Gigi Hadid is seen flaunting her toned stomach and talking about her girl squad and not conforming to the modelling industry’s beauty standards in the November issue of Elle Canada.

The 20-year-old supermodel, who defended her body type against haters on social media yesterday, proudly showed off her figure in the magazine’s spread, donning a range of modern, form-fitting outfits.

Alluding to the criticism about her appearance, which some people regard as unconventionally curvy for such a high-profile fashion star, Gigi said: ‘I came into fashion at a time when the industry was ready for my look.

‘I don’t believe in luck, but I do believe in timing,’ added the self-aware beauty, who rocked a crop-top with her name emblazoned on the front.

Gigi, who also sported two silver metallic dresses in the editorial, went on to talk about her girl squad, which includes Kendall Jenner, 19, Hailey Baldwin 18, Cara Delevingne, 23, and her younger sister Bella Hadid, 18.

The daughter of real-estate mogul Mohamed Hadid and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Foster said of her crew: ‘We want to be the generation and the group of friends known for supporting each other.

‘Squad Goals is a big social-media thing right now, and that’s what we want to inspire in other groups of friends – to be proud of the power you all have when you’re together, which can be amplified so much by each person.’

Gigi went on to share of her squad, which also includes Taylor Swift, 25, and Karlie Kloss, 23: ‘That’s what has been cool about everyone’s willingness to be there for each other, and we don’t want to be like other generations who are infamous for their cattiness.

‘That was cool and it worked for them and they were great. We just want to be the new generation,’ revealed the beauty.

And that support will certainly have come in handy for Gigi during the last week; on Monday, the model shared a powerful message on her Instagram account in which she hit back at those who have criticized her body in recent weeks, particularly after she took to the runway during Tommy Hilfiger’s New York Fashion Week show in a barely-there ʙικιɴι.

Taking to Instagram to air her views, she said: ‘So many people are so quick to comment negative opinions this month.

‘Yes, judgement on social media comes from people who, 99% of the time, have no idea what they’re talking about, but I’m human, and I’m not going to lie, I did let the negativity get to me a little.

‘I came to a realisation that when one gets to this point, it’s important to rethink why you’re doing what you do. What your message is. What you have to say.’

She continued: ‘No, I don’t think I have the same body type as the other models in shows. No, I don’t think I am the best at any given show. Yes, I want a unique walk but I also know I have to improve.

‘No, I’m not the first or last model of my type in this industry. You can make up all the reasons you think I am where I am, but really, I’m a hard worker that’s confident in myself, one that came at a time where the fashion industry was ready for a change.’

While some fashion fans credited Gigi’s appearance after her appearance in the Hilfiger show, others were less than kind.

One wrote: ‘Not the bum of a top model,’ while another said: ‘All other models on stage had better bodies than Gigi and her sister.’

A third wrote: ‘How can you be that young, have so much fat and cellulite on your lower body when you’re employed as a model?’

But despite enduring a recent barrage of mean-spirited remarks about her body on Instagram, Gigi, who remained quiet about her relationship with Joe Jonas, 26, explained to Elle Canada that she loves social media and thinks it can be used for more good things than bad.

‘Now you can be someone’s favorite model because of how they connect with you on Twitter, or because of your sense of humor, or what you believe in, or your willingness to stand up for certain things,’ shared the star.

She went on to talk about her versatality as a model, saying: ‘I can be so different from another blond girl.

The stunner, who some haters accused of being famous only because of her wealthy parents, added: ‘Finding what’s different about you and really showing it off creates a new level of connection between you and the people supporting you.’

Her mother Yolanda, 51, also defended her daughter’s success in the feature.

Yolanda, a former model herself, said it’s ‘hurtful’ when people chalk up Gig’s success to her privilege.

‘She has tenacity and great integrity, and she works hard to be the successful and financially independent young woman she is,’ shared her mother.

And that integrity is certainly paying off for Gigi, who was also revealed as the face of a new campaign for beauty brand Maybelline’s latest eyebrow product on Tuesday.

Speaking about the power of strong brows as she promoted the brand’s new Master Brow Pro Palette, Gigi said: ‘I think a bold, thick brow is the look of the moment. A lot of people that used to thin out their brows are now growing them back, especially in fashion.

‘Using the right colour is the most important thing. When sculpting is well done, it just looks like you have great brows.’