As Gia's career took off, so did her personal life. She became known for her fiery personality, her love of partying, and her string of high-profile relationships. Gia's romance with makeup artist Jay McInerney was particularly notable, as the two became fixtures on the Manhattan social scene.

Gia's big break came when she appeared on the cover of Seventeen magazine in 1979. Her All-American looks and charming on-camera presence made her an instant favorite among designers and photographers.

Despite these challenges, Gia developed a passion for modeling at a young age. She began her career as a teenager, appearing in local fashion shows and eventually landing a gig with the Ford Modeling Agency in New York City.