Gigi Hadid is brimming with gratitude as she takes a moment to reflect on how far she's come in her illustrious modeling career. In a poignant new video shared by Victoria's Secret on October 10, the supermodel became visibly emotional while reminiscing about her early days, particularly recalling the euphoric moment she landed her first-ever Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2015. Describing it as a "dream come true," Gigi recounted the arduous journey she undertook to reach that pinnacle, explaining how she "attended countless go-sees" and "auditioned two or three times" before finally being offered her big break.
"I’m just so incredibly happy for her," Gigi said tearfully, referring to her younger self. "She wanted it so badly. Looking back at pictures from that time, I see how the world was so tough on her—and not just me, but on girls everywhere."
Now, a decade later, Gigi looks back on that period with a sense of pride and unwavering confidence. "That was an absolutely amazing time," she reflected. "I truly deserved to be there and to keep coming back to this show. I’m just so thrilled for that girl who got her first show, and also for my teenage self who used to watch the show with bated breath."
The 30-year-old model, who is set to return to the Victoria’s Secret runway this year, also shared how surreal it has been to share the stage with her younger sister, Bella Hadid, over the years. "When I can glance over and see my sister, looking radiant and stunning in her angel wings," she said with a laugh, "that’s truly part of the dream come true."
Now, as a devoted mother to her 5-year-old daughter Khai, whom she shares with ex-partner Zayn Malik, Gigi says motherhood has imbued her with a fresh perspective on her career and the profound joy she derives from it. "Having a child changes the way you experience everything in life," she remarked, adding that the show represents "the most glamorous, thrilling, sparkling, fun, and pink version" of her job.
"This, to me, is the most exhilarating thing to share with Khai," she continued. "She’s just as excited about all the costumes as I am. The VS show is one of those rare things that still makes my heart race with anticipation."
Beyond her professional endeavors, Gigi recently celebrated Bella Hadid’s 29th birthday in the most heartwarming way possible. On October 9, she took to Instagram Stories to post a touching tribute filled with nostalgic and recent photos that beautifully captured their close sisterly bond. "It’s @bellahadid day," Gigi wrote over a childhood photo of the two sitting side by side in matching orange and white swimsuits, adorned with scarves on their heads. In another black-and-white image of them smiling, she added, "She’s our walking heart."
She continued with more heartfelt messages, including, "Must protect her at all costs," and over a picture of them in coordinating white dresses and floral headbands, she reminded her followers, "You better be nice in the comments." One especially sweet moment showed Bella holding Khai while dressed in a cowgirl outfit, with Gigi writing, "Most loving (and spoiling) auntie (and sister)." The tribute concluded with a candid shot of the sisters laughing together, captioned, "Happy birthday! I love you so much."
