Gigi Hadid has solidified her position as Taylor Swift's inner circle MVP, a development that has shifted the dynamics of the singer's long-held friendships. Swift, 36, was seen arriving at Hadid's Manhattan home twice in the days leading up to her recent two-day wedding celebration, a gesture that underscores the current depth of their bond.
This proximity contrasts with Swift's relationship with Abigail Anderson Berard, a childhood friend of nearly two decades. While Swift and Anderson Berard were once inseparable, with Swift even serving as maid of honor at Berard's 2022 wedding, Anderson Berard was reportedly relegated to downtime at a hotel during the recent festivities. Swift's visits to Hadid's home on Wednesday and Friday of that week signal a significant closeness.
A source close to Hadid suggested that the foundation of their strong friendship lies in Hadid's perceived lack of ulterior motives. "She didn't get close to Taylor because she's famous and influential, she sees through all that," the source told the Daily Mail. "And Taylor was used to people just wanting to get close to her because of all that. When it became clear that she didn't have those motives, I think the walls came down. Taylor dropped her guard and they got close."
The source emphasized Hadid's loyalty, stating, "Gigi will never betray her, ever. That's not who she is, and there's a loyalty there. They talk a lot, they tell each other that they love each other. It's a very close friendship."
Swift and Hadid have been friends since at least 2014, initially connecting through text messages before their relationship evolved. Hadid, 31, was a prominent member of Swift's famed "Girl Squad," appearing onstage with the singer during her "1989" tour in 2015 and featuring in the music video for Swift's song "Bad Blood." Over the years, Hadid has been a consistent presence at Swift's significant life events, including birthday parties, concerts, and vacations at Swift's Rhode Island mansion.
The friendship reportedly deepened when Hadid began dating actor Bradley Cooper in the fall of 2023. Swift, who was dating Travis Kelce at the time, reportedly facilitated their connection by offering her Rhode Island home for a private getaway for Hadid and Cooper. The two couples were later seen on double dates.
Personal exchanges have also marked their friendship. Swift gifted Hadid a handmade blanket and teddy bear for her daughter, Khai, in 2020. In return, Hadid commissioned a custom ring for Swift in 2024, featuring Swift's cat, her favorite number 13, and Kelce's jersey number 87.
This shift in Swift's closest friendships is not unprecedented. Her past friendships, such as with model Karlie Kloss and actress Blake Lively, have also been highly publicized. However, reports indicated strain in the friendship with Kloss during Swift's dispute over her music masters, and texts revealed during a legal battle involving Lively suggested a perceived distance between them.
In the context of Swift's recent wedding, Hadid's prominent role suggests she has surpassed even long-term confidantes in the singer's trusted circle.