The Unseen Story: 5 Times Bella Hadid’s Nipple Piercing Redefined Fearless Fashion, Including Her 2024 Cannes Moment

Bella Hadid's influence on global fashion is undeniable, but few accessories have sparked as much conversation and cultural commentary as her subtle yet powerful body modification: the nipple piercing. As of this December 2025, the piercing continues to serve as a recurring focal point in her most daring public appearances, cementing her status as a fearless style icon who uses her platform to challenge fashion norms.

The story of the piercing is a fascinating timeline of personal expression intersecting with high-fashion runways and red carpets. Initially unveiled in a dramatic 2016 magazine shoot, the piercing has since become a quiet, rebellious statement, most recently taking center stage during her viral 2024 Cannes Film Festival appearance. This deep dive explores the history, the cultural impact, and the key moments where this single piece of jewelry became a powerful symbol of the "Free the Nipple" movement in the world of supermodels.

Bella Hadid: A Comprehensive Profile and Biography

Isabella Khair Hadid, known professionally as Bella Hadid, is one of the most recognizable and highest-paid models in the world. Her career is defined by boundary-pushing fashion choices and a strong public voice on social and political issues.

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• Full Name: Isabella Khair Hadid
• Date of Birth: October 9, 1996
• Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Nationality: American (with Dutch and Palestinian heritage)
• Parents: Yolanda Hadid (former model) and Mohamed Hadid (real estate developer)
• Sibling: Gigi Hadid (older sister and fellow supermodel)
• Career Start: Signed with IMG Models in 2014.
• Major Milestones: Multiple *Vogue* covers, named "Model of the Year" by Model.com, walked for nearly every major luxury brand including Chanel, Dior, and Versace.
• Notable Relationships: Her on-again, off-again relationship with musician The Weeknd was a major media focus early in her career.

The 2016 Revelation: Paper Magazine and the Platinum Blonde Era

The public first got a clear look at Bella Hadid’s nipple piercing in 2016, a pivotal year that marked her explosive rise from "Gigi's younger sister" to a standalone supermodel.

The Paper Magazine Winter Issue Shoot

The piercing was prominently featured in a striking editorial for the Winter 2016 issue of *Paper Magazine*.

The shoot, photographed by Nicolas Moore, was a dramatic departure from her signature look. Bella ditched her dark brunette hair for a slicked-back, icy platinum blonde style, shocking fans and the fashion industry alike.

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In one of the most memorable shots, Bella posed topless, the platinum blonde hair and lightened brows drawing all attention to the silver barbell piercing.

This moment wasn't just about a body modification; it was a powerful statement of self-reinvention and fearlessness. It came shortly after her debut walking for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, signaling her transition into a more edgy, high-fashion persona.

The Red Carpet Statement: Cannes 2024 and the Sheer Saint Laurent Gown

While the piercing has been a subtle feature in many of her sheer or low-cut ensembles over the years, it had its most viral and high-profile moment in May 2024 at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.

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A Return to the Red Carpet in Saint Laurent

Bella Hadid made her first major red carpet appearance after a period of relative quiet to attend the premiere of "The Apprentice."

She wore a breathtaking, floor-length Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2024 gown, designed by Anthony Vaccarello.

The dress was a tan, halterneck, ruched body-con piece made from a completely sheer fabric.

The transparency of the Saint Laurent dress left little to the imagination, with the nipple piercing clearly visible, making headlines globally.

This appearance was interpreted by many as a powerful "Free the Nipple" moment, using the world's most glamorous stage to normalize the female body and challenge outdated modesty standards.

The Cultural Impact: How Bella Hadid Influenced the Nipple Piercing Trend

Bella Hadid is part of a small, elite group of celebrities whose personal style choices have the power to instantly ignite a global trend. Alongside peers like Kendall Jenner, Rihanna, and Kristen Stewart, her visible nipple piercing helped normalize and popularize the modification for a new generation.

Empowerment and the "Free the Nipple" Movement

The prominence of the piercing in Bella's fashion choices is often seen as a subtle nod to the "Free the Nipple" movement, which advocates for gender equality by challenging the sexualization and censorship of the female nipple.

By wearing sheer, nipple-baring clothing on major platforms like the Cannes red carpet, Bella turns a simple body modification into a statement about bodily autonomy and freedom in the public eye.

A High-Fashion Accessory

In the world of high fashion, the nipple piercing has moved from a subculture statement to a mainstream accessory, thanks to these celebrity endorsements.

Designers are now creating garments, like the sheer Saint Laurent gown, with the expectation that the wearer might choose to showcase their body modifications. The piercing itself becomes a piece of jewelry that complements the ensemble.

The trend has become so influential that it has even inspired fashion pieces, such as clothing featuring faux-pierced pasties or nipple rings incorporated into the fabric design, allowing those who are afraid of the commitment to still participate in the aesthetic.

The Consistency of a Style Icon

The longevity of Bella's piercing, first seen in 2016 and still making headlines in 2024, demonstrates a commitment to a personal style that is authentic, rebellious, and consistently challenging.

Unlike transient trends, her choice of body modification is a permanent fixture that informs her overall aesthetic, from street style to couture. It is a testament to her fearless approach to fashion and her role as a leader in the conversation around celebrity body expression. The piercing is no longer a secret; it is a celebrated part of the Bella Hadid brand.

Her bold choices, whether it's a sheer gown or a simple piece of jewelry, continue to solidify her position as a generational fashion muse who is unafraid to expose her true self, both literally and figuratively, to the world.