Bella Hadid is an American model, celebrity, and activist born on October 9, 1996, in Washington, D.C. She grew up in California alongside her famous siblings, Gigi Hadid and Anwar Hadid, in a family deeply rooted in both Dutch and Palestinian culture. From a young age, Bella had a passion for horses and once dreamed of becoming an Olympic equestrian. Her life took a different path when she entered the world of fashion and never looked back.
She rose to global fame after signing with IMG Models in 2014 and quickly became one of the most sought-after faces in the industry. Bella has graced the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and countless other top magazines, cementing her place among the top models of her generation. Beyond modeling, she has used her platform to speak openly about her struggles with Lyme disease and mental health. She is also a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights, reflecting her heritage through her activism and public voice.
Who Is Bella Hadid?
Bella Hadid is one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion world today, and her biography reads like a true modern success story. She was born on October 9, 1996, in Washington, D.C., and raised in California, making her nationality American with a rich mixed ethnicity of Palestinian and Dutch. Her mother is Dutch-born TV personality Yolanda Hadid, and her father is Palestinian-American businessman Mohamed Hadid. She grew up alongside her sister Gigi Hadid, who is also a top model and one of the most famous faces in the industry.
Bella started her modeling journey in 2014 and signed with IMG Models that same year, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. She has walked runways for brands like Chanel, Versace, and Victoria’s Secret, building an impressive list of fashion campaigns and partnerships. Over the years, she became a cover girl for some of the biggest magazines in the world. Beyond modeling, Bella is known for speaking honestly about her health struggles and using her fame to stand up for causes she believes in.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Isabella Khair Hadid |
| Date of Birth | October 9, 1996 |
| Age | 28 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Palestinian and Dutch |
| Religion | Islam |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | 57 kg (125 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Father | Mohamed Hadid |
| Mother | Yolanda Hadid |
| Siblings | Gigi Hadid (Sister), Anwar Hadid (Brother) |
| Relationship | Marc Kalman (Boyfriend) |
| Famous Ex | The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) |
| Profession | Model, Activist, Celebrity |
| Agency | IMG Models |
| Debut Year | 2014 |
| Famous For | Modeling, Palestinian Activism, Lyme Disease Awareness |
| Health Condition | Lyme Disease, Anxiety, Depression |
| Social Media | @bellahadid (Instagram) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $25 Million |
| Residence | New York City, USA |
Early Life and Siblings
Bella Hadid was born on October 9, 1996, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Santa Barbara, California, giving her a warm and grounded family background far from the glitz of the fashion world. She was raised in a wealthy and well-known family with strong roots in both the Netherlands and Palestine, a heritage that would later shape her identity and activism. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, is a former model and television personality who passed down her love of fashion to her children. Her father, Mohamed Hadid, is a successful real estate developer of Palestinian descent whose roots Bella proudly carries to this day.
Bella grew up alongside her older sister Gigi Hadid and her younger brother Anwar Hadid, both of whom also became famous models in their own right. The three siblings shared a close bond growing up on their family’s ranch in California, building a tight-knit relationship that continues to shine in their public lives. Bella had a deep love for horses and spent much of her childhood riding and competing in equestrian events, a passion that defined her early years. The Hadid family became one of the most famous families in the fashion world, with all three siblings making their mark on the industry and inspiring millions around the globe.
Modeling Career
Bella Hadid began her modeling career in 2014 when she signed with IMG Models at just 18 years old, launching one of the most impressive modeling journeys in recent fashion history. She started appearing in small campaigns and editorials before quickly catching the attention of major fashion houses with her unique look and striking features. Her face symmetry, often discussed in the context of beauty science and the golden ratio, set her apart from other models in the industry. It did not take long for the fashion world to recognize her as a rising star destined for the very top.
