Supermodel Gigi Hadid offers a heartwarming glimpse into her life as a mom before making her much-anticipated return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, marking a decade since her impactful debut and revealing how her perspective on her career has profoundly evolved.
Gigi Hadid, the renowned supermodel and a true multihyphenate, recently shared a poignant peek into her morning routine, highlighting how her world has beautifully transformed since embracing motherhood. As she prepared for her return to the illustrious Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway on Wednesday, October 15, the contrast between her past and present pre-show rituals was evident and deeply resonant for fans. This appearance marks her fifth time walking in the iconic show, a significant milestone a full decade after her initial, hard-won debut in 2015.
A New Morning Routine for a Supermodel Mom
The morning of a major fashion show is typically a whirlwind of fittings, hair, and makeup for models. However, for Gigi Hadid, now a mom to 5-year-old daughter Khai, her priorities have charmingly shifted. Hours before her call time at the Brooklyn, New York venue, Hadid, 30, took to Instagram Stories to share an intimate moment that quickly captured the hearts of her followers.
Her caption, “VS Show mornings look a lil different nowadays ; ) See you soon NYC🪽🪽🪽,” accompanied a sweet photograph of a meticulously packed lunchbox on her kitchen counter. This small detail spoke volumes, showcasing her dedication to her daughter even amidst the demanding schedule of a supermodel. The lunchbox itself was adorable, featuring a pink thermos adorned with Minnie Mouse, bows, and stars. It also included a kids’ fruit pouch snack, an orange Tupperware, and a tiny fork with a green, cartoon frog, painting a vivid picture of a loving mother’s attention to detail.
A Decade on the Winged Runway: Gigi’s Victoria’s Secret Journey
Gigi Hadid’s journey to becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel was not an overnight success. She candidly revealed that she “tried out two or three times before I got it,” a testament to her perseverance. Her debut in 2015 marked the beginning of an era, and her return for the 2025 show celebrates a decade since that pivotal moment. Her past appearances include walking the runway in Paris in 2016 and New York City in 2018, often alongside fellow supermodels like her sister Bella Hadid and friend Kendall Jenner, as documented by People.
A few days prior to this year’s event, the mom of one reflected emotionally on the scrutiny she faced during her first appearance. In a clip shared by Victoria’s Secret, she became teary-eyed, expressing, “I’m just so happy for her. She just wanted it so bad… I look back at pictures of that time and the world was so hard on her, and not just me, is hard on girls.” Despite the challenges, Hadid concluded with a powerful affirmation of self-worth: “And then you look back at pictures and you’re like, ‘I was the shit.’ That was an awesome time. I deserved to be there. I continue to come back to this show just so happy for that girl that got the first show and then also my teenage self who just watched the show.” Her debut in 2015, confirmed by sources like Vogue, established her as a prominent figure in the fashion world, solidifying her place on one of the most coveted runways.
Victoria’s Secret Appearances:
- 2015: Debut on the winged runway.
- 2016: Walked in the Paris show.
- 2018: Featured in the New York City show.
- 2025: Her fifth appearance, marking a 10-year anniversary since her debut year.
Balancing Glamour and Motherhood: The Khai Chapter
Gigi Hadid’s life took an even more personal turn in September 2020 when she welcomed her daughter, Khai, with former One Direction star Zayn Malik, 32. The couple opted for a natural home birth and, despite their split in October 2021, have remained steadfast in their dedication to co-parenting Khai. This commitment to her daughter is a cornerstone of Hadid’s identity, influencing her career choices and public presence.
Her return to the runway after Khai’s birth wasn’t immediate, but it was impactful. Five months after giving birth, Hadid made her first post-baby runway appearance for Versace’s Milan Fashion Week show. She has since graced other prominent runways, including Jacquemus in Paris, Chanel, Miu Miu, and Moschino, demonstrating her ability to balance her high-profile career with her role as a mother. This return to the Victoria’s Secret stage, after such a significant life change, speaks volumes about her enduring dedication and evolving perspective.
The Enduring Impact of a Fashion Icon
Gigi Hadid’s journey is more than just a series of runway walks; it’s a narrative of resilience, authenticity, and the beautiful integration of professional ambition with personal growth. As a “multihyphenate” excelling in fashion modeling and business (as the founder of Guest in Residence), her ability to navigate both worlds with grace resonates deeply with her fanbase. Her honesty about the challenges of the industry and her unwavering commitment to her family have solidified her status not just as a supermodel, but as an inspirational figure.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which will be streamed through Prime Video and Amazon Live, kicking off at 7 p.m. on October 15, 2025, is set to be another momentous occasion in Gigi Hadid’s celebrated career. Her story is a powerful reminder that even amidst the glamour of the fashion world, the most profound transformations often occur in the quiet, cherished moments of everyday life.
