While the names Gigi and Bella have become synonymous with the global runway, the eldest of the Hadid sisters has long been the family’s quiet architectural force. In October 2025, Alana Hadid stepped into a spotlight entirely her own, marrying her partner, Ross Williams, in a ceremony that redefined “backyard chic” for the modern age. As we navigate the early months of 2026, the 42-year-old creative director and activist is proving that her influence extends far beyond her famous surname. From her historic Palestinian-American wedding to her leadership at Watermelon Pictures, Alana is the definitive blueprint for the “Hadid woman”—principled, creative, and unapologetically herself.
A Match Made in the Digital Age: Meeting Ross Williams
In a refreshing subversion of Hollywood’s elite social circles, Alana Hadid found her life partner not at a gala, but through a dating app. Speaking to Vogue following her nuptials, Alana admitted she had nearly given up on digital matchmaking before connecting with Ross Williams, a Daytime Emmy-winning television producer and mental health advocate. Their relationship, which blossomed throughout 2024, was built on a shared commitment to creative storytelling and social justice.
Williams, who works as a facilitator at Solution-Based Therapeutics, has been a grounding presence in Alana’s fast-paced world. The couple’s 2024 engagement was a sentimental affair, with Williams proposing with a vintage ring that belonged to his mother, Janet Williams. This blend of history and modernity set the tone for their lives together—a partnership that balances the glamour of the Hadid legacy with the quiet, intentional work of mental health and community advocacy.
The “Hadid Home” Wedding: A Family Affair at Mohamed’s
On October 18, 2025, the Hadid family gathered for what was arguably their most intimate public moment in years. Alana and Ross tied the knot in the lush, moss-filled gardens of her father Mohamed Hadid’s Los Angeles estate. The choice of venue was deeply personal; Alana noted that hosting the ceremony in her father’s backyard “meant something” to the couple, providing a sanctuary for guests who flew in from as far as Kuwait, Hawaii, and Tunisia.
The wedding was a showcase of family unity and “barefoot elegance.” In a viral moment that dominated social media for weeks, bridesmaids Gigi and Bella Hadid walked the grass aisle barefoot, wearing coordinating shades of olive green. Their brother, Anwar Hadid, took on the unique role of “Male of Honor,” while Alana’s mother, Mary Butler, sat proudly beside Mohamed Hadid—a testament to the family’s healthy, long-term co-parenting dynamic.
Artistry in White: The Vivienne Westwood Transformation
For her walk down the aisle, Alana chose a custom Vivienne Westwood gown that perfectly captured her “editorial meets effortless” aesthetic. The off-the-shoulder silhouette featured dramatic, sculptural sleeves and a body-hugging train, which Alana described as a “mine” moment upon first seeing it. She paired the high-fashion gown with a layered necklace from Pearloctopus and a sheer, floor-length veil, blending British tailoring with her signature Los Angeles cool.
The evening transitioned from a heartfelt ceremony—officiated by a close friend and underscored by Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You”—to a glowing garden party. Guests were treated to a menu that celebrated Alana’s heritage, including espresso by Mokafe and specialty beverages from Drink Palestina. Every detail, from the mossy table settings to the olive-green keffiyeh gift bags, was designed by Melissa Andre to reflect the couple’s values of family, heritage, and intentional design.
Watermelon Pictures: Reclaiming the Palestinian Narrative
Beyond her role as a newlywed, Alana’s 2026 is defined by her leadership as the Creative Director of Watermelon Pictures. Launched in early 2024, the film production and distribution company is Alana’s most ambitious project to date. Its mission is to center Palestinian voices and stories that have historically been marginalized in Hollywood. “We want to make sure those films that haven’t been seen are seen,” Alana told TRT World in a 2025 interview.
This activist-led career path sets Alana apart from her younger sisters. While she has successfully modeled—making her runway debut at 40 during Copenhagen Fashion Week—her true passion lies in visual storytelling and systemic change. Alongside her loungewear brand, La Detresse, Watermelon Pictures has established Alana as a formidable entrepreneur who uses her platform to bridge the gap between high fashion and human rights advocacy.
The Legacy of the “Coolest” Sister
As the 2026 fashion season begins, the “Alana Effect” is visible across the industry. She has pioneered the “creative elder” archetype for the Hadid family, showing that one can balance a masterclass in style with a deep, grounded commitment to community work like Water Drop LA. Her marriage to Ross Williams hasn’t changed her trajectory; rather, it has provided a stable foundation for her to expand her empire.
In a family of supermodels, Alana Hadid remains the anchor. She is the sister who orders takeout and watches TV with the siblings, yet can command a room at the Tate Modern or a fashion week in Denmark. As she navigates her first year of marriage, Alana is a reminder that the most powerful thing a woman can be in 2026 is authentic. She isn’t just a Hadid; she is the designer of her own destiny.
