Supermodel Gigi Hadid has revealed she experienced body shaming and pressure to lose weight early in her modeling career. Speaking with Vogue France, Hadid recounted how she struggled to accept her figure when faced with industry expectations.
"When I started out, people would tell me: 'With that body, you'll never walk the runway for Victoria's Secret.' Or: 'You'd have to lose so many kilos...'" Hadid said.
She made her New York Fashion Week debut in February 2014 and walked in her first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show a year later. Despite the early criticism, Hadid stated she did not let the judgments deter her, telling herself that she would find opportunities elsewhere if necessary.
A pivotal moment in her career, according to Hadid, was meeting designer Donatella Versace. "Donatella said to me, 'Darling, you're the sexiest girl I've ever seen.' She gave me something invaluable: confidence."
Versace hired Hadid for the Versace Spring/Summer 2016 show, an experience Hadid described as a turning point. "Walking in Milan for such a prestigious fashion house, and being chosen to be the face of the campaign, suddenly helped me see myself differently," she told Vogue.
Hadid is preparing for her sixth appearance at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in October. She also noted a current sense of serenity in her personal life, enjoying time with her daughter Khai and her relationship with actor Bradley Cooper. She described their partnership as one where they support each other and maintain honesty.
Hadid is also currently living in Paris with Cooper while he films a project. She expressed a growing affection for the city, suggesting a potential future move there.