Introduction
Bella Hadid, born Isabella Khair Hadid, is one of the most influential supermodels of her generation. Known for her striking features, chameleon-like runway presence, and business acumen, Bella has made an enduring mark on the fashion world. Over her career, she has walked for top-tier designers, appeared on dozens of international Vogue covers, and been crowned as Model of the Year by major fashion institutions.
Beyond the runway, Bella has also become a vocal advocate for social causes, leveraging her platform to address health issues and political matters. Her impact extends far beyond modeling: she is a businesswoman, an equestrian, and a global cultural figure whose story continues to inspire.
Early Life and Education
Full Name, Birthdate & Family Origins
- Full Name: Isabella Khair Hadid Wikipedia+2Biography IT+2
- Date of Birth: October 9, 1996 Wikipedia+1
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C., U.S. Wikipedia
Bella is the daughter of Mohamed Hadid, a Palestinian-American real estate developer, and Yolanda Hadid (née van den Herik), a former Dutch model. Encyclopedia Britannica+1 She has four siblings: Gigi and Anwar Hadid, who are also models, plus two other sisters. Sportskeeda+1
Childhood & Early Interests
- Bella grew up in Santa Barbara, California, spending much of her childhood on a ranch. Sportskeeda
- From a very young age (around 3), she engaged in horseback riding and later competed in equestrian events. Encyclopedia Britannica
- In 2012, she was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease, a serious health challenge that impacted her stamina and led her to adjust her life goals. Encyclopedia Britannica
Education
- Bella attended Malibu High School. Biography IT+1
- After high school, she enrolled at Parsons School of Design in New York to study photography. However, she later left to focus on her burgeoning modeling career. Encyclopedia Britannica
Career
How Bella Hadid Started Modeling
- Bella began modeling at age 16, landing her first commercial gig for Flynn Skye. Encyclopedia Britannica
- In August 2014, she signed with IMG Models, one of the world’s most prestigious modeling agencies. Wikipedia
- Shortly after signing, she made her New York Fashion Week debut in September 2014, walking for brands such as Desigual. Celeb Rays+1
Breakthrough and Rise to Stardom
Bella’s rise in the fashion industry was swift:
- By 2016, she was named Model of the Year by Models.com. Wikipedia
- She walked for top fashion houses: Chanel, Givenchy, Versace, Saint Laurent, and many others. Liveroger
- Bella appeared on multiple Vogue covers around the world, establishing her as a global fashion icon. Wikipedia+1
Major Milestones & Iconic Moments
- In 2022, Bella was named Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council. Wikipedia
- Time magazine included her in its 100 Most Influential People list in 2023, recognizing her cultural impact. Wikipedia
- At Paris Fashion Week, she closed the Coperni Spring 2023 show in a futuristic technique where a fabric was spray-painted onto her body — a moment widely covered in fashion media. Liveroger
- Known for the so-called “Bella Effect”, her presence on a runway or in a brand campaign has been shown to substantially boost media exposure and brand value. Liveroger
Business Ventures & Other Projects
- In addition to modeling, Bella launched her own beauty venture: Orebella, an oil-based perfume line. Vogue
- She has stepped back and resumed her modeling career in recent years, citing the importance of mental and physical health. CelebsWiki
- Bella is also vocal about her heritage and uses her platform to engage in activism, particularly around political and health issues (see “Philanthropy / Social Impact” below).
Personal Life
Relationships
- Bella famously dated The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) on and off from 2015 to 2019. Wikipedia
- In July 2020, she began a relationship with Marc Kalman, an art director. Wikipedia
- As of 2023, she has been linked with Adan Banuelos, a professional equestrian, aligning with her passion for horseback riding. CelebsWiki
Health & Wellness
- Bella has spoken openly about living with chronic Lyme disease, which contributed to periods of fatigue, anxiety, and reduced runway activity. Liveroger
- She has stated that her health challenges influenced her decision to take a hiatus from modeling in early 2023. CelebsWiki
Personality & Lifestyle
- Bella is known to be resilient, artistic, and deeply introspective.
- She continues to nurture her equestrian roots and maintains a connection to her family’s cultural heritage.
- She practices self-care, emphasizing mental health in interviews, and makes deliberate career choices that align with her well-being.
Awards and Achievements
- Model of the Year (2016) by Models.com. Wikipedia
- Model of the Year (2022) by the British Fashion Council. Wikipedia
- Featured on Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list in 2023. Wikipedia
- Built a business brand with her line Orebella. Vogue
- Known for driving significant media value for fashion brands (“Bella Effect”). Liveroger
- National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Rookie of the Year 2024 in rodeo – Bella entered the cutting community and became the highest-earning amateur in her category. People.com
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Estimated Net Worth
- Bella Hadid’s net worth is estimated around $12 million per CelebsMoney as of 2025. CelebsMoney
- Other sources, such as wealthypeeps, estimate it higher, at approximately $25 million, based on her modeling and endorsements. wealthypeeps.com
Income Sources
- Runway modeling and haute couture shows
- Brand endorsements (e.g., Dior Beauty, Bulgari) wealthypeeps.com
- Magazine covers, especially Vogue and international fashion publications
- Her own business line (Orebella perfume)
- Social media and potential acting or media projects
Lifestyle
- Bella divides her time between modeling commitments and personal wellness
- She maintains her equestrian passion by riding horses and participating in horse events
- Her fashion presence includes red carpet events, high-profile shows, and global campaigns
- She reportedly relocated to Texas in part to focus on her mental and physical health, aligning her lifestyle with inner balance. CelebsWiki
Philanthropy / Social Impact
Bella Hadid is not just a fashion sensation; she is socially conscious and frequently uses her platform for impact:
- Palestinian advocacy: Her father is Palestinian, and Bella has spoken publicly about her heritage and political issues. Wikipedia
- Charitable engagement: She has participated in events and donated to causes, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and food banks. Sportskeeda
- Mental health awareness: Through her interviews and public statements, she highlights her mental health struggles and encourages open discussion about illness and recovery.
