Donatella Versace Calls Gigi Hadid ‘Icon Of 21st Century’ As She Wins Model Of The Year Award


Gigi Hadid has yet another accomplishment to add to her collection: International Model of the Year. The 21-year-old receieved the honor Monday night at the London Fashion Awards.

Donatella Versace was on hand to present Hadid the award, and she had plenty of nice things to say about the young model, as quoted by Vanity Fair.

“She’s fearless. She’s funny. She’s a new icon of the 21st century.”

Hadid, who wore a silver Atelier Versace jumpsuit to the event, thanked Donatella by telling the fashion legend “I love you.” She went on to express her appreciation of having won the award in an emotional speech.

[Image by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images]

“I just want to say that I know I’m in the generation of social media, and I’m so blessed for that. But the fashion industry is my family, and you guys are the ones that I’m here for.”

Gigi acknowledged the power of social media — and her 26 million Instagram followers — in playing a role in her popularity as a model. She continued on to state her gratitude for those who have helped her along the way.

“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. Thank you so much for inspiring me, and teaching me, and being the most amazing industry I could ever ask to be part of.”

Gigi, Donatella, and host Jack Whitehall then all posed for a quick Mannequin Challenge moment before exiting the stage. Hadid joins the likes of previous Model of the Year recipients Cara Delevingne, Jourdan Dunn, and Edie Campbell. She beat sister Bella Hadid and friend Kendall Jenner to win this year’s award.

However, Gigi wasn’t done sharing her joy over the award just yet. She took to Instagram after the ceremony to upload a photo with Donatella and once again share her thanks.

“…to stand in front of an audience full of my greatest inspirations, idols, and friends, and to be presented International Model of the Year by my angel @donatella_versace was one of the most humbling and emotional experiences of my life.”

She wrapped up her post by saying she cherishes all the lessons, friends, and memories she’s made in the industry, and she can’t wait to see where the future takes her. Hadid’s fans seemed just as excited to see her win as they commented on her post with things such as “Congratulations, and very well said!!” and “… i just wanna say congratulations on your achievements! Never been so proud of you, you earned it babe.”

But the congratulations didn’t end there. Gigi’s boyfriend, Zayn Malik, sent her a romantic gift in celebration of her big award. Hollywood Life reports the singer had three dozen red and pink roses delivered to his girlfriend in London. The article also states that Hadid dedicated her Model of the Year award to Zayn and said that he makes her a better person. She also reportedly stated she wouldn’t be as confident as she is if it wasn’t for him.

Gigi’s fashion win comes on the heels of her appearance in the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The model walked the runway for the second time this year alongside sister Bella. While Gigi gave an emotional interview on what it was like walking in the show with her younger sister for the first time, it’s her wardrobe malfunction that has most people talking.

While she was walking the runway, one of the straps on Gigi’s outfit came loose and awkwardly dangled from the model. However, she was left unfazed by it as she continued to strut and pose. Perhaps proving Gigi Hadid really is deserving of this newest title.

[Featured Image by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images]

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