In the vibrant year of 2016, the world saw Taylor Swift at 27, Gigi Hadid at 21, and Olivia Culpo at 24, each embracing their twenties as a time of self-expression and possibility. This era was marked by the iconic 'pouting' or 'duck face' selfie trend, a cultural phenomenon that defined social media aesthetics. Now, Christian McCaffrey's wife, Olivia Culpo, has woven these elements together in a heartfelt throwback post on her Instagram, offering a glimpse into a nostalgic moment frozen in time.
A Blast from the Past: 2016 Fashion and Trends
Culpo captioned her post with a reflective note: “2016: the year of the bob, the selfie stick, airport photos, chokers, and not a single outfit going undocumented … I’m a little late with this! Mom life! Funny enough, I miss these times but at the bottom of my heart I always knew I wanted to be right where I am now in 2026 as a mom.” This caption not only highlights the fashion and tech trends of the mid-2010s but also underscores her personal journey from a young celebrity to a devoted mother, resonating with many who look back on that decade with fondness.
The Iconic Photo Booth Snapshot
The 2012 Miss Universe recently shared a collection of 18 snapshots on her Instagram, with the ninth image stealing the spotlight. It features Travis Kelce’s fiancée, Taylor Swift, and Gigi Hadid, who is Bradley Cooper’s girlfriend, in what appears to be a photo booth shot. The pictures were taken in quick succession, capturing spontaneous poses with little time for adjustments. Culpo shared two monochrome pictures arranged one above the other, adding a timeless, artistic touch to the memory.
At the top right corner of the image, the text ‘[GIGI’S] TWENTY-FIRST’ is inscribed, strongly suggesting this was Hadid’s 21st birthday celebration, aligning with her age in 2016. In the left-most corner, Culpo stands out in a stylish halter neck net top or dress, exuding elegance. Hadid complements the scene in a sleeveless, satin black top adorned with a white scarf around her neck, while Swift’s outfit remains partially hidden as she playfully hides behind her brother, Austin Swift. Reports indicate she wore a black one-shouldered, form-fitting mini dress with multi-colored specks, paired with short blond hair and dark burgundy lipstick, embodying the chic style of the era.
From Hollywood Glamour to NFL Stardom
Who could have predicted that the worlds of Culpo, Swift, and Hadid would intersect so profoundly in the following decade? From monochrome photo booth shots in 2016 to the high-stakes realm of the NFL in 2026, their paths have taken remarkable turns. Swift is now engaged to Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, a relationship that has captivated fans worldwide. Culpo is married to San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, and the couple joyfully shares a daughter, Colette Annalise McCaffrey, blending family life with athletic fame.
Meanwhile, Gigi Hadid is dating Hollywood star Bradley Cooper, a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan born and raised in Abington, Pennsylvania. Cooper frequently attends NFL games, once with his father and now with his daughter, Lea de Seine Shayk Cooper, whom he shares with Russian supermodel Irina Shayk. Interestingly, Shayk briefly dated NFL legend Tom Brady, adding another layer to this interconnected web. Brady is currently rumored to be dating social media influencer Alix Earle, former girlfriend of Braxton Berrios, with a US Weekly source noting, “She’s having fun right now. She’s into Tom [Brady], but it’s still nothing serious.” This reveals how deeply Hollywood and the NFL are intertwined, creating a fascinating narrative of celebrity relationships and sports fandom.
Reflecting on a Decade of Change
This throwback moment serves as a poignant reminder of how time shapes lives and careers. In 2016, these women were at the peak of their youthful adventures, embracing trends and friendships. Today, they navigate roles as partners to NFL stars and mothers, showcasing growth and resilience. Culpo’s post not only celebrates nostalgia but also honors the journey that led her to cherish her current life, a sentiment many can relate to in an ever-evolving world.
