Gigi Hadid has been tapped to re-design the uniforms for iconic New York toy store Fao Schwarz.
The model is no stranger to designing, having previously teamed with Tommy Hilfiger, Vogue Eyewear and jewellery brand Maison Messika on various lines.
Now, Gigi has been tasked with updating the uniforms for revamped toy boutique FAO Schwarz, often known as the shop where Tom Hanks danced on a floor piano in the 1988 film Big, which is officially reopening on 16 November (18) in a new flagship location at 30 Rockefeller Plaza after shuttering in 2015.
“So, they called and they were like, ‘We are going to have someone design the soldier uniforms for the first time. Will you do it?’ So, the soldiers standing outside of FAO Schwarz will be in my design,” she said during an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday night (23Oct18).
“And what I’m really excited about is they are going to have female soldiers for the first time… It’s such an honour and something that I really genuinely grew up loving. So, it was just so exciting that they asked me.”
Gigi went on to give viewers a glimpse of her sketches for the uniforms, with the designs featuring red and gold military-style suits. She also brought in one of the outfits and a matching soldier hat, which host Jimmy promptly tried on.
“It was my favourite thing as a kid,” the 23-year-old shared of the store. “I feel like when you are a kid you don’t always remember the toys that you get but an experience like FAO Schwarz… you remember forever. There are more experiences this time.”
During the interview, Gigi also discussed her love of miniature handbags and gifted Jimmy a tiny gold mirror purse as designed by Brandon Maxwell. And to continue a tradition from the past two years, she also brought along some hamburgers to share with the TV host.
“It’s creepy, but every time I eat a burger, I think about you,” she laughed, as she unveiled two 4 Charles Prime Rib burgers for Jimmy to try.
