BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Supermodel, entrepreneur, and creative visionary—Gigi Hadid has worn many hats throughout her career. In 2022, she took on a new role as the founder and creative director of Guest in Residence, a brand that redefines cashmere by blending luxury with everyday wearability. 

More than just a fashion label, Guest in Residence embodies Hadid’s passion for quality craftsmanship, sustainability, and investment-worthy clothing.

Gigi Hadid has long been a prominent figure in the fashion industry, working with top designers and gaining firsthand experience in luxury craftsmanship. However, she knew that modeling had an expiration date. 

As she approached a new phase in her life, particularly during her pregnancy in 2020, she began contemplating a more stable and fulfilling career path—one that allowed her to stay creative while maintaining a structured work-life balance.

That period of reflection led to the birth of Guest in Residence, officially launched on September 7, 2022. Unlike the fast-fashion brands often associated with celebrity-backed ventures, Hadid set out to create something different: a label that prioritized longevity over trends. She wanted to disrupt the cashmere market by making high-quality, timeless knitwear more accessible.

The name Guest in Residence stems from Hadid’s personal philosophy on life and fashion. While staying at a hotel during fashion week, she noticed the term “Guest in Residence” printed on a letterhead. The phrase resonated with her—it reflected the transient nature of life and the spaces we inhabit.

Hadid built Guest in Residence with a small but dedicated team, emphasizing a hands-on approach to design. From selecting color palettes to choosing buttons, she is involved in every detail of the creative process. 

Working alongside industry experts, including knitwear designer CJ Kim (formerly of The Row and Helmut Lang) and stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Hadid ensured that every piece reflected her vision of high-quality, versatile knitwear.

Cashmere has long been associated with luxury, often commanding high prices due to its soft texture and premium quality. However, Hadid recognized a gap in the market: while some brands offered affordable cashmere at the cost of durability, others priced their pieces at unattainable levels.

Determined to bridge this divide, Guest in Residence focuses on using long-fiber cashmere, which resists pilling and retains its softness over time. The brand also employs tight-tension knitting, a technique that enhances garment durability while maintaining a luxurious feel.

Image: gettyimages.com

Sustainability is another cornerstone of the brand. Beyond the products themselves, Hadid also emphasizes proper cashmere care to extend the life of each piece. Inspired by her grandmother’s habits, she advocates for air-drying sweaters outdoors rather than excessive washing.

Guest in Residence is more than just another celebrity fashion brand—it’s a reflection of Gigi Hadid’s evolution as a designer, entrepreneur, and advocate for slow fashion. With a commitment to craftsmanship, accessibility, and sustainability, the brand stands as a fresh take on luxury knitwear—one designed to be worn, cherished, and passed down for generations.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Mattei Prandoni