Gigi Hadid carried a quiet piece of her beau Bradley Cooper with her on one of fashion’s biggest nights. The supermodel arrived at the 2026 Met Gala on May 4 on her own, but her words made it clear her beloved partner was never far from her heart.
GettyWhile speaking with Ashley Graham and Cara Delevingne during Vogue’s livestream, Hadid opened up about how she centers herself in front of the cameras, turning to the people and moments that bring her the most joy.
Hadid Says Daughter Khai and Bradley Cooper Inspire Her
“I try to bring my mind to a happy place. What we do in our job is go to a happy place, think of happy thoughts and the smile comes through the eyes and it makes you come to life.”
For Hadid, that “happy place” is all about the people she loves most, shaping the calm and confidence she carries into moments under the spotlight.
When asked what brings her there, she spoke about her daughter Khai and Bradley Cooper, offering a glimpse into the life she holds close beyond the cameras.
“When I think about Khai, maybe I’m giving joy. And then I’ll serve something else to Bradley for the camera,” she said.
Delevingne smiled at the mention, adding, “Bradley, you’re a lucky man.”
Though Cooper did not join Hadid on the red carpet, he did show up a little later.
Page Six reported that the “Silver Linings Playbook” star later arrived inside the event, dressed in a classic black suit and white-collared shirt, keeping the couple’s understated dynamic intact.
Inside Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper’s Private Relationship
GettyHadid and Cooper were first linked in October 2023 after being spotted together in New York City. Since then, they have kept their relationship largely private, choosing to let it grow away from the spotlight without a formal red carpet debut.
Their presence at this year’s Met Gala marked a subtle milestone, as both attended the event as a couple for the first time, after previously appearing separately in 2023 before their romance became public.
In the months that followed, their bond quietly deepened.
Sources previously told People in July 2024 that the two had been spending time building their connection privately, sharing that things were “going really well” and naturally becoming more serious.
The couple has offered only occasional glimpses into their relationship.
In February, they were seen holding hands during a rare outing in New York City, and in May 2025, they made things Instagram official with photos shared from Hadid’s 30th birthday celebration.
A Blended Family and a Growing Bond
Hadid shares her 5-year-old daughter Khai with ex Zayn Malik, while Cooper is dad to 8-year-old Lea de Seine, whom he shares with Irina Shayk.
That shared understanding has helped anchor their connection, giving their relationship a sense of balance and perspective.
Over time, their bond has continued to deepen. In July 2024, one source previously described their relationship as a “full-blown relationship,” noting that even with packed schedules, they make time for one another.
“They are both busy but manage to spend time together and are enjoying each other,” the source told People magazine.
“I wasn’t sure this was anything other than a casual fling when it started, but it has grown more serious.”
Another insider said the foundation they have built feels steady and lasting.
“Considering how busy they both are with work and family, they have managed to keep this alive and are going strong,” the source said, adding, “They had a solid start and it has built from there. Each admires the success of the other, and they have kids in common.”
Hadid later reflected on their relationship in an April 2025 interview with Vogue, describing it as a “very romantic and happy dynamic.”
“To find someone that is in a place in their life where they know what they want and deserve and you both do work separately to come together and be the best partner that you can be. I just feel really lucky,” she said.
Hadid added, “I respect him so much as a creative, and I feel that he gives so much to me: encouragement and, just, belief.”
As the romance heats up, Hadid and Cooper’s relationship is grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a low-key life away from the glare of the paparazzi.
