Let's be real for a second. If you’ve spent any time on social media in the last decade, you probably think you know everything there is to know about Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid. You’ve seen the runway struts, the "nepo baby" discourse, and the high-profile breakups.
But honestly? Most of the public narrative misses the mark. People love to pit them against each other like it's a 2000s tabloid fever dream. The reality is way more interesting—and a lot more business-minded—than just two sisters wearing expensive clothes.
By 2026, the Hadid sisters have basically rewritten the playbook for what it means to be a "supermodel." They aren't just faces anymore; they are founders. And they’re doing it while navigating some pretty heavy personal stuff that most people just gloss over.
The Rivalry That Never Actually Existed
The internet thrives on drama. It’s a fact of life. So, naturally, when Bella started rising through the ranks, everyone expected a "sibling rivalry" showdown.
They couldn't have been more wrong.
While Gigi was the "all-American girl" discovered as a toddler by Guess, Bella had to carve out a different lane. She was the edgy, high-fashion alternative. But if you look at their actual lives, they’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Gigi once mentioned in an interview that they’re more competitive about who makes the best holiday dinner than who gets the most Vogue covers.
It’s kinda refreshing. In an industry that usually chews people up, they’ve managed to stay tight. They even welcomed a "new" sister into the fold recently—Aydan Nix—proving that the Hadid family tree is bigger and more complicated than the reality shows ever let on.
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From the Runway to the Boardroom: The 2026 Shift
If you think they're still just "walking," you haven't been paying attention to their bank accounts.
Gigi’s Cashmere Empire
Gigi isn't just modeling for brands; she's building them. Her line, Guest in Residence, has moved past the "celebrity vanity project" phase. It’s 2026, and the brand is a legitimate player in the luxury knitwear space.
She’s the Creative Director, and she’s actually doing the work. We’re talking about a woman who spent the pandemic learning about cashmere micron counts and sourcing. She’s leaning into the "funky classics" vibe—stuff that’s meant to be passed down through generations. It’s a smart move in a world that’s getting tired of fast fashion.
Bella’s "Alchemical" Success
Then there’s Bella. She’s taken a path that’s much more focused on wellness and "clean" beauty. Her fragrance brand, Orebella (stylized as 'Orebella), has been a massive hit.
Why? Because it’s alcohol-free and focuses on skin-loving ingredients. It’s not just about smelling good; it’s about the ritual. By early 2026, the brand has expanded globally, hitting major retailers like Selfridges in the UK and moving into the Middle East. She’s proved that she can sell a vibe, not just a visage.
The Health Battle No One Saw Coming
We need to talk about the Lyme disease thing.
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For years, people called Bella "lazy" or "unprofessional" when she disappeared from the spotlight. In reality, she was fighting for her life. Chronic Lyme disease isn't a joke.
In late 2025, Bella made a huge comeback at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She looked incredible in red lingerie, sporting a new blonde look. But behind the scenes, she was still recovering from a month-long hospitalization. She even hopped on TikTok to tell fans she was doing her best despite "not having her stamina back yet."
That kind of transparency is why people love her. She doesn't pretend it's all easy. She shows the IV drips and the hospital beds alongside the Dior gowns.
Why the Hadids Still Matter in 2026
So, why are we still talking about Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid?
Fashion moves fast. Yesterday’s "It Girl" is usually today’s "Who?" But the Hadids have stayed relevant because they adapted. They realized that being a model in the 2020s is about authority.
- Gigi is the mentor. She’s co-hosted Next in Fashion and uses her platform to boost younger designers.
- Bella is the activist. Whether it's mental health or her heritage, she isn't afraid to get "cancelled" for what she believes in.
They’ve also embraced the "blonde" era together. By early 2026, Bella has gone even lighter—sporting a platinum look in Aspen that makes her look more like Gigi’s twin than ever before. It’s like they’re merging their aesthetics while keeping their business identities totally separate.
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Navigating the Future: What’s Next?
If you want to keep up with them, you have to look past the paparazzi shots. The fashion industry is changing—AI is taking over design, and sustainability is becoming a legal requirement.
The Hadids are ahead of the curve here. Gigi’s focus on "investment pieces" and Bella’s "clean" beauty standards align perfectly with where the world is going.
Here is how you can actually learn from their trajectory:
- Diversify your "brand": Don't just do one thing. If you're a creative, look at how Gigi moved into hosting and design.
- Prioritize Longevity over Hype: Guest in Residence works because it isn't trendy; it's timeless.
- Be Transparent about the Struggle: Bella’s openness about her health didn't hurt her career—it made her more relatable.
The era of the untouchable, mysterious supermodel is dead. Long live the era of the Hadid founders. They’ve shown that you can be the most famous person in the room and still be the one who worked the hardest to get there.
Keep an eye on their 2026 expansions—rumor has it Orebella might be moving into skincare, and Guest in Residence is eyeing more permanent physical retail spaces. These sisters aren't going anywhere.