Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper made headlines at the 2026 Met Gala, marking a milestone in their relationship as they attended the glamorous event together for the first time. Although Hadid graced the red carpet alone, her affection for Cooper was palpable, reflecting their growing bond as a couple.
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During an engaging conversation on Vogue’s red carpet livestream with Ashley Graham and Cara Delevingne, Hadid revealed how she finds her focus amidst the flashes of cameras. “I try to bring my mind to a happy place,” the 31-year-old supermodel shared. She explained that invoking positive thoughts allows her to radiate joy, which she believes will resonate with her audience. Central to this happy mindset, she quoted her daughter, Khai, before mentioning Cooper, referring to him affectionately as her “man.” Hadid expressed, “When I think about Khai, maybe I’m giving joy. And then I’ll serve something else to Bradley for the camera.” Delevingne responded enthusiastically, complimenting Cooper with, “Bradley, you’re a lucky man.”
Though Cooper was initially absent from the red carpet proceedings, he surprised attendees by making an appearance inside the venue, dressed dapperly in a black suit paired with a white-collared shirt. Hadid had donned a striking sheer creation by Miu Miu, combining elements from several of her favourite collections, reinforcing her status as a fashion icon.
The couple’s relationship has been developing quietly since they began dating privately several years ago. This Met Gala appearance represents their first joint outing in front of the media as a couple, although they attended the lavish event in 2023 before their romance became public. A source informed PEOPLE at the start of their relationship that the pair had been seeing each other in a discreet manner, taking time to see if their connection would deepen. The insider noted, “They were quietly dating for much longer before it went public and were very hush-hush, trying to see if things would work between them.”
Hadid and Cooper have often been spotted together, enjoying both casual outings and more high-profile events. Earlier this year, the two were seen holding hands during a date night in New York City, sharing a rare moment of public display of affection that sparked interest among fans and media alike. Their relationship moved to a new level in May 2025 when they celebrated Hadid’s 30th birthday with an array of pictures on social media, officially cementing their status as a couple in the public eye.
Both Hadid and Cooper are parents to daughters from past relationships. Hadid shares her five-year-old daughter, Khai, with former partner Zayn Malik, while Cooper co-parents his daughter, Lea de Seine, aged eight, with ex-partner Irina Shayk. Their similar experiences as single parents might contribute to the strong bond they share, as both navigate the complexities of parenthood while managing their successful careers in the entertainment industry.
The evening not only highlighted Hadid’s fashionable presence but also allowed her to reflect on her personal life and the joy it brings her. In a world where the spotlight can often overshadow personal connections, Hadid’s approach to handling attention by focusing on the happiness of her loved ones showcases her resilience and determination.
As the Met Gala unfolds annually, it continues to serve as a platform for celebrities to entwine their professional and personal lives, giving fans a glimpse into the relationships that shape their lives outside the public eye. Hadid and Cooper’s first red carpet moment could signal a new chapter, with the world eager to see how their relationship develops in the years to come.