly disclosed a specific number, and rightly so. What’s worth noting is that Bella has been an advocate for body acceptance and has spoken openly about the pressures models face around their bodies. She encourages a conversation about health rather than numbers on a scale, which reflects her broader advocacy for diversity and inclusivity in fashion. Bella Hadid body has been both celebrated and, at times, subjected to intense public scrutiny — a reality she has addressed with admirable openness.

Bella Hadid’s Fashion Moments: Dress, Street Style & Met Gala

Bella Hadid’s approach to fashion is fearless. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping Bella Hadid dress on a red carpet or effortless Bella Hadid street style while grabbing coffee in New York, she makes headlines either way.

Her Bella Hadid Met Gala appearances are some of the most Googled fashion moments after every ceremony. She has shown up in sculptural gowns, barely-there looks, and avant-garde creations that consistently land her on best-dressed lists. Each appearance reads less like a fashion choice and more like a statement.

Her street style deserves its own chapter. Bella is known for mixing vintage pieces with high fashion, leaning into ’90s-inspired silhouettes, cargo pants, corsets, and effortlessly cool layering. Fashion editors, stylists, and fans alike dissect her off-duty looks with the same intensity reserved for runway presentations.

One high-profile appearance that generated global attention was Bella Hadid Cannes 2024, where her red carpet look sparked conversations across social media and fashion publications worldwide.

Bella Hadid Before Plastic Surgery: The Transformation Debate

Few topics generate as much online debate as Bella Hadid before plastic surgery comparisons. Over the years, fans and critics alike have pointed to apparent differences in her facial structure — particularly around her nose and cheekbones — between her early teen photos and her current appearance.

For years, Bella denied having surgical procedures, attributing changes in her appearance to makeup, contouring, and natural maturation. However, in a candid 2022 Vogue interview, she addressed the speculation more directly, acknowledging a rhinoplasty (nose job) she had at 14 — something she has since expressed regret about. She has maintained that most of the dramatic transformation attributed to surgery is largely the result of skilled makeup artistry and growing up.

The conversation around her appearance touches on broader issues of beauty standards in the modeling industry, something Bella has been willing to engage with thoughtfully.

Beyond Modeling: Acting, Business & Giving Back

Bella Hadid

Making Her Acting Debut

In 2023, Bella expanded her creative horizons by joining the cast of the Hulu series Ramy in a recurring role — her first official venture into scripted television. It was a bold, unexpected move that showed she wasn’t content to be defined by the runway alone.

Business Ventures

Bella has also proven herself a savvy entrepreneur. In 2021, she co-created Kin Euphorics, a non-alcoholic adaptogenic drink brand that aligns with her interest in wellness and holistic health. Then, in early 2024, she launched her own fragrance line, Orebella, which quickly gained attention for its earthy, personal aesthetic.

Does Bella Hadid Have a Child?

This is a question that pops up frequently online: does Bella Hadid have a child? As of 2024, the answer is no — Bella Hadid does not have any children.

Philanthropy

Away from the cameras, Bella has volunteered at the Bowery Mission, supported Feeding America, and was publicly visible during Black Lives Matter protests. Her Palestinian heritage has also made her an outspoken voice on Middle Eastern humanitarian issues, particularly the conflict in Gaza.

Personal Life: Love, Heartbreak & Finding Peace

Who Is Bella Hadid Dating? The Boyfriend Question

For years, the most talked-about relationship in Bella’s life was her on-and-off romance with musician The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), which ran from 2015 to 2021 with several breaks in between. So why did The Weeknd and Bella Hadid break up? According to various reports, their demanding and conflicting schedules made sustaining the relationship incredibly difficult. Both have careers that require constant travel, and the pressures of two high-profile lives in the public eye eventually proved too much to maintain. Neither party has gone into extensive detail publicly, keeping the final chapter of that story relatively private.

So, who is Bella Hadid dating now? By 2024, Bella was in a relationship with horse rancher Adan Banuelos, a significantly lower-profile partner who fits into her new quieter lifestyle in Fort Worth, Texas. Bella Hadid boyfriend news shifted dramatically when she went from one of music’s biggest stars to a quiet life on a ranch — a full-circle moment given her equestrian roots.

As for Bella Hadid husband — she is not married as of 2024.

Controversies: The Adidas Campaign Fallout

No major public figure is without controversy, and Bella Hadid’s 2024 brought a significant one. In July 2024, Adidas pulled portions of an advertising campaign featuring Hadid after it was pointed out that the imagery had an unintentional visual connection to the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre — a tragedy with deep historical resonance, particularly given Bella’s Palestinian identity. Hadid responded publicly, stating clearly that she was completely unaware of the connection and expressing her apologies. The incident sparked a broader conversation about brand responsibility and the weight of historical symbolism in advertising.

Bella Hadid and Yellowstone: What’s the Connection?

You may have seen Bella Hadid Yellowstone pop up in searches and wondered what the link is. This isn’t about the hit TV show — it’s about Bella’s move to Texas and her embrace of cowboy and ranch culture with boyfriend Adan Banuelos, a champion cutting horse trainer. She’s been spotted in Western wear, at rodeos, and living a lifestyle that feels a world away from Paris Fashion Week. The “Yellowstone Bella” aesthetic she’s been photographed in has become a cultural moment in itself.

Legacy & Impact: More Than a Model

When people look back at the supermodels of the 2010s and 2020s, Bella Hadid‘s name will sit at the very top. With over 35 international Vogue covers, landmark runway moments, and an influence that extends far beyond fashion into culture, health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and activism, she has redefined what it means to be a supermodel in the social media era.

She is someone who fought chronic illness to build a career most people only dream of. She is a Palestinian-American Muslim woman who has used her platform to speak on issues of representation and humanitarian concern. She is a businesswoman, a budding actress, a fashion icon, and, increasingly, a woman who seems to be finding happiness on her own terms — on a ranch in Texas, far from the flashing cameras of the world’s fashion capitals.

What happened to Bella Hadid? She grew up. And she did it beautifully.

Also Read: Reese Witherspoon: The Complete Story of Hollywood’s Most Powerful Actress and Producer