Khaberni - American model Gigi Hadid could not hold back her tears as she spoke about the harsh comments she faced following her first appearance at a Victoria's Secret show ten years ago.
Her comments came in a video clip posted by the brand on its Instagram page last Friday, as part of her preparations for her annual show expected on October 15, 2025, in New York City.
Hadid, 30 years old, who recently referred to her relationship with American actor Bradley Cooper, recalled her early days in the fashion world, and talked about her repeated attempts before getting her first chance to model in 2015. She said emotionally, "You can imagine what I felt when I was chosen, I was happy and proud of that little version of myself who had dreamed of this day."
She added, while holding back tears, "That girl wanted to succeed so badly, and when I look now at the photos from that period, I see how harsh the world was on her, not just on me but on many girls." She continued with a shy smile, "When I see those pictures today, I tell myself: you were special, and you deserved your place there."
The star, who is preparing to return to the runway this year, affirmed that she still feels anxious before each show, noting that she "feels a responsibility towards the large team that works behind the scenes to make the event a success."
Looking back to 2015, Hadid had faced a wave of negative comments about her body shape, and she responded during an interview with Vogue magazine, saying: "I am athletic and love my body for what it's been through, and I won't change myself for people who are unhappy with their lives." She added confidently, "Victoria's Secret angels are here to stay, and so am I, and so are models of different sizes."
In September of the same year, she defended herself in a social media post, saying: "I may not have the same body shape as other women, but I work hard, and I know I always need to improve."
It is worth mentioning that Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper's relationship began in October 2023, after they appeared together in a New York restaurant, which she described in an interview with Vogue magazine as a "natural experience of love", noting that he reintroduced her to theater and arts, and said, "When you know what you want and deserve and find someone who understands that, the relationship can be peaceful and mature."
The 2025 Victoria's Secret show will be broadcast live via Amazon Prime Video on October 15, featuring a number of stars including Missy Elliott, Madison Beer, Carol G, and the band Twice.
