Gigi and Bella Hadid, the iconic supermodels known for their stunning looks and captivating personalities, have always been in the public eye. While both sisters possess undeniable charm, there has always been a perception of a distinct contrast between them: Gigi, the radiant sun, and Bella, the alluring moon, representing a yin-yang dynamic.
Bella, in a past interview with American Vogue, admitted to harboring insecurities about her sister. She confessed, “I was the uglier sister. I was a brunette, I wasn’t cool, I wasn’t social.” These insecurities led her to undergo a nose job at the age of 14, and she sought validation through excessive exposure in the media, battling mental health issues in the process.
This inherent vulnerability became part of Bella’s allure, adding a layer of complexity to her image. However, recent events suggest a profound shift in her demeanor, a newfound radiance that seems to emanate from a newfound sense of self-acceptance and happiness. The catalyst for this transformation appears to be her relationship with rodeo athlete, Adan Banuelos.
Growing up in a family that deeply cherished horseback riding, Bella was drawn to the equestrian world. During one of her mother, Yolanda’s, fiancé’s rodeo competitions, she crossed paths with Adan. They began dating in October 2023, and since then, everything has changed. Adan, with his cowboy charm and lifestyle, has profoundly influenced Bella. She has embraced the ‘cowgirl’ aesthetic, shedding the excessively thin frame that had become a cause for concern, and now radiates a healthy, vibrant glow.
Their relationship has been further solidified by their recent appearance together at the ‘Windows to West’ event during New York Fashion Week. Dressed in Western attire, Bella displayed her impressive equestrian skills, confidently riding a horse with a radiant smile. Her happiness was palpable, surpassing even the brilliance she exuded during her time as a Victoria’s Secret Angel.
The undeniable truth is that love has changed Bella. While past relationships with singer The Weeknd and art director Marc Kalman may have held a certain allure, they were ultimately unhealthy. Bella revealed in the Victoria’s Secret podcast, ‘VS Voices’, that she experienced sexual, physical, and emotional abuse during those relationships, leading to a breakdown of her personal boundaries. She confessed to feeling constantly invalidated, her voice ignored, in both romantic and familial contexts.
This, however, didn’t deter Bella from falling into toxic relationships, persistently striving to please her partners. The realization that this beautiful woman, accustomed to a world of glamour, endured such pain and isolation is truly heartbreaking.
Adan, however, sees beyond Bella’s glamorous exterior. He acknowledges her true self, stating, “She’s an amazing horsewoman, all the animals love her. She seems like she lives this glamorous life, but inside she’s a cowgirl.” It seems as though Adan is the first person who truly appreciates Bella for who she is, her essence, not just her outward appearance.
Bella’s love for animals and her unbridled joy when riding horses in the natural world have been embraced by Adan. His acceptance and respect for her authentic self have fueled her inner peace. This is evident in her description of Adan as “the love of my life”, emphasizing his role in her life’s journey, especially given that he is a National Rodeo Finals champion and considered a rising star in the rodeo world.
Meanwhile, Gigi’s love life takes a different turn. Since October 2023, she has been dating actor Bradley Cooper. The timing of their relationship has fueled speculation as it followed Gigi’s dating rumors with Leonardo DiCaprio, with whom Bradley is friends. However, Gigi’s sparkle seems to have dimmed slightly since entering this relationship. The age gap between them is significant, with Gigi at 28 and Bradley at 49. Despite this disparity, Bradley doesn’t always appear to be the ideal gentleman, especially when compared to his previous relationship with Irina Shayk.
It’s noteworthy that Bradley chose to bring his mother to the Oscars red carpet this year, opting not to have Gigi by his side. Bradley’s love for his mother is well-known; they even walked hand-in-hand at the Golden Globes in 2023. While cherishing one’s mother is commendable, his mother accompanied him on a Sardinian vacation with Gigi in August. Even then, Bradley didn’t offer to assist Gigi with her luggage as they exited their car.
Moreover, there’s a noticeable change in Gigi’s facial expressions since she began dating Bradley. While Bella’s smile radiates genuine happiness, Gigi’s seems perpetually downcast.
The contrast between Bella’s blossoming romance and Gigi’s less-than-obvious happiness speaks volumes. The truth is, being cherished and loved unconditionally by a partner has a profound impact on a woman’s inner glow.
The stark difference between Bella, who rides horses with Adan, sharing their joy, and Gigi, who doesn’t always appear to be a priority in her boyfriend’s life (though this could be a choice on her part), is undeniable. The takeaway is that true happiness lies in finding a partner who embraces you for who you are, your authentic self, rather than your external shell.
The Hadid sisters, with their contrasting experiences in love, serve as a powerful reminder of this important life lesson. It’s not about the outward appearance, but about the genuine love and acceptance that comes from a partner who appreciates your unique individuality and supports your journey of self-discovery.