Controversies
Bella Hadid has faced a few controversies during her career, handled with poise and transparency:
- Hiatus and Public Speculation (2023):
- Her decision to take a major break from modeling sparked rumors and speculation. CelebsWiki
- She clarified that her hiatus was driven by health and personal growth, not scandal. CelebsWiki
- Ad Campaign Backlash:
- In 2024, an Adidas campaign featuring Bella faced criticism because of a historical connection to Palestinian tragedy; she apologized, saying she was unaware of the campaign’s full context. Wikipedia
- Lyme Disease & Public Scrutiny:
- Her health disclosures have sometimes been met with skepticism, but Bella has remained open, explaining how Lyme disease has shaped her life and career.
Despite these, Bella retains a strong reputation as a thoughtful and engaged public figure.
Fun Facts
- Bella was an equestrian as a child and competed in horseback riding; she almost pursued it for the Olympics. Wikipedia
- She has walked in 35 international Vogue covers. Wikipedia
- Bella’s modeling impact is sometimes referred to as the “Bella Effect”, where her involvement in fashion campaigns significantly boosts brand media value. Liveroger
- She started modeling very young: signed at 16 years old. Wikipedia
- Despite her modeling fame, she originally intended to study photography at Parsons. Sportskeeda
- She has openly shared her battle with chronic Lyme disease, a condition that has deeply influenced her life. Encyclopedia Britannica
- Bella co-founded Orebella, a perfume line, illustrating her shift from modeling to entrepreneurship. Vogue
- She is a proud Muslim and has spoken about her religious identity. Encyclopedia Britannica
- Her sister Gigi Hadid is also a supermodel; the two have walked shows together and are among fashion’s most famous sibling duos. Wikipedia
- In 2024–2025, Bella shifted much of her focus to equestrian life, winning the NCHA (cutting horse) Rookie of the Year award. People.com
Social Media Presence
Bella Hadid is highly active on social media, where she connects with fans and shares work and personal moments. Key platforms:
- Instagram: @bellahadid — she posts fashion, lifestyle, behind-the-scenes, and advocacy content.
- Twitter / X: Bella uses it for announcements and interactions (though less frequently than Instagram).
- TikTok / YouTube: While not as prolific as some influencers, she appears in fashion content and campaign promos.
- Other Platforms: She sometimes collaborates in media interviews, podcasts, and brand digital campaigns.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Bella Hadid’s age?
- She was born on October 9, 1996, making her 28 years old (as of 2025). Wikipedia
- How tall is Bella Hadid?
- Reports list her height as approximately 5 ft 9 in (175 cm). CelebsMoney
- What is Bella Hadid’s net worth?
- Her estimated net worth ranges from $12 million to $30 million, depending on the source. CelebsMoney+2wealthypeeps.com+2
- Where is Bella Hadid from?
- She was born in Washington, D.C., but raised in Santa Barbara, California. Encyclopedia Britannica
- Who are Bella Hadid’s famous siblings?
- Her sister is Gigi Hadid, also a top supermodel; her brother Anwar Hadid is a model too. Sportskeeda
- Does Bella Hadid have any health issues?
- Yes, she has publicly shared her struggles with chronic Lyme disease. Encyclopedia Britannica
- What businesses does Bella Hadid run?
- She launched Orebella, a perfume brand, and continues to collaborate in fashion and brand ventures. Vogue
- Has Bella Hadid received any major awards?
- She’s been named Model of the Year (Models.com, 2016; British Fashion Council, 2022) and made Time’s 100 Most Influential list in 2023. Wikipedia
- Who is Bella Hadid dating?
- As of 2023–2024, she has been linked with equestrian Adan Banuelos. CelebsWiki
- Is Bella Hadid active in philanthropy?
- Yes, she advocates for mental health, supports her Palestinian heritage, and uses her platform to speak on social issues. Sportskeeda
Conclusion
Bella Hadid’s biography is more than the story of a top supermodel — it’s a narrative of resilience, influence, and transformation. From her early years as a competitive equestrian to becoming a global runway icon, Bella has navigated the fashion world with both grace and grit.
Her willingness to speak openly about her health, heritage, and personal values makes her a role model beyond the catwalk. As she continues to expand her career through business ventures, advocacy, and creative projects, her legacy grows not just as a fashion icon, but as a deeply human, multi-dimensional force.