The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the trajectory of global fashion, centered largely on the dual influence of Gigi and Bella Hadid. As two of the most recognizable faces in the industry, their movements throughout the year were scrutinized by enthusiasts and professionals alike. However, no event captured the public imagination quite like their joint appearance on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway in October. This reunion was not merely a professional booking; it represented a homecoming for Gigi, celebrating a decade with the brand, and a triumphant return for Bella following a prolonged battle with health challenges.

The Iconic Return to the Victoria’s Secret Runway

On October 15, 2025, the Brooklyn Navy Yard was transformed into a high-octane stage for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This venue, known for its industrial scale and historical significance, provided a stark, modern backdrop for the brand's theatrical flair. For the first time in several years, both Hadid sisters were featured prominently, anchoring different segments of the televised event.

Gigi Hadid Celebrates a Decade with the Brand

For Gigi Hadid, 2025 was a year of reflection and celebration. Having first walked for Victoria’s Secret in 2015, the 2025 show marked her tenth anniversary with the house. This milestone positioned her as a veteran among a cast that included both legendary "Angels" and rising stars.

Gigi’s participation was defined by two distinct looks that showcased her versatility as a runway model. She opened the second segment of the show, walking alongside a performance by Madison Beer. Her first ensemble featured a Barbie-pink lace camisole paired with matching high-cut briefs. The standout element was a voluminous floral cape constructed from hundreds of 3D rose petals, which trailed dramatically behind her as she navigated the runway. Observers noted that the look balanced the traditional "sexy" aesthetic of the brand with a modern, avant-garde floral artistry.

In the final segment, Gigi transitioned into a more ethereal persona. She donned an all-white angelic look characterized by a silky camisole and a set of massive, quilted wings. These wings, designed with a soft, puffy texture, created a halo effect, solidifying her status as a cornerstone of the Victoria’s Secret legacy.

Bella Hadid and the Power of the Comeback

If Gigi’s presence was about longevity, Bella Hadid’s appearance was about resilience. Following a period of relative absence from the high-fashion circuit due to her ongoing treatment for chronic Lyme disease, Bella’s return was the most anticipated moment of the night.

Her first look was a fiery, monochromatic red ensemble. It consisted of a satiny bra and panty set, accented by a sheer lace cape and a matching garter connected to sultry red stockings. This "90s glam" aesthetic was heightened by her new hair transformation—a bright, sun-kissed blonde achieved by stylist Jacob Schwartz. The color shift was widely interpreted as a "new chapter" for the model, moving away from her signature dark brunette locks.

The emotional peak of the show occurred during the finale. Bella appeared in a metallic silver fringed set, but it was her wings that stole the headlines. Crafted from cream-colored floral petals and metallic accents, the wings were later revealed to weigh a staggering 50 pounds. Despite the physical toll of the accessory, Bella’s walk was steady and commanding, a visual testament to her physical recovery.

Behind the Scenes of the 2025 Brooklyn Navy Yard Event

The logistics and atmosphere of the 2025 show were designed to be more inclusive and artistically diverse than previous iterations. The event featured an all-female lineup of musical performers, including K-pop sensations Twice, Karol G, and the legendary Missy Elliott.

The Costumes and the Infamous 50-Pound Wings

The engineering behind the 2025 wings reflected a shift toward intricate craftsmanship. In previous years, wings were often made of feathers or light plastics. In 2025, the designers opted for heavier, more textured materials. Bella Hadid’s 50-pound wings required a specialized harness system to distribute the weight across her shoulders and lower back.

During the rehearsals at Steiner Studios, the technical teams worked closely with the models to ensure the "walk" remained fluid. In post-show interviews and social media updates, Bella admitted that the weight was significant, stating, "We're not going to pretend these wings weren't 50 pounds, but they were the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen." This level of transparency resonated with fans, providing a rare look at the physical demands of high-profile modeling.

The Sisterly Bond: From Runway to Pizza

Beyond the glamour of the runway, the 2025 reunion highlighted the personal connection between the two sisters. Since their early days in the industry, Gigi and Bella have been each other’s primary support system.

Immediately following the conclusion of the show, the sisters swapped their elaborate lingerie for oversized sweats and pajamas. Bella shared a candid video on her social media channels showing Gigi lounging on a couch, smiling through a "doodle" filter, and eating pizza. The caption, "I miss being a little sister when I’m gone," went viral, humanizing the two supermodels and emphasizing that despite their global fame, their relationship remains grounded in family traditions.

Career Milestones Beyond the Runway in 2025

While the Victoria’s Secret show was the highlight of the fall, the sisters were active throughout 2025, expanding their commercial and creative footprints.

Gigi Hadid at 30: Brand Building and Global Ambassadorships

April 25, 2025, marked Gigi’s 30th birthday, a milestone often regarded as a transition period for fashion models. Gigi used this year to solidify her role as a businesswoman. Her knitwear brand, Guest in Residence, continued to gain market share in the luxury "quiet luxury" sector, focusing on sustainable cashmere and timeless silhouettes.

In March 2025, Gigi was announced as the global ambassador for the Brazilian footwear giant Havaianas. The collaboration, which launched in May, saw Gigi bringing a high-fashion sensibility to the classic flip-flop, targeting a demographic that values both comfort and chic aesthetics. Her presence at the 2025 Met Gala also reinforced her standing; she wore a liquid gold gown by Miu Miu, which was cited by many critics as one of the best-dressed looks of the evening.

Bella’s High-Fashion Resurrection at Saint Laurent

Bella Hadid’s professional 2025 was strategically curated. Rather than over-saturating the market, she chose high-impact appearances that signaled her health was her priority.

Prior to the Victoria’s Secret show, Bella made a surprise return to Paris Fashion Week for the Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2026 show. Walking under the Eiffel Tower, she modeled a sharp, oversized suit that contrasted with her later "Angel" persona. This appearance was crucial for the industry to see that she could still handle the rigor of traditional luxury runway shows. Her beauty brand, Orebella, also saw significant growth in 2025, expanding into international markets and focusing on "skin-safe" fragrances, a niche she became passionate about during her health journey.

A Year of Family Traditions and New Beginnings

The Hadid family remained a central theme for both sisters throughout 2025, with several events bringing the siblings together outside of the fashion industry.

The Hadid Sisters as Bridesmaids at Alana Hadid’s Wedding

In October 2025, just days after the Victoria’s Secret show, the sisters flew to Los Angeles for the wedding of their half-sister, Alana Hadid, to producer Ross Williams. The ceremony took place at their father Mohamed Hadid’s private residence.

The wedding was notable for its relaxed, unconventional aesthetic. The bridesmaids, including Gigi, Bella, and Marielle Hadid, were encouraged to choose their own looks.

  • Bella chose an ethereal, plunging design with a ruffled skirt and a thigh-high slit.
  • Gigi opted for a high-neck maxi dress with draped sleeves and gold wrist cuffs.
  • The Barefoot Trend: In a move that made headlines, both sisters decided to go barefoot for the outdoor ceremony, coordinating with white pedicures. This choice was seen as a refreshing departure from the stiff formality of celebrity weddings.

Expanding the Family Tree: Connecting with Aydan Nix

In May 2025, a significant family update was shared by both sisters. They announced that they had connected with a younger half-sister named Aydan Nix. This news brought a new layer of complexity to the Hadid family dynamics, which already included their brother Anwar and half-sisters Marielle and Alana. The public welcoming of Aydan was characterized by a spirit of inclusivity, with the sisters sharing photos of their growing family circle.

Navigating the 2025 Fashion Calendar

The sisters' impact in 2025 can be categorized by their different approaches to public life.

Event Gigi Hadid Bella Hadid
Met Gala Attended (Miu Miu) Did Not Attend
VS Show 10th Anniversary Walk Triumphant Return
Key Brand Guest in Residence Orebella
Main Trend "Liquid Gold" & Business "Health-First" & 90s Glam

The Impact of Health and Advocacy in the Modeling Industry

One of the most significant contributions Bella Hadid made in 2025 was her continued advocacy for Lyme disease awareness. By being transparent about her hospitalization in late 2024 and her recovery in 2025, she changed the conversation surrounding "invisible illnesses" in the high-pressure world of fashion.

Gigi, in turn, demonstrated how a model can successfully transition into a "multi-hyphenate" (model-designer-mother-ambassador) as she entered her thirties. Her ability to maintain her relevance while managing a business and raising her daughter, Khai, served as a blueprint for the next generation of models.

How the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Show Compared to Previous Years

The 2025 show was widely seen as a "correction" or "evolution" of the brand. After the 2024 return, which was a cautious step back into the spotlight, the 2025 production was more confident.

  1. Diverse Musical Talent: Instead of relying on a single pop star, the inclusion of Twice and Karol G brought in diverse fanbases from Asia and Latin America.
  2. Athletes on the Runway: 2025 saw professional athlete Angel Reese walk the runway, signaling a move toward "strength" over "thinness."
  3. The Hadid Factor: The sisters provided the necessary "star power" and "legacy link" that the brand needed to satisfy long-term fans while embracing new cultural values.

Conclusion

The year 2025 was a defining chapter for Bella and Gigi Hadid. Through the lens of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the world saw two women who had moved beyond the "influencer" label to become true titans of the industry. Gigi celebrated a decade of dominance, while Bella proved that health challenges could be overcome with grace and resilience. From the high-stakes runway in Brooklyn to the intimate, barefoot family wedding in Los Angeles, the Hadid sisters demonstrated a unique ability to navigate the worlds of luxury fashion and personal authenticity. Their reunion was not just a win for the brand, but a powerful statement on the enduring influence of the Hadid name in the global cultural landscape.

FAQ

When was the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show held?

The show took place on October 15, 2025, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City.

How heavy were Bella Hadid's wings in the 2025 show?

Bella Hadid’s floral and metallic wings weighed approximately 50 pounds, a detail she confirmed on her social media following the event.

Did both Hadid sisters attend the 2025 Met Gala?

No, only Gigi Hadid attended the 2025 Met Gala. She wore a liquid gold gown by Miu Miu. Bella Hadid did not attend the event.

What hair color did Bella Hadid debut at the 2025 VS Show?

Bella Hadid debuted a "sun-kissed" bright blonde hair color, moving away from her traditional dark brunette hair.

What brand did Gigi Hadid become an ambassador for in 2025?

Gigi Hadid became a global ambassador for the Brazilian brand Havaianas in 2025.

Is there a new Hadid sister?

Yes, in May 2025, Gigi and Bella announced they had connected with a younger half-sister named Aydan Nix, the daughter of their father Mohamed Hadid.