Sixteen-year-old Kai Schreiber, daughter of Hollywood stars Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, made a bold entrance into the fashion world by walking the runway for Valentino’s Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2025-2026 show during Paris Fashion Week. As a transgender teenager stepping into the limelight, her debut was a milestone not only for her but also for representation in the fashion industry. However, as is often the case with children of celebrities, Kai faced a wave of criticism labeling her as a “nepo baby.” In response, her fiercely supportive father, Liev Schreiber, did not hesitate to shut down the negativity, emphasizing the importance of allowing his daughter to forge her own path.
A Proud Family Moment
Kai’s Paris debut was met with an outpouring of love from her family. Watts, a two-time Academy Award nominee, took to Instagram to express her pride, sharing photos and videos from the show. “That’s my @maisonvalentino baby! I’m squealing with pride,” she wrote. Schreiber also celebrated his daughter’s achievement, posting a photo of her on the runway with the caption, “Ladies and gentlemen the one, the only, the indomitable @kaischreiberr!”
Kai, clearly overwhelmed with emotion, also reflected on her big moment. “Omgg my heart is so full,” she wrote on Instagram, thanking Valentino’s creative director Alessandro Michele and her glam team for their support.
The celebration didn’t stop there. Watts and Schreiber have long been vocal about their admiration for their children, with Kai and her older brother, Sasha, often appearing in their parents’ social media tributes. On Kai’s 14th birthday, Watts called her daughter’s talent, intelligence, and humor “beyond inspiring.” Liev, equally devoted, has consistently encouraged both of his children to explore their passions, whether in modeling, acