Gigi Hadid became emotional as she recalled body-shaming comments after she made her Victoria's Secret runway debut 10 years earlier.
The 30-year-old supermodel - who recently made a rare reference to her boyfriend Bradley Cooper - opened up about topic in a clip shared to the lingerie brand's Instagram page on Friday.
The star is preparing to strut on the catwalk during the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show later this month on October 15.
Hadid remembered 'trying out' for the show 'two or three times' before landing a coveted spot on the runway for the 2015 event.
'So, you can imagine what I felt when I got my first show,' she expressed and gushed that she is 'just so happy for her' - referencing to the younger version of herself.
The mom-of-one became tearful while adding, 'She just wanted it so bad. And like, I was thinking about it earlier today. And I look back at pictures of that time and the world was so hard on her. And not just me, is hard on girls.'
Hadid continued, 'And then you look back at pictures and you're like, "I was the st." Like that was an awesome time. And I deserved to be there.'
'And to continue to come back to this show just so happy for her - that girl that got the first show, and also my teenage self who watched the show.'
She further expressed, 'It was all the things that are so fun and exciting about creating in this space.'
Back in 2015 after she walked at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Hadid hit back at body-shaming comments during an interview with Vogue.
'Yeah, I'm an athletic person. But I love my body because I know what it's been through to be what it is, and honestly I'm not going to change for someone that is depressed about their life.'
The star continued, 'The Victoria's Secret Angels aren't going anywhere; I'm not going anywhere; plus-sized models aren't going anywhere.'
In September of that year, she had also taken to social media to defend herself as a model.
'No, I don't think I have the same body type as the other models in shows. No, I don't think I am the best at any given show. Yes, I want a unique walk but I also know I have to improve.'
She added, 'And to continue to come back to this show just so happy for her - that girl that got the first show, and also my teenage self who watched the show'
Back in 2015 after she walked at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Hadid hit back at body-shaming comments during an interview with Vogue; seen in 2016 at Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris
Hadid added, 'No, I'm not the first or last model of my type in this industry. You can make up all the reasons you think I am where I am.
'But really, I'm a hard worker that's confident in myself, one that came at a time where the fashion industry was ready for a change.'
While talking to the brand in the recent Instagram video, the model admitted to still getting nervous before walking the Victoria's Secret runway.
'I feel the responsibility of like, doing the best that I can for the huge team that is behind this show.'
The 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show can be livestreamed on Amazon Prime Video on October 15 - with the event itself taking place in New York City.
Musical guests will also be performing at the show, including Missy Elliott, Madison Beer, Karol G, and Twice.
While getting ready to strut on the runway for the lingerie brand, Hadid also recently made a rare reference to her boyfriend Bradley Cooper in a sweet post to her Instagram stories on Friday.
She shared a photo of herself lounging on a comfy couch as she promoted the actor's upcoming movie Is This Thing On?
'Premiere night! Congratulations to my love!' the star gushed in text added over the image, while also giving a shout out to others involved in the project including Will Arnett, Laura Dern and Andra Day.
Hadid also encouraged her followers to go see the comedic drama in theaters later this year on December 19.
Is This Thing On? had its official screening during the New York Film Festival on Friday - with Cooper both starring and directing the movie.
The Oscar-nominated star, 50, also co-wrote the screenplay with Arnett and Mark Chappell.
The premise is: 'As their marriage unravels, Alex (Arnett) faces middle age and divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene.
'Meanwhile, his wife Tess (Dern) confronts sacrifices made for their family, forcing them to navigate co-parenting and identities,' per IMDB.
Cooper is no stranger to stepping behind the camera and also directed the films A Star Is Born (2018) and Maestro (2023).
The model and actor were first romantically linked back in October 2023 when they were seen grabbing dinner together in NYC.
In October of last year, the beauty mentioned Cooper and said that he was supporting her from home as she strutted on the catwalk for the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
'He's watching from home tonight,' Hadid told Entertainment Tonight. 'He is on dad duty, but so supportive.'
Cooper is dad to daughter Lea, eight, whom he shares with ex and fellow supermodel Irina Shayk. Hadid is also mom to daughter Khai, five, whom she welcomed with former One Direction member Zayn Malik.
Earlier this year in March, Hadid gave rare insight into her relationship with Cooper during an interview with Vogue.
She said that the actor has given her the 'normal experience of dating' and added he 'has opened me up to going to the theater more, and that's something that's so nice to bring back into my life.'
'You want to give yourself a normal experience of dating and even for my friends who aren't public figures, that's hard. Where do you go? And what? You just start talking to people?'
The media personality continued, 'I think just getting to the point where knowing what you want and deserve in a relationship is essential.
'And then 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.'
Hadid also went Instagram official with Cooper this year when she uploaded a post that shared snippets from her 30th birthday celebration.
In one image, the model could be seen sharing a sweet kiss with the actor shortly after blowing out the candles on her chocolate cake.
Last month in September, Hadid and Cooper were seen holding hands as they enjoyed date night together.
The beauty donned a stylish dress while the Hollywood star kept it casual as the couple attended the Vogue October issue cocktail party in NYC.