The year 2024 marked a defining moment in fashion: Bella Hadid’s triumphant return to the runway after a two-year hiatus. Her chosen partner for this grand re-emergence? The legendary Saint Laurent.
Bella’s comeback was no ordinary event. It was a narrative woven deeply into the fabric of Yves Saint Laurent’s enduring legacy, skillfully reimagined by Anthony Vaccarello. Her return wasn’t just a runway moment—it was a meeting of past and present, a tribute to a brand that has always championed the strength and complexity of women.
Bella Hadid, once the most sought-after model gracing the stages of nearly every major fashion house, had stepped away to prioritize her health. Her battle with Lyme disease and the pressures of the modeling industry had become a public conversation after her heartfelt social media post, which resonated globally. Fans and admirers saw a rare, vulnerable side to the dazzling world of fashion—one that demanded compassion for those tirelessly contributing to it.
During her time away, Bella chose tranquility over the chaos of the runway. She devoted herself to horseback riding, finding solace in nature and forging a deep connection with her horse trainer and now-partner, Adan Banuelos. Their story, a quiet romance against a backdrop of rolling fields, evokes the nostalgia of classic countryside films—timeless, heartfelt, and authentic. For two years, Bella embraced this peaceful life, away from cameras and the ever-present demand to perform.
But as the saying goes, “You can never deny who you truly are.” Bella Hadid is not only a woman of beauty and resilience but also a force of power and reinvention. Even during her hiatus, she launched her brand, Oreblla, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. Her return to Saint Laurent was nothing short of poetic—a modern woman embodying the empowerment Yves Saint Laurent envisioned when he introduced women to suits and tuxedos, garments that symbolized authority and liberation.
Paris Fashion Week’s opening day set the perfect stage for Bella’s reawakening. She stepped onto Anthony Vaccarello’s polished runway in a razor-sharp black suit and tie, her presence commanding the room. A sleek ponytail, dark sunglasses, and an unflinching gaze completed the look—a visual declaration that words could never capture. “Hey, I’m back,” her demeanor seemed to say, stronger and more assured than ever.
Bella’s transformation mirrored the iconic power woman of Yves Saint Laurent: bold yet introspective, commanding yet deeply human. Her portrayal brought to life the duality that has defined women across eras—the tension between ambition and simplicity, between power and vulnerability. For those who know the film Belle de Jour, the parallels are undeniable.
In her grand return, Bella Hadid didn’t just walk a runway—she wrote a new chapter. She embodied a modern archetype of Yves Saint Laurent’s vision, proving that strength can be quiet, and power can be profoundly personal. While the world sees her as content and fulfilled, Bella remains a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and timeless elegance.