It takes a special kind of person to be a model. And sometimes, it takes the child of that kind of person to turn it into a family business. We've seen it happen with Yolanda, Bella, and Gigi HadidSailor Brinkley Cook.
Now another model's daughter is taking a sacred step onto the runway. Heidi Klum's 16-year-old daughter, Leni Olumi Klum, is a model in her own right. The gorgeous teen made her debut into public life after celebrating the milestone birthday, with Heidi's blessing. The mother and daughter talked all about it in a profile for Vogue Germany.
This week, Leni opened Berlin Fashion Week by presenting 25 outfits from Germany's top designers in an editorial video exhibition in the mostly virtual event.
Heidi Klum's oldest daughter is stepping onto the modeling scene. Leni Olumi Klum — who was raised by Heidi and ex-husband Seal alongside younger siblings Henry, Johan, and Lou — turned 16 last May. Heidi felt the milestone age was an appropriate one for Leni to take some control of her own life.
"Sixteen is a good age," Heidi told Vogue Germany during their interview for the January/February issue, in which they appear on the cover.
"If you are allowed to drive a car, you can also have an official Instagram account and show your face. And to be allowed to start with a Vogue cover is an insane privilege."
Though she had no pressure from Heidi, Leni always knew she wanted to be a model.
"It was only a matter of time before I would try to become a model myself. The first offer came when I was only 12 or 13, from a brand I liked to wear: Brandy Melville," she recalled.
"At that time I begged my mother, but no chance. Now I understand that it would have been too early."
Leni shares her mom's high-energy, goofy presence, so she felt the field was a natural outlet for it.
"That's what's great about being a model. With most other jobs, I would have to suppress my crazy nature to make a 'professional' impression," she said.
"As a model, I can let everything out and just be who I am. The job is the perfect outlet for all the energy I carry inside me."
Heidi posted the cover and wrote her daughter a heartfelt message in German in the caption.
"I'm so proud of you. And it's not because you've chosen your own path. I know, that no matter which path you were to go down, you would be your own woman," she wrote.
"You always know exactly what you want and what you don't want. You ain't no mini-me and I'm happy for you that you can now show who YOU are."
On January 20, Leni took another big step by opening up Berlin Fashion Week. She presented 25 outfits from beloved German designers including Kaviar Gauche, Michael Sontag, and Lala Berlin.
"My first Job for the @mbfw.berlin DER BERLINER SALON – Edition X," she shared on Instagram.
Heidi spoke about Leni's desire to model in an interview with People last month.
"She's old enough now," she said.
"I always thought she was too young. We always also decided to keep the children out of the public eye. But she's driving a car now, she's 16, so I figured if you can do that, you can also model now if this is what you wish to do."
"Obviously, as a mother, [I want my] child to do what she wants to do. The industry is great and I love it and I've been in it for over 20 years but it's also, it's a lot of traveling, it's different," Heidi continued.
"You have to be a strong person, especially as a woman you have to be very strong."
