Bella Hadid is one of the most in-demand models today. Her sharp features and confident runway walk have made her a go-to for top designers around the world. Beyond modeling, she uses her platform to speak about health issues and showcase her style, setting trends for millions of fans worldwide.
Who is Bella Hadid?
Bella Hadid, born Isabella Khair Hadid on October 9, 1996, in Washington, D.C., has Palestinian and Dutch roots. Her father, Mohamed Hadid, is a Palestinian-American real estate developer, while her mother, Yolanda Hadid, is a former Dutch model. Her mixed heritage contributes to her distinct look, which stands out on camera.
At 28 years old, Bella has made her mark as more than just a pretty face. She ranks among the highest-paid models worldwide, with her photos gracing countless magazine covers and her walk dominating fashion runways from New York to Paris.
Early Life and Background
Bella grew up in Santa Barbara, California, alongside her older sister Gigi and younger brother Anwar. She grew up doing everyday things but was especially drawn to horseback riding. She became an accomplished equestrian, competing professionally and dreaming of representing the USA in the Olympics.
Her educational path took her to Malibu High School, where she balanced studies with her growing passion for photography. After high school, she enrolled at Parsons in New York to study photography but left to pursue modeling full-time.
The modeling world beckoned when Bella was just 16, though her career took off at 18 when she signed with IMG Models in 2014. Her mother’s background as a model and her experience on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” gave Bella an early glimpse into public life, helping prepare her for the spotlight.
Her Rise in Fashion
Bella’s career took off quickly after she entered the industry. Her runway debut came in 2014 during New York Fashion Week, but her big breakthrough happened in 2015 when she walked for Tom Ford.
Since then, her resume has grown impressively. She has modeled for nearly every major fashion house, including Chanel, Dior, Versace, Givenchy, and Marc Jacobs. Bella became the face of Dior Beauty in 2016, cementing her status as a fashion powerhouse.
Her magazine covers tell their own success story. Bella has appeared on over 40 Vogue covers worldwide, including American Vogue, British Vogue, and French Vogue. In 2022, she made history by appearing on five September issue covers – fashion’s most important month.
On the runway, her walk has become legendary. Karl Lagerfeld once called her “a natural catwalk queen,” praising her ability to transform with each designer’s vision. Critics praise her versatility, calling it her strongest skill.
Perhaps her most iconic runway moment came in 2022 during Paris Fashion Week, when she closed the Coperni show in a dress sprayed directly onto her body – a moment that went viral and showcased fashion’s intersection with technology and art.
Relationships and Family
Bella’s personal life often attracts as much attention as her professional achievements. Her most public relationship was with Canadian singer The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), whom she dated on and off between 2015 and 2019.
Since late 2023, Bella has been dating cowboy and horse trainer Adan Banuelos. They connected over their shared love of horses. Unlike her previous high-profile relationships, Bella keeps this partnership relatively private, sharing only occasional glimpses on social media.
Family remains central to Bella’s life. She shares a particularly close bond with her sister Gigi, also a supermodel. The sisters frequently support each other at events and often vacation together. Despite working in the same competitive industry, they maintain a strong relationship built on mutual respect and support.
Bella also stays close to her mother, Yolanda, who helped guide her early career. Their bond strengthened during Bella’s health struggles, with Yolanda acting as an advocate and support system throughout her treatment journey.
Living with Lyme Disease
One of the most defining aspects of Bella’s life has been her battle with Lyme disease, which she was diagnosed with in 2012. The illness brought symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, and joint pain.
For years, Bella struggled silently with her health while maintaining a demanding career. In July 2023, she opened up about the toll the disease took on her health, sharing on Instagram: “Living with this disease for 15 years has taken so much from me.”
After extensive treatment, including 100 days of intravenous antibiotics, Bella announced in 2023 that she was “finally healthy” for the first time in years. Her recovery journey included stepping back from modeling to focus on healing.
By speaking openly, Bella has become a voice for Lyme disease awareness. She regularly speaks about the importance of diagnosis and treatment options, helping others who suffer from this often misunderstood condition.
Beyond Lyme disease, Bella focuses on overall wellness through a balanced approach to nutrition and exercise. She practices yoga, follows a protein-rich diet, and prioritizes sleep habits she credits with helping maintain her energy for her demanding career.
Her Style and Fashion Influence
Bella’s style sets her apart from other models. Off the runway, she blends vintage and streetwear styles—looks that often go viral. Her ability to shift between ultra-glamorous red carpet appearances and casual street style showcases her fashion versatility.
