Loading ...Arab American Model Gigi Hadid Wins International Model of the Year Award
BY: Nisreen Eadeh/Staff Writer
This has been Gigi Hadid’s year. The Palestinian-American model has just reached a new level of fame and recognition after earning the International Model of the Year award on Tuesday.
Gigi beat out four other models, including her sister Bella Hadid, for the award, which is given out annually at the British Fashion Awards. Past winners include other big-name supermodels, such as Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, and Georgia May Jagger.
Renowned fashion designer Donatella Versace presented the award to Gigi at the ceremony in London. While accepting her award, Gigi held back tears and said, “I just want to say that I know that I’m in the generation of social media, and I’m so blessed for that. To everyone who has been so genuine and looked beyond what the rest of the world looked for, that has meant so much to me.”
The model thanked the fashion industry, photographer Bruce Weber, and stylist Carine Roitfeld for helping her achieve success at her dream job. This year, Gigi has snagged several top jobs in the industry. She walked the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, hosted the American Music Awards, and earned the most Instagram followers of any other users.
Gigi, 21, is the daughter of Palestinian real estate developer Mohamed Hadid and former model Yolanda Hadid, who appears on reality TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She is outspoken about her love for her Palestinian homeland and is considered the most successful Arab American model ever.