From the Kitchen to the Catwalk: Kai Schreiber Is Ready for Supermodel Status

At just 16 years old, Kai Schreiber isn’t waiting for the fashion world to discover her — she’s already made her move. The daughter of actors Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber has been quietly preparing for the catwalk for years, and earlier this year, she made her high-fashion debut walking for Valentino during Paris Fashion Week. Now, she’s opening up about her dreams, her icons, and what it means to express her identity through fashion.

A dream in motion

In a candid interview with Interview magazine, Kai made her intentions clear: “I want to be a supermodel. Period.” That might sound like bold teenage confidence, but it’s backed by years of dedication and self-belief. “I’ve been practicing my walks in the kitchen for years,” she revealed, laughing. “My mom can show you all the videos I forced her to film.”

For Kai, modeling isn’t just about beauty or fame — it’s part of a deeper journey tied to self-discovery and identity. “Struggling with gender identity from a young age most likely had something to do with it,” she explained. “I always wanted to grow up and be a beautiful, glamorous, influential woman, like Marilyn.”

Her early admiration for the likes of Marilyn Monroe eventually expanded into a more personal pantheon of icons — contemporary models and creatives who, like Kai, are carving out space as trans women in the public eye.

A new generation of icons

When asked about her role models, Kai doesn’t hesitate to name the women whose visibility has helped shape her own path: “Alex Consani, Hunter Schafer, Hari Nef, Dara, Richie Shazam, Colin Jones, and so many more.” “As a young trans girl,” she says, “I’m always going to look up to the older generation of transgender people, especially in fashion. It’s important to all of us to have a sense of community, especially when we’re under such hostile attack.”

But Kai isn’t interested in copying anyone — her growing presence in fashion is built on a strong sense of individuality. “I love my low-rise jeans and black cardigan. That’s my go-to outfit,” she says. “Most days I’m basic, but in a chic way, if that makes sense.”

Her philosophy on style is simple but effective: be yourself, and others will follow. “If you’re presenting yourself in a unique, cool way, people are immediately drawn in and want to know more. If every person was walking around in the same outfit, fashion wouldn’t be a thing.”

Beauty in balance

Like many Gen Z beauty enthusiasts, Kai once fell down the rabbit hole of TikTok skincare trends — and like many, she learned her lesson the hard way. “I used to buy anything I saw on TikTok and then burn my face off because of it; that wasn’t cute,” she says, reflecting with humor. “Now I just wash my face and put on moisturizer.”

These days, her approach to beauty is more minimalist. “Less is more, especially with skincare,” she says. As for makeup? She keeps it subtle, practical, and signature. “My everyday look is just covering up the mishaps and a little eyeliner. Oh, and I always have my lip combo — I can’t go anywhere without her.”

It’s an understated routine that echoes Kai’s growing confidence in her own skin — and in her understanding of how beauty routines can be about empowerment rather than perfection.

The runway debut that changed everything

Kai’s dreams took a major step forward in March, when she made her runway debut walking for Valentino during Paris Fashion Week — a monumental moment by any standard, and one that announced her as a serious name to watch in fashion.

Her father, actor Liev Schreiber, was quick to show support. “She does what she wants with her life, and I’m super proud of her,” he told TMZ. “I thought she did an amazing job in the show.” It’s a proud parent moment that also underscores how much Kai has been shaping her path independently — through personal style, quiet discipline, and a passion that’s been building since childhood.

A voice for a new era

At a time when conversations around gender identity, inclusivity, and representation are more important than ever, Kai’s visibility brings something powerful to the table: joy, creativity, and authenticity.

She isn’t just modeling for the camera — she’s modeling what it looks like to live proudly and purposefully. In her words, fashion is about fun, expression, and individuality. And in an industry still catching up to those ideals, her presence feels both timely and essential.

Looking ahead, Kai Schreiber doesn’t need anyone to pave the way for her. She’s been preparing for this moment in her kitchen for years, and now that she’s on the runway, she’s walking with purpose — and the world is watching.