Gigi Hadid Gets Candid About Co-parenting Daughter, Khai, With Ex Zayn Malik

In a new interview, Gigi Hadid discussed co-parenting her daughter, Khai, with her ex, Zayn Malik, and how it influences her career choices.

She stressed the importance of intentionality in her work commitments, focusing on fulfilling endeavors when her daughter is with her dad. Despite their tumultuous past, Hadid and Malik now co-parent harmoniously.

Keep on reading to learn more.

Gigi Hadid recently provided insight into co-parenting with ex Zayn Malik and its impact on her career. Hadid and Malik had an on-off relationship from November 2015 until their final split in October 2021. The former couple share a daughter, Khai, who is turning three soon.

In a recent interview with NET-A-PORTER's PORTER, Hadid discussed her work commitments. The supermodel emphasized the need to be "intentional" with her time due to co-parenting, working during her daughter's time with her dad.

Hadid also mentioned the importance of fulfilling work during these moments. She said, per Daily Mail, "I think when you are a parent, you have to be intentional because, now, I literally have half the time. I work when my daughter is with her dad and that's the time I have. And the jobs that I choose to fill that time with have to be fulfilling."

Hadid and Malik's relationship was rocky, notably when the "Night Changes" singer had a physical altercation with the supermodel's mother, Yolanda, in 2021, which led to four harassment charges against him.

In September 2021, Malik pleaded no contest to the charges, and court documents revealed that he had to complete 360 days of probation and attend an anger management class. Despite their past issues, Hadid and Malik now co-parent amicably.

In her interview, the "Guest in Residence" creator explained that her work revolves around the time spent with or without her daughter, Khai. She even humorously mentioned how Khai and her friend serve as fit models for her brand, Guest in Residence, stating, "Khai and her best friend are our fit models. They come into the office, Khai tries on one dress and then she's like, 'Do you want to go to the donut store?"

In 2022, Hadid launched her company, Guest in Residence, and embarked on a journey to understand the intricacies of fashion production while embracing her role as a leader, aiming to be "assertive but not a b***h."

She emphasized the importance of expressing oneself without being impolite, stating, "I have learned a lot about being assertive, which doesn't make you a b***h… As long as you do what comes naturally, which is not to be rude, you can say how you feel."

The supermodel also acknowledged the influential role played by her late friend, Virgil Abloh, the designer behind Off-White and Louis Vuitton. She revealed that Abloh motivated her to expand her horizons beyond modeling and gave her the confidence to excel as a creative director in her work with Guest In Residence.

She reflected on his support and guidance as a driving force behind her endeavors, adding, "I think about him a lot in this Guest In Residence job. He was someone who really encouraged me – and made me feel more confident that I was capable of being a creative director."

With her extensive experience as a model, Hadid revealed she possesses a deep understanding of clothing and what suits people's lifestyles and preferences.

She explained, per Daily Mail, "I've probably worn almost every type of clothing you could ever wear. I think I understand what works for people in their lives and what they want. And that starts with… these weird, crazy couture things I wear…"

She continued, "When I design, I don't just think about myself as this flashy public figure that everyone sees, because that's not what I am most of the time. What my wardrobe is, and why I started a company like this, is what I know well and love: it's all about classic basics – and making those fun."

Beyond her fashion endeavors, Hadid has her eyes on the entertainment world, expressing interest in acting if the right opportunity arises. She shared that she previously attended acting classes in New York and is open to pursuing roles on screen or stage, saying, "I took acting classes for a few years in New York. But a lot of scripts that I've gotten over the years are just the most obvious roles for me to play."