Who is Gigi Hadid? How rising model replaced Cara Delevingne as the new face of Topshop

Rising model Gigi Hadid has landed one of her biggest roles to date after being named as the new face of popular high-street brand Topshop. IBTimes UK looks at how such a relatively unknown talent has quickly climbed the ranks of the fashion world.

Images from the model's shoot, photographed by Tyrone Lebon and styled by Topshop creative director Kate Phelan, shows the 20-year-old channelling a variety of looks while modelling the brand's sportswear, work and evening ranges. Setting the trends for the upcoming AW15 season, customers can expect faux fur and androgynous tuxedos.

Topshop boss Sir Philip Green affirmed his confidence in his new ambassador, saying in a statement: "Working with Gigi Hadid on this campaign continues to strengthen our international vision for the Topshop brand. We are continually developing our footprint across all markets with ambitious plans both in the UK and internationally and I feel like Gigi is an ideal ambassador to underpin these efforts."

As a longtime fan of Topshop, which is often worn by the likes of Beyonce and Kim Kardashian, it is not a surprise Hadid was called upon to front its next campaign. Speaking about her new gig, the model told Elle.com: "It's 100% cool. I just love anything Topshop. I'm the biggest Topshop fan. I've really enjoyed the shoot – it doesn't feel forced or posed – which I think is very much my style too."

For many, the California native and her rise to become one of the most sought after up-and-coming models around may still be a mystery. IBTimes UK looks at Hadid's beginnings in the industry, family life and those famous friends she is rarely seen without...

A family the size to rival the Kardashians

Memorising the Kardashians and their extended Jenner family is nowhere near as hard as remembering Hadid's relatives. Her mother, Yolanda Foster, may be a familiar face as the star of The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills, while her stepfather David Foster, is a renowned music producer having worked with the likes of Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera.

Hadid, real name Jelena Noura Hadid, has two younger siblings, fellow model and sister Bella Hadid, and brother Anwar. She also has two older half-sisters, Marielle and Alana, from her biological father's side, and five stepsisters from her mother's marriage to Foster.

An early foray into the fashion world

Hadid was clearly always destined for the runway as she bagged her first modelling job at the tender age of two, appearing in adverts for Baby Guess. The model evidently left a lasting impression on the designer brand as she fronted one of its campaigns in 2012.

The fashionista's big break came when she debuted at New York Fashion Week in February 2014, hitting the catwalk for labels Desigual and Jeremy Scott. Hadid's talent was soon picked up by iconic magazine Sports Illustrated, who named her one of their 12 rookies for that year.

Other brands who have called upon Hadid to front campaigns and join their catwalks so far include Balmain, Victoria's Secret, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Dolce And Gabbana and Jean Paul Gaultier. Incredibly, the youngster has graced the covers of multiple magazines around the world including fashion bible Vogue for its Australia and Brazil editions.

A friendship circle to be envied

Being a young, successful, twentysomething in showbiz these days can only mean one thing: Taylor Swift is your best friend. The ladies are so close that Hadid was one of the many famous faces featured in the pop star's iconic music video Bad Blood. Also in Hadid's popular circle is her bestie Kendall Jenner, Lena Dunham and fellow model Cara Delevingne.

Who is Gigi Hadid dating?

Early fans of the model will remember she was in an on/off relationship with singer Cody Simpson for two years. The couple were so in love at one point that Hadid played Simpson's love interest in the music video for his racy single Surfboard. However, it was not meant to be and the couple split for good in May 2015, citing work commitments.

Fast forward a couple of months later and Hadid appears to be happily in a relationship with singer Joe Jonas, a formerly close friend whom she once joked about dating. The couple have been pictured showing plenty of PDA during their various dates, which have included a fun day out at LA's Disneyland.

The IT-girl has big dreams for the future

Hadid is not afraid to reach for supermodel status, as she told Elle.com: "I've heard from a lot of people in the industry that the supermodel is coming back, which is really exciting for me. For a long time you would see a girl for one season and then you'd never really hear about her again. Now models are getting to create a fanbase that keeps them around."