See Yolanda Hadid Sizzle as a Young Model in These Throwback Photos
Check out the RHOBH alum's professional portfolio of swimwear and ready-to-wear photos from back in the day.
When Yolanda Hadid joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in Season 3, she was already a veteran model in the fashion industry, as she graced some of the most prestigious catwalks all over the globe.
The South Holland native began her career in the 80s after being signed by Ford Models when she was only a teenager. “At the age of 16, I was discovered by Eileen Ford,” Yolanda explained in a confessional interview on Season 3, Episode 1 of RHOBH. “The next thing I knew, I was on the runway in Paris and Milan, and my life as a model started.”
Yolanda's career flourished for many years, both on and off the runway. Her passion for the art of modeling has been passed down to her three children, Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, and Anwar Hadid, all of whom have followed in their mother's footsteps to become respected models in their own right.
Are you interested in learning more about Yolanda's time as a supermodel? Well, you're in luck because these archival photos of her from when she was a young model show that the blonde beauty always knew how to strike the perfect pose in front of a camera.
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Yolanda Hadid wears a cheeky green swimsuit
In the picture above, Yolanda stuns in a green and black spandex one-piece swimsuit. The fierce look is paired with a matching swim cap and a black suede fanny pack.
In a February 2018 interview with W Magazine, the RHOBH alum opened up about how she had no knowledge of modeling early in her career. “I grew up in a really small town in Holland called Papendrecht, and I’d never seen a fashion magazine when I became a model,” she told the publication.
Yolanda continued: “I was not educated at all, and I was kind of thrown into it by accident — or maybe because it was my destiny, but at the time it felt like an accident. So I kind of discovered and went on a path of my own, but I had a great foundation: The way my mom raised me was very strict but free, and she gave me the greatest gift, which was work ethic. I think I’ve carried that through my life, and it’s probably the true foundation of the success I’ve had.”
Yolanda Hadid goes topless in a black string bikini during modeling career
In her early modeling days, Yolanda wasn’t afraid to show a little skin, as captured in the alluring snap below.
Though all eyes are on the blonde beauty, the true star of the photo is the string bikini with its intricate orange detailing that adds a perfect pop of color to the beachwear.
Yolanda Hadid sizzles in a silver bathing suit
In many of Yolanda’s candid portraits, she's modeled stunning swimsuits, like this silver metallic bikini. The design featured a ruched bodice and a high-leg cutout, which complimented her edgy style at the time.
Yolanda Hadid’s models a polka-dot bikini for a magazine
At the height of her career, Yolanda graced the pages of fashion magazines, including Vogue and Grazia, where she donned designer apparel and accessories.
In a past editorial spread, the model captivated the beach scene in a chic red and white interlocking bra-style top paired with monochromatic polka dot bottoms. Yolanda's ensemble was elevated by a black leather cowboy hat and sleek sunglasses, with her hair pulled back into a wet ponytail.
Yolanda Hadid takes on a Western-inspired vibe as a young model
Yolanda might prefer English horseback riding, but she effortlessly channeled a western cowgirl in this shot, showcasing her impeccable smize — a term coined by supermodel Tyra Banks.
For the cover, she was dressed in a white satin western shirt adorned with intricate red embroidery. The vibrant red theme continued throughout the shoot, with Yolanda donning a matching cowboy hat and bowtie, making for a cohesive look.
Model Yolanda Hadid stuns in casual attire
Yolanda has a gift for making even the simplest outfits look luxurious. In this photo, she highlights her side profile, wearing a cream sweater scrunched in her hands and brown high-waisted trousers.
Yolanda as a blonde bombshell in her days as a model
Yolanda's swimsuit photos are endless, but this one stands out, showcasing her striking physique on a pristine sandy beach.
She flaunts her backside in a nautical striped off-the-shoulder crop top paired with high-waisted white bottoms. Her hair, styled in a high ponytail and tied with a white scrunchie, adds a playful touch as she carries a white tank top along the shoreline.
Young Yolanda Hadid has an uncanny resemblance to her eldest daughter and fellow model Gigi Hadid
It's clear where Gigi gets her stunning looks — this photo of young Yolanda made us do a double take. This portrait offers a glimpse into early street style, with Yolanda wearing a multicolored sweater vest and a light blue pleated skirt.
Here's another shot where Yolanda closely resembles her eldest daughter. In a 2014 interview with Allure, Yolonda revealed she managed to raise Gigi and Bella to be grounded models. "They were not allowed to work until they were 17, until you knew who they are," she explained. "I was 16 when I got started, but I needed to work. It is a different situation for them. I took each of them on their 17th birthday and found them an agency that was right for them. It ended up being the same agent for both, IMG. And I told them to work hard."
Yolanda Hadid dazzles in denim-like swimsuits
Denim has never looked so good! The camera captured Yolanda lounging on the beach in a strapless bandeau denim bra top paired with matching high-waisted bottoms. The look was completed with a straw hat, a blue bandana tied around her wrist, and a denim shirt as an added prop.
Denim was reimagined again in a one-piece set adorned with multicolored gems on the front. Yolanda’s ‘fit was styled with another straw hat, rounded sunglasses, and a small denim bag, creating a chic and playful ensemble.
Young Yolanda Hadid models a black spandex bikini
In this pic, Yolanda shows off her style in a spandex bikini paired with a black spandex swim cap, yellow goggles, and a matching yellow fanny pack.
Yolanda Hadid stuns in fringe bangs
Before Yolanda embraced her shorter hairstyle, she flaunted long, luscious blonde locks. In the photo below, you can see she even experimented with fringe bangs for added texture.
Yolanda Hadid radiates in the sun for a photo shoot
Here's proof that Yolanda can work any angle for the camera, whether she's gazing up to soak in the sun's rays or sunbathing by the pool.
You better work, Yolanda!
