Gigi Hadid Rings in 31st Birthday with Sizzling Yellow String Bikini and Sunny Snaps

Supermodel Kicks Off Summer and 31st Year with a Burst of Citrus

Gigi Hadid is officially 31, and she's already serving up major summer vibes. The star, who turned a year older on April 23, marked the occasion with a series of sun-drenched Instagram Stories, including a standout snapshot of herself in a bright yellow string bikini. The image, originally posted by her longtime friend Leah McCarthy, shows the duo posing in a lush tropical setting—a perfect prelude to the warmer months ahead.

In the photo, Hadid rocks the barely-there swimsuit in a vivid lemon shade that practically screams “sun’s out, guns out.” McCarthy, meanwhile, complements her bestie in a leopard print string set trimmed in red. The contrast of the two bold patterns makes for an eye-catching visual that fans have been buzzing about since it hit social media.

Birthday Love: A Friendship That Spans Over a Decade

McCarthy didn't stop at one photo. She shared two additional snapshots of the best friends celebrating their bond. In one, the pair grin for a cozy selfie with the caption “LOML”—short for “love of my life.” The other is a throwback from October 2013, showing the duo with significantly younger faces and the cheeky note: “Happy bday to my bestie through it all.” It’s a sweet testament to a friendship that has weathered a decade of changing priorities, from modeling careers to motherhood.

Hadid reposted all three images to her own Instagram Stories, signaling her appreciation for the heartfelt tribute. The model, who shares 5-year-old daughter Khai with ex Zayn Malik, has long kept a tight circle of confidants, and McCarthy sits firmly at the center.

Taurus Season Photo Dump: A Glimpse Into Mom Life

Just five days before her birthday, Hadid also celebrated the start of Taurus season—which she famously dubbed “my seassoonnnnnnn 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷”—with a sprawling photo dump on Instagram. The carousel featured a series of candid images focusing on her daughter Khai exploring nature. The slideshow gave fans a rare peek into their low-key domestic life, showing Khai in various adorable outfits and hairstyles.

One particularly charming snap captures the 5-year-old riding a pink scooter, presumably headed to school, with her hair styled in two pigtails secured with colorful ties. In another, she’s playing in the backyard wearing a butter-yellow sweatsuit, her hair loose and flowing. Hadid also put Khai to work in the garden: one photo shows the little one placing small plants onto a wagon while draped in a Disney-themed Snuggie—a souvenir from the duo’s recent trip to Disney World this past January. “Magic all around,” Hadid wrote of that pilgrimage, adding, “(Take me back🤞).”

Khai's Style Moments Steal the Show

The photo dump wasn’t just about gardening and scooters. Hadid also showcased her daughter’s evolving sense of style, from the sporty look on the scooter to the cozy Disney Snuggie that has apparently become a favorite. It’s clear that the Guest in Residence founder is raising a fashion-conscious little one—though Khai is still at an age where practicality and comfort reign supreme. The subtle on-trend color palette of her outfits (butter yellow, pastel hues) suggests she might be destined to follow in her mother’s supermodel footsteps.

From Runway to Real Life: Hadid's Summer Style Evolution

Hadid’s yellow string bikini moment is the latest in a long line of sun-drenched looks that have defined her off-duty style. Known for blending high-fashion with relatable beach-ready pieces, the model has become a go-to source for summer wardrobe inspiration. This particular ensemble—minimalist, high-cut, and citrus-hued—fits perfectly into current swimwear trends that favor bright colours and barely-there silhouettes.

Fans and fashion editors alike have been quick to praise the choice. The yellow shade is a nod to the season’s biggest colour trend: sunshine yellows and warm tones that evoke optimism and energy. Combined with Hadid’s effortless confidence, the bikini sends a clear message: summer is here, and she’s ready to soak it all in.

The Business of Being Gigi: Balancing Career and Motherhood

Beyond the birthday celebrations, Hadid’s recent posts highlight her evolving role as a mother and entrepreneur. Since launching her cashmere brand Guest in Residence, she has carefully curated her public image to balance professional ambition with family life. The Taurus season photo dump, for instance, shows her engaging in everyday activities with Khai—gardening, school runs, casual park days—proving that even a supermodel can prioritize the simple joys of parenting.

This balance is not lost on her followers. Comments on the posts often praise Hadid for being “relatable” and “down-to-earth,” despite her A-list status. Her insistence on keeping Khai largely out of the spotlight makes any glimpse into their private time all the more precious.

What's Next for Gigi? Summer Projects and Fashion Buzz

As the mercury climbs, so does anticipation for Hadid’s next move. She has been quiet on the runway front recently, focusing instead on her brand and personal life. But sources close to the model hint that she may have a few collaborations and editorial projects lined up for the coming months. Given her ability to set trends—like the return of the string bikini—expect to see more of her beachy, relaxed aesthetic dominating social feeds.

The yellow bikini, in particular, has already sparked a shopping frenzy. Online searches for “yellow string bikini” spiked after McCarthy’s posts went viral, and several brands have scrambled to tag Hadid in hopes of gaining traction. It’s a testament to her enduring influence: whether she’s on the cover of Vogue or simply posing with a friend, her style choices ripple through the fashion world.

Leah McCarthy: The Best Friend Behind the Spotlight

While Hadid is the star of the show, her friendship with McCarthy deserves a moment in the sun. The two have been inseparable for over a decade, and McCarthy’s heartfelt birthday post underscores the depth of their bond. In an industry known for fleeting connections, their loyalty stands out. McCarthy, who works behind the scenes in fashion and beauty, has often been Hadid’s plus-one at red carpet events and private gatherings. The pair are known for their matching outfits and playful social media banter.

The throwback photo from October 2013 is particularly telling. At the time, Hadid was just beginning her climb to fame, and McCarthy was by her side. Now, a decade later, they’re still celebrating milestones together. It’s a friendship that proves the old adage: you can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends.

Final Take: Summer’s Hottest Look Is Simple and Sun-Filled

Gigi Hadid has officially set the tone for summer 2025. With a yellow string bikini, a loyal bestie, and a daughter who loves the outdoors, she’s showing that the best style is the one you feel confident in. As she enters her 31st year, the supermodel appears more grounded than ever. Her birthday celebrations were a masterclass in effortless cool—no over-the-top parties, just sun, smiles, and snapshots that make us all want to book a ticket to somewhere warm.

Whether you’re a Taurus or not, there’s something to learn from Hadid’s approach: embrace the season, cherish your people, and never underestimate the power of a great bikini.

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