Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid: Why the Sisters Still Run the Fashion World

Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid: Why the Sisters Still Run the Fashion World

If you’ve looked at a magazine or scrolled through TikTok in the last decade, you’ve seen them. The Hadid sisters are everywhere. But honestly, in 2026, the conversation has shifted. It’s no longer just about who is walking for Versace or Dior. It’s about how Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid managed to move from "Instagram models" to genuine industry moguls with staying power that most people didn't see coming.

They’re different.

Gigi is the sunny, California-cool blonde who seems like she’d give you the best advice over a latte. Bella is the high-fashion chameleon, often seen as more "editorial" or edgy. For years, they leaned into that contrast—Gigi as the light, Bella as the dark. But lately? They’ve literally swapped roles.

The Great Hair Swap of 2026

In a move that basically broke the fashion internet in early 2026, the sisters flipped their signature looks. Gigi Hadid, long known for those golden honey waves, shocked everyone by debuting a blunt, matte black bob. It was for a Maybelline campaign, sure, but she kept it. It’s edgy. It’s sharp.

Meanwhile, Bella Hadid has gone the opposite way. She’s currently rocking a frosty, platinum blonde that makes her look like a totally different person. She was spotted in Aspen recently with this new "icy" look, and it’s a far cry from the deep brunette we’ve known her for since she first hit the scene at 16.

Why does this matter? Because it shows they aren't afraid to mess with their "branding." Most models find a look that works and stick to it for dear life. The Hadids use their appearance like a playground.

💡 You might also like: Danny DeVito Wife Height: What Most People Get Wrong

Business Beyond the Runway

Modeling is a short-lived career for most. The sisters know this.

Gigi has poured her soul into Guest in Residence. It’s not just another celebrity "collab." It’s a 100% cashmere brand that focuses on what she calls "funky classics." She’s the Creative Director, not just the face. She picks the buttons. She obsesses over the knit tension. She’s trying to build something that lasts longer than a seasonal trend.

Bella is doing the same with Orebella.
Launched originally in 2024, the brand has exploded by 2026. These aren't your typical alcohol-heavy perfumes. They’re bi-phase oils that you shake up before spraying. It’s a bit weird, honestly, but people love it because it’s skin-friendly. She just launched the line in the Middle East, celebrating the move in Dubai with her father, Mohamed Hadid.

  • Gigi's Focus: Longevity, heritage, and "slow fashion."
  • Bella's Focus: Wellness, innovative fragrance, and non-alcoholic alternatives (like her work with Kin Euphorics).

The Invisible Battle: Bella’s Health Journey

We have to talk about the reality of Bella's life, which isn't always glamorous. She’s been incredibly open about her battle with Lyme disease. In late 2025, she had another rough patch that landed her back in the hospital.

It’s easy to look at her life and see only the private jets and Saint Laurent heels. But Bella has described her life as "existing inside the jail of my own paralyzed brain" during flare-ups. She deals with:

📖 Related: Mara Wilson and Ben Shapiro: The Family Feud Most People Get Wrong

  1. Severe joint pain that makes walking a runway feel like a marathon.
  2. Chronic exhaustion and brain fog.
  3. "Medical anxiety" that she’s admitted is "sooooo real."

Her mother, Yolanda, who also has Lyme, has been her biggest advocate. Watching Bella post photos from a hospital bed while the rest of the world sees her on a billboard is a jarring reminder that "celebrity" is often a mask.

A New Family Secret: Aydan Nix

Family is the core of the Hadid brand. But even they have surprises. In 2025, the world learned about Aydan Nix, their younger half-sister.

It turns out Mohamed Hadid had a brief relationship after his divorce from Yolanda, resulting in a daughter the public didn't know about until recently. Gigi and Bella didn't hide it or make it weird. They released a statement calling Aydan a "beautiful and unexpected addition" to the family.

Aydan has mostly stayed out of the spotlight, but she recently wrote about feeling like the "odd one out" initially. Can you imagine? Coming into a family where your sisters are literally the most famous women on earth. But by all accounts, they’ve been "warm and generous," welcoming her into their inner circle.

Why They Still Matter

The "Hadid Method" is actually a masterclass in career longevity. Their mom, Yolanda, famously wouldn't let them model professionally until they were older, forcing them to focus on sports (volleyball for Gigi, equestrian for Bella) first.

👉 See also: How Tall is Tim Curry? What Fans Often Get Wrong About the Legend's Height

That discipline stuck.

Today, they aren't just faces for hire. They are marketing engines. When Bella wears a specific pair of Saint Laurent Amalia slingbacks, they sell out in forty-eight hours. When Gigi wears a certain shade of pink from her own collection, "cashmere core" starts trending on TikTok.

They’ve bridged the gap between the old-school supermodel (the Naomi Campbells and Kate Mosses) and the new-age influencer. They have the "prestige" of the runway but the "relatability" of a social media star.

How to Use the "Hadid Influence" in Your Own Style:

  • Invest in "Slow" Pieces: Follow Gigi’s lead and buy high-quality staples (like cashmere or wool) that you’ll still want to wear in five years.
  • Embrace Change: Don't be afraid to flip your look. If you’ve been a "brunette person" your whole life, maybe try a new tone. Hair grows back; style evolves.
  • Prioritize Wellness Over Aesthetic: Bella’s focus on alcohol-free fragrances and non-alcoholic drinks isn't just a gimmick. It's about feeling better in your own skin.
  • Be Real About the Struggle: If you’re dealing with a chronic issue, don't feel like you have to hide it to be "successful." Authenticity is the ultimate trend in 2026.

The Hadid sisters have proven that they aren't a flash in the pan. They’ve navigated health crises, family drama, and a shifting fashion industry to remain at the very top. Whether you're a fan of their style or their business moves, there's no denying they've redefined what it means to be a modern icon.


Actionable Insight: If you're looking to replicate the Hadid "mogul" mindset, focus on building a personal brand that is rooted in a genuine passion—whether that's sustainable fabrics or wellness-focused beauty—rather than just chasing the latest viral trend. Quality and authenticity are what convert a "moment" into a decade-long career.