By 2016, Bella had already walked the runway for some of the biggest names in fashion, including Versace, Chanel, and Givenchy, and expanded her fashion campaigns to global brands like Dior, Fendi, and Bulgari. She was named Model of the Year by industry professionals, one of the most celebrated awards a model can receive, and became a regular face at New York, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks. She has graced the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle magazine multiple times, building a legacy in print as strong as her runway presence. Today, Bella is considered one of the most successful and influential models of her generation, with a net worth of approximately $25 million reflecting her career highlights and achievements.
Activism: Palestine, Immigration, and More
Bella Hadid has always been proud of her Palestinian heritage and has never been afraid to speak out about it, making her one of the most recognized celebrity activists supporting Palestine. She has publicly supported the Palestinian people through social media posts, public appearances, and protests, using every platform available to amplify their voices. Bella has marched in pro-Palestine rallies and used her massive platform to raise awareness about the struggles of Palestinian people around the world. Her activism on this topic has made her one of the most vocal celebrity voices on the issue, earning both widespread praise and fierce debate.
Beyond Palestine, Bella has also spoken out on immigration rights, racial justice, and mental health awareness, proving that her activist spirit extends far beyond a single cause. She has used her Instagram and interviews to shine a light on causes that many celebrities avoid, showing a courage that goes beyond the runway. Bella believes that having a large platform comes with a responsibility to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Her willingness to take a stand on difficult topics has earned her deep respect from fans and activists around the world, solidifying her legacy as more than just a supermodel.
Boyfriend
Bella Hadid has had a few high-profile relationships over the years that kept fans and media very interested, adding a personal dimension to her already fascinating life story. Her most well-known relationship was with Canadian singer The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, a romance that captured the attention of millions worldwide. The two dated on and off from 2015 to 2019, and their relationship was closely followed by fans, tabloids, and entertainment outlets globally. Their on-and-off romance became one of the most talked-about celebrity relationships of that era, inspiring music, headlines, and endless public fascination.
Bella also briefly dated NBA player Ben Simmons in 2018 after her second breakup with The Weeknd, a relationship that was short-lived but widely covered in the media. In 2022, she began a relationship with art student Marc Kalman, who prefers to stay away from the spotlight, marking a clear shift in her approach to her personal life. The couple kept their relationship very private and low-key compared to her past romances, reflecting a new chapter in Bella’s lifestyle and priorities. Bella has said in interviews that she values genuine connection and peace in her personal life above everything else.
Lyme Disease and Mental Health
Bella Hadid has been very open about her long battle with Lyme disease, which she was diagnosed with in 2012, making her mental health journey and illness one of the most publicly discussed in the celebrity world. She contracted the disease alongside her mother Yolanda and her brother Anwar, making it a difficult and deeply personal family struggle that tested all of them. Despite feeling sick and exhausted, Bella pushed through her early modeling career while dealing with the illness, showing a level of strength that few people ever knew about at the time. She has spoken about how hard it was to work and smile for cameras while suffering in silence on the inside, a revelation that shocked and moved her millions of fans.
Bella has also been very honest about her struggles with anxiety, depression, and loneliness, helping to break the stigma around mental health in the fashion industry and beyond. She has shared emotional posts on social media about crying alone and feeling lost even at the height of her fame, reminding the world that success and happiness are not always the same thing. Bella wanted her fans to know that a glamorous life on the outside does not always mean happiness on the inside, a message that resonated deeply with young people worldwide. Her courage in speaking so openly about mental health has inspired millions of young people around the world to seek help and never feel ashamed of their struggles.
Fashion Designers and Models
Bella Hadid has worked with some of the most legendary fashion designers in the world throughout her career, building a portfolio that most models can only dream of. She has walked the runway for iconic houses like Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Fendi, and Alexander Wang, with her fashion campaigns for brands like Dior and Bulgari adding further global prestige to her name. Designers have praised her professionalism, her walk, and her ability to bring their creative vision to life on the runway in a way that few models can match. She is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and in-demand models in the entire fashion industry, and her influence on modern fashion continues to grow every year.
