Veteran of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Bella Hadid made a surprise appearance at the event on October 15. The supermodel, who decided to retire from her career in April this year, walked the stage in a striking red ensemble, complete with matching red wings.
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The kicker? Cher was delivering a rendition of her 1998 massive hit track, Believe. Cher, a singer and fashionista in her own right, looked iconic in an all-black outfit, with shimmery pants and a long-sleeved top. The moment was not lost on fans, who, at the sight of the visuals, took to the internet to swoon over the two icons.
As one user pointed out,
"cher and bella hadid in one frame ?? [heart emoji]"
Everyone online was elated at seeing the supermodel return to show off her "face card," as users put it online:
"Bella walking the runway while Cher is singing in the back ughh very iconic if u ask me," one user opined.
"body tea and face card are LETHAL," one user exclaimed.
"Her walking to Cher in the background is so iconic! Damn!" another stated.
"Was that really Cher performing? & Bella looks smoking hot," another shared.
Scores of Cher and Bella Hadid fans expressed their love for the two, teeming with glee at having them share the stage:
"Bella Hadid is back and absolutely owning the Victoria’s Secret runway, Her confidence and beauty are unmatched," another user shared.
"Bella Hadid making her return for Victoria's Secret is huge news! She’s always been an iconic presence on the runway, and seeing her back for the brand is exciting for fans. Her style and energy are sure to bring a fresh and captivating vibe to their campaigns," yet another tweeted.
"The pretty face, the beautiful red fur she is carrying on her shoulders, the smile, & the red garments make her slay the VICTORIA’S SECRET stage..." someone else stated.
Bella Hadid says modeling wasn't "giving it back" to her, prompting her to retire
In April this year, Bella Hadid sat down for an interview with Allure magazine to reflect on her decision to retire. The model, who struggles with Lyme disease, noted,
"After 10 years of modeling, I realized I was putting so much energy and love and effort into something that, in the long run, wasn’t necessarily giving it back to me."
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that results in symptoms like excessive tiredness, muscle aches, pain in some areas of the body, and weakened immunity. The model, per the magazine, also struggles with her mental health and anxiety. Earlier this year, she relocated to Texas with her boyfriend, Adan Banuelos. She said,
"For the first time now, I’m not putting on a fake face. If I don’t feel good, I won’t go. If I don’t feel good, I take time for myself. And I’ve never had the opportunity to do that or say that before. For the first time now, I’m not putting on a fake face. If I don’t feel good, I won’t go. If I don’t feel good, I take time for myself. And I’ve never had the opportunity to do that or say that before
Bella Hadid says she would "do it all again" in speaking of battling Lyme disease
The supermodel and founder of her fragrance line, 'Ôrəbella, reflected on what it's like dealing with the illness in an Instagram post in August 2023. Her caption read:
"the little me that suffered would be so proud of grown me for not giving up on myself. Thankful to my mommy for keeping all of my medical records, sticking by me , never leaving my side, protecting, supporting , but most of all, believing me through all of this. Living in this state, worsening with time and work while trying to make myself, my family and the people who support me, proud, had taken a toll on me in ways I can’t really explain."
She continued, noting that despite having the "most blessings, privilege, opportunity, and love around her," the illness was "the most confusing thing ever." She did reassure her fans that she was "okay" and there was no need to worry, and that she "wouldn’t change anything for the world." The post further went on,
"If I had to go through all of this again, to get here, to this exact moment I’m in right now, with all of you, finally healthy, I would do it all again. It made me who I am today. The universe works in the most painful and beautiful ways but I need to say that if you are struggling- it will get better. I promise. take a step away, stay strong, have faith in your path, walk in your truth and the clouds will start to clear up."
She also expressed gratitude for having made it through "100+ days of Lyme, chronic disease, co-infection treatment" and "almost 15 years of invisible suffering," noting that it was "all worth it" if she could "have a lifetime of spreading love from a full cup," and be able to truly be herself for the first time ever.
In speaking of the accompanying images of her, which showed her arms with wires and tubes sticking out of them, Bella Hadid said,
"I tried to pick the most positive pictures I could because as painful as this experience was, the outcome was the most enlightening experience of my life filled with new friends, new visions and a new brain. Thank you for the patience of the incredible company’s that I work for , my supporters and the people who continued to check in. My agents Jill and Joseph for protecting me. I love and appreciate you more than I can ever express. Thank you to my genius Dr, and her INCREDIBLE team of nurses. I love you SO much!!!"
Bella Hadid signed off on the post by noting that she would "be back" when she was "ready," and sent all her love to her fans and well-wishers.
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