Gigi Hadid was turned down "twice" before landing the chance to walk at this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
Gigi Hadid at the Victoria's Secret fashion show
The 20-year-old beauty - who made her debut alongside models including Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Lily Aldridge at last night's (10.11.15) star-studded event - worked "really hard" to land a place at the prestigious event and her mother, Yolanda Foster, couldn't be prouder.
She told DailyMail.com: "She has worked really hard; this didn't just fall into her lap.
"She's missed it twice, this was her third try and she pulled it off and got a spot that millions and millions of beautiful women deserve as much as she does. That's a part of the game though."
And the 54-year-old reality star had a great time at the event, Lexington Avenue Armory in New York City, and is incredibly proud of both Gigi and her best friend Kendall Jenner, who also made her VS debut last night.
She tweeted: "My heart is beating with excitement. What an incredible secret night...... #ProudMommy #Grateful #BucketList @gigihadid @kendalljenner... Hard work does pay off and dreams do come true...... #ProofIsInThePudding @gigihadid (sic)"
Meanwhile, Victoria's Secret's casting director, John Pfeiffer said Gigi and Kendall were chosen to walk this year based solely on "merit", not their fame.
He told Vogue.com: "I think Gigi and Kendall make it in based on merit. You can't deny that they've got this incredible following and have great backstories, but they have proven themselves as models. They're not dilettantes; they're both professionals."
Tagged in Kendall Jenner Lily Aldridge Gigi Hadid