🌟 Kendall Jenner Recalls Being “Intimidated” by Gigi Hadid Upon First Impression

💭 Initial Impression and Feelings of Intimidation

In a recent joint interview for Vogue magazine’s October 2025 issue, Kendall Jenner (age 29) openly discussed her first impressions of Gigi Hadid (age 30), revealing that she initially felt “intimidated” by the now-close friend. Jenner specifically recalled seeing a viral black-and-white photograph of Hadid on Tumblr that featured her “long blond mane,” which left Jenner in awe of Hadid’s beauty.

Jenner confessed: “I remember I was intimidated by you. I was like: ‘She’s so gorgeous.’ You posted this black-and-white photo with your long blond mane that went viral on Tumblr… I had acne and braces and I remember seeing it and thinking: ‘What the f**?'”*.

👯♀️ Development of Their Friendship

Despite this initial intimidation, the two supermodels eventually formed a close bond after meeting through Bella Hadid (Gigi’s younger sister) during their mid-teen years in the early 2010s. Both attended different schools in California but connected through mutual friends and the fashion industry.

Hadid responded to Jenner’s revelation by acknowledging that she too was an “awkward” teenager during that period, relating to Jenner’s feelings of insecurity. Their friendship solidified when they began working together in the fashion industry, participating in fashion shows throughout entire seasons.

🤍 Current Relationship and Bond

Today, Jenner describes their relationship as deeper than friendship, stating: “We’re sisters more than we’re friends”. Hadid added that their connection includes many quiet moments that the public doesn’t see, noting: “People don’t see a lot of the quiet moments or the ways we’re similar. We really find peace in each other”.

The friendship has endured for over a decade, with Hadid revealing that Jenner was one of “the only people in the world that knew” when she was pregnant with her daughter Khai (now 4), whom she shares with ex Zayn Malik. Hadid recalled a specific moment in 2020 when she felt “so nauseous and lightheaded” backstage before a Burberry show and Jenner immediately helped by getting her a can of Coke.

📸 Vogue Photoshoot and Joint Interview

The revelations came during a western-themed photoshoot and interview for Vogue’s October 2025 issue, shot by Lachlan Bailey in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.