American supermodel Bella Hadid no longer seems to be hiding her new romantic relationship. The 30-year-old star shared a series of photos on Instagram with a man she has been frequently spotted with in the past. The occasion for their joint photo debut was the Colorado Avalanche hockey game, which took place on November 7 in Denver. Bella attended the game against the Detroit Red Wings and shared shots from the evening on her social media on November 9. In the photos, the couple is seen hugging and posing in the stands, showing no lack of affection. In one of the photos, Lacey playfully bites the model’s cheek while she smiles at the camera. These images served as a confirmation of their romance, which had previously only been the subject of rumors.
Who is Nathan Lacey and how is he connected to Bella
He is Nathan Lacey, a Colorado native identified by media as the model's new partner. Lacey is from the same state where Bella grew up. He is involved in a family construction business in Crested Butte and is the brother of Rachel Lacey, a close friend of Bella's. It was likely through Rachel that their acquaintance, which blossomed into a romance, began. Rumors about a possible connection between the pair surfaced back in February 2026, when they were spotted together during Milan Fashion Week. They have since spent time together on several occasions, but until November, the model had not shared such intimate photos in the public eye.
Hockey game and charitable initiative
At the same time, the post was not just about her personal life. The match was held as part of the 'Hockey Fights Cancer' initiative, aimed at supporting people affected by cancer and raising funds for cancer research. Bella thanked the team for the opportunity to participate in such an important event. The model also admitted that she has long loved hockey and called Colorado a special place for her. "I'm a Colorado girl at heart," she noted, recalling that she grew up in the state. Thus, her visit to Denver was more than just a leisure activity for Hadid; it was a blend of personal interests, a charitable mission, and a return to her home region.
A new look and closure of past relationships
Beyond her personal life, fans were also drawn to Hadid's new haircut. The model showcased blonde hair with a short bob, a noticeable change from her signature style. Bella's new relationship has been a topic of discussion following her split from professional athlete and equestrian coach Adan Banuelos. The pair began dating in the fall of 2023 after meeting at a horse show in Texas. Their breakup was confirmed in January 2026 after two years of dating. Thus, about nine months passed between the end of the previous romance and the public confirmation of the new one, a period during which the model kept her personal life private on social media.
Context: Bella Hadid in 2026
In 2026, Bella Hadid continues to work actively not only as a model but also as an entrepreneur. Over the past few months, she has regularly shared photos on Instagram in various looks—from river-side swimwear shots to lingerie campaigns—demonstrating her stable presence in the media space. The post featuring Nathan Lacey is arguably the model’s most discussed personal update in recent months. Followers celebrated the couple's sweetness in the comments and congratulated Bella, while the media industry noted that the supermodel is likely beginning a new romantic chapter—in the company of a fellow Coloradan with whom she shares not just romance, but a long-standing friendship through a mutual close contact.