Bella has also built strong friendships and professional bonds with fellow models like Kendall Jenner, Winnie Harlow, and her sister Gigi Hadid, creating a powerful circle of talent at the very top of the industry. Together they have shared runways, magazine covers, and campaign shoots for the world’s biggest brands, representing a new generation of diverse and fearless models. She has been photographed by legendary fashion photographers like Steven Meisel and Mario Testino, whose work has helped define her image as a true fashion icon. Bella’s presence in the fashion world has helped shape the look and direction of modern high fashion for an entire generation, and her modeling success story is far from over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bella Hadid famous for?
Bella Hadid is famous for being one of the top supermodels in the world, known for her modeling career, runway shows, and fashion campaigns with brands like Dior and Fendi. She is also widely recognized for her Palestinian activism, her openness about Lyme disease, and her honest conversations about mental health.
How old is Bella Hadid?
Bella Hadid was born on October 9, 1996, making her 28 years old as of 2026. She is one of the most successful young models in the fashion industry today with a career that started at just 18.
Who are Bella Hadid’s parents?
Bella Hadid’s father is Palestinian-American real estate developer Mohamed Hadid, from whom she inherits her Palestinian heritage and strong activist values. Her mother is Dutch former model and TV personality Yolanda Hadid, who first introduced Bella to the world of fashion.
Is Bella Hadid a model or an actress?
Bella Hadid is primarily a professional model who has walked for iconic brands like Chanel, Versace, and Givenchy and built one of the most impressive modeling journeys of her generation. She is not an actress but has become a major celebrity figure well beyond the runway.
What disease does Bella Hadid have?
Bella Hadid was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012, a condition she shares with her mother Yolanda and her brother Anwar, making it a painful family experience. She has spoken openly about how the illness affected her career, her daily life, and her mental health over the years.
Who is Bella Hadid’s boyfriend?
Bella Hadid began dating art student Marc Kalman in 2022, keeping the relationship very private and away from the public eye. Her most famous past relationship was with singer The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, a romance that lasted on and off from 2015 to 2019.
Is Bella Hadid Palestinian?
Yes, Bella Hadid is half Palestinian through her father Mohamed Hadid, and she is extremely proud of her ethnicity and family background. She has been a vocal activist for Palestinian rights and regularly uses her platform to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause.
How did Bella Hadid start her modeling career?
Bella Hadid signed with IMG Models in 2014 at the age of 18, marking the official start of her remarkable modeling journey. She quickly rose to the top of the fashion world and became a runway regular for major fashion houses within just a few years of her debut.
What has Bella Hadid done as an activist?
Bella Hadid has marched in pro-Palestine rallies, spoken out on immigration rights, and used her platform to advocate for racial justice and mental health awareness. She is considered one of the most outspoken and influential celebrity activists of her generation.
What is Bella Hadid’s net worth?
Bella Hadid’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at around $25 million, a figure built through years of modeling contracts, high-profile brand campaigns, and global fashion partnerships. Her financial success reflects the scale of her influence and achievements across the fashion industry.
Conclusion
Bella Hadid is far more than just a beautiful face on a runway or a magazine cover, and her biography proves that beyond any doubt. She has built an incredible career from the ground up through hard work, dedication, and raw talent, signing with IMG Models at 18 and rising to the very top of the fashion world. Despite facing serious health challenges like Lyme disease and mental health struggles, she never stopped pushing forward or showing up for herself and her fans. Her journey from a young girl on a California ranch to a global supermodel with a net worth of $25 million is truly one of the most inspiring modeling success stories of our time.
Beyond her modeling career, Bella has shown the world that celebrities can use their voice for something much bigger than fame, wealth, or personal glory. She has stood up for Palestinian rights, mental health awareness, and social justice at a time when many others stayed silent, earning the respect of millions of people around the world. Her honesty, courage, and willingness to speak the truth about her ethnicity, her health, and her personal life have made her a role model for an entire generation of young people. Bella Hadid is not just a supermodel or a celebrity — she is a strong, influential, and powerful woman who continues to make a real difference in the world every single day.
