Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid crowned Model of the Year at The Fashion Awards 2022
SYDI ALIF
The 26-year-old beauty who could not make it to the Royal Albert Hall in London to receive the prize had recorded an acceptance speech to make up for her absence at the star-studded red-carpet event.
The 50-second speech video which was played right as soon as the award was presented by fellow American model Ashley Graham, saw Hadid in a casual grey sweater complemented by matching silver earrings, watch, and rings sitting on a couch.
In the brief speech in which she gave a warm shout-out to fellow nominees of the annual recognition, Hadid took the opportunity to pay tribute to both her refugee father from Palestine and an immigrant mother from Holland.
“Adut, Paloma, Quannah and Lila, it’s a privilege to just be mentioned alongside you four. You constantly amaze me and I’m forever grateful for your friendship and in awe of your respective careers,” she began her speech after a quick hello to all guests at the ceremony and three rounds of “thank you”.
“Being the daughter of a refugee father from Palestine and an immigrant mother from Holland, there’s a sort of work ethic that runs in our blood. It’s not to be the best, it’s not to be better than others, it’s just to be able to succeed because our ancestors have never had an opportunity like this in their lifetime.
This is for the Palestinian children. This is for the Dutch children. This is for any child, immigrant or refugee that has ever had a dream,” Hadid dedicated her victory which was instantly followed by a round of applause as well as some joyful cheers from audiences present at the hall.
She continued, “This award is for all of us. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart,” finishing off with also three shots of “I love you” topped with a gleaming smile as she placed both her palms, one on top of another, on her chest.
