Gigi Hadid has developed a strong connection with boyfriend Bradley Cooper’s 8-year-old daughter Lea, who made her first public appearance with the supermodel in New York City recently.

The 30-year-old Hadid, who has been in a relationship with 50-year-old Oscar nominee Cooper since late 2023, was observed engaging in conversation with Lea, the daughter of supermodel Irina Shayk, during a casual walk together.

Hadid cut a chic figure in a white top, cardigan and high-waisted jeans, ditching her heels for Vans sneakers.

During their outing, Lea sported a Metallica top, a tribute to her father’s favorite band, as she spent quality time with Hadid, who is regarded as a ‘motherly figure’ by Lea, according to an insider.

During one animated moment as the pair chatted, the youngster was seen placing her hands on her hips and sporting a pout.

A source exclusively opened up to the Daily Mail about Hadid and her four-year-old daughter Khai’s close bond with Lea. Hadid shares Khai with ex Zayn Malik.

Gigi Hadid has forged a ‘close bond’ with boyfriend Bradley Cooper ‘s daughter Lea as the pair stepped out together for the first time in New York City this week

Hadid, 30, has been dating Oscar-nominee Cooper, 50, since late 2023 (pictured last month) 

The source dished: ‘Gigi treats Bradley’s daughter, Lea, as if she were her own, and Lea sees Gigi as a mother figure in return. Irina fully supports their close bond. 

‘Lea has also become like a big sister to Khai, and the two girls share a strong relationship. Khai has grown up with Bradley and Lea as a regular part of her life, and she sees Bradley as a father figure – something Zayn supports as well. 

‘Despite the unconventional nature of their blended family, there is nothing but love among all of them. Their shared commitment to their children has only strengthened Gigi and Bradley’s already solid relationship. 

‘Gigi truly believes she’s found her other half. While she would love to marry Bradley someday, neither of them feels the need to rush. Naturally, if they split, it would be heartbreaking for their daughters, as it would be for their friends and family.’

Hadid and Cooper were first linked in October 2023 after the supermodel had a brief dalliance with Leonardo DiCaprio, 50.

The couple went Instagram official last month as Hadid shared photos from her star-studded 30th birthday bash – where she wore a gold ring on her wedding finger. 

Hadid was seen chatting with Lea, 8, whose mom is supermodel Irina Shayk, during a low-key stroll

A source told the Daily Mail: ‘Gigi treats Bradley’s daughter, Lea, as if she were her own, and Lea sees Gigi as a mother figure in return. Irina fully supports their close bond’

Lea paid homage to her dad’s favorite band, donning a Metallica top for quality time with her dad’s partner 

The supermodel cut a chic figure in a white top, cardigan and high-waisted jeans, ditching the heels for Vans sneakers

Hadid smiled at Lea as the pair enjoyed the day together 

Hadid glowed as she stepped out for the day 

Shayk, 39, was seen grabbing a solo coffee in the Hamptons on Tuesday after marking Memorial Day weekend

The source added: ‘Lea has also become like a big sister to Khai, and the two girls share a strong relationship. Khai has grown up with Bradley and Lea as a regular part of her life’  (Khai pictured with Hadid)

Cooper and Shayk first sparked a romance in 2015, before welcoming Lea in 2017. They went their separate ways in 2019  (pictured in 2018)

Cooper pictured with Lea in December 2023

Nestled in the post was a snapshot of Hadid passionately kissing the A Star Is Born filmmaker.

She affectionately held his face in her hands as they locked lips behind a multi-tier chocolate birthday cake.

Hadid started the caption: ‘I feel so lucky to be 30! I feel so lucky for every high and low – for all the lessons and gifts both have brought me. To get to feel it all!’

The Guest in Residence designer gave a subtle nod to her romance as she continued: ‘I’m so lucky to be a mom, friend, partner, sister, daughter, colleague to some of the most unbelievable humans!!

‘So lucky for the support and encouragement from all of YOU around the world, every day and on my birthday last week.

‘I had the best time celebrating, and it’s a blessing to feel so loved!! I am grateful and honored to take on a new decade x x G.’

Meanwhile Shayk, 39, was seen grabbing a solo coffee in the Hamptons on Tuesday after marking Memorial Day weekend. 

Cooper and Shayk first sparked  a romance in 2015, before welcoming Lea in 2017.

They went their separate ways in 2019.