Vintage shopping forms a core part of her fashion identity. She frequently sports rare pieces from the 90s and early 2000s, helping fuel the Y2K fashion revival. Experts say she has a knack for styling vintage designer pieces in fresh, modern ways.
Her signature style elements include tiny sunglasses, leather jackets, crop tops, baggy jeans, and platform shoes. These choices reflect both 90s nostalgia and contemporary trends, creating a look many try to emulate.
Makeup artists praise Bella’s ability to transform through beauty looks. From bleached eyebrows to graphic liner, she experiments fearlessly. Her slicked-back bun hairstyle became so popular that beauty magazines dubbed it “the Bella Hadid bun,” showing her influence extends beyond clothing.
How Much is Bella Hadid Worth?
Bella’s financial success matches her modeling achievements. Her estimated net worth in 2025 is between $25 and $30 million. This wealth comes primarily from modeling contracts, brand partnerships, and business ventures.
Her earnings place her among the highest-paid models in the world. In 2022, Forbes reported she earned approximately $14 million from her various professional endeavors.
Major income sources include her contracts with Dior Beauty, Michael Kors, and Calvin Klein. Each campaign can earn her anywhere from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. Runway appearances for top fashion houses add to her income, with premier shows paying top models handsomely.
Beyond traditional modeling, Bella has developed several business ventures. In 2022, she launched Ôrebella, her fragrance line. She also co-founded Rêverie, a wellness drink brand focusing on non-alcoholic beverages infused with adaptogens.
Social media adds significantly to her income through sponsored posts. With over 60 million Instagram followers, brands pay premium rates for her endorsements, with some single posts reportedly earning her over $100,000.
Controversies and Public Moments
Like many public figures, Bella has faced her share of controversies and legal matters. In 2014, she received a DUI charge at age 17, resulting in a suspended license, probation, and community service. She has since called this a “huge mistake” and a learning experience.
In the social media sphere, Bella faced criticism in 2017 for her involvement in promoting the ill-fated Fyre Festival. Along with other models, she appeared in promotional materials for the luxury music festival that ultimately collapsed in chaos. The aftermath led to discussions about influencer responsibility and transparency.
Bella’s outspoken support for Palestinian rights has drawn both praise and criticism. Her father’s heritage ties her closely to the Palestinian cause, and she regularly uses her platform to raise awareness about humanitarian issues in Palestine. While some applaud her advocacy, others have criticized her statements, highlighting the challenges celebrities face when speaking on complex political issues.
In 2020, Bella faced a copyright infringement case when she posted a photographer’s image of herself on Instagram without permission. The case was settled out of court but sparked conversation about image rights in the digital age.
Bella has handled most challenges with openness and a willingness to grow, characteristics that have helped maintain her public standing.
Homes and Investments
Bella has made savvy financial moves beyond her modeling income. Her most significant investments include real estate holdings in both New York and Texas. In 2019, she purchased a penthouse in SoHo, New York, for $6.1 million, which has since appreciated considerably.
Her investment portfolio includes stakes in several startup companies, focusing particularly on beauty, wellness, and sustainable fashion brands. These investments reflect her interests and help diversify her income.
Bella maintains a modest but valuable collection of art, focusing on photography and contemporary pieces. Art market analysts note her eye for emerging artists whose work often appreciates significantly after her purchases.
Her business ventures represent perhaps her most promising assets. Ôrebella fragrance line and Rêverie beverage company both show strong growth potential. Industry insiders report both brands achieved profitability faster than projected, suggesting Bella’s business acumen matches her modeling talents.
Unlike some celebrities who flaunt luxury purchases, Bella invests in experiences and assets with lasting value. Advisors say she takes a smart, long-term approach to managing her money, noting she prioritizes long-term financial security over conspicuous consumption.
Final Thoughts
In 2020, Bella purchased a ranch property in Texas, allowing her to pursue her passion for horses. The working ranch includes stables, riding areas, and a modest farmhouse she renovated with a focus on sustainable materials. It’s her escape from city life and the fashion spotlight.
Her homes reflect her aesthetic – a blend of comfort, artistic expression, and functionality. Unlike the ultra-modern or overtly luxurious homes of some celebrities, Bella’s properties feature warm colors, natural materials, and personal touches like family photographs and items collected during her travels.
Friends say her home feels warm and inviting. Even her fashion-forward public image, Bella’s living spaces prioritize comfort and personal meaning over showiness, giving insight into her authentic self away from the cameras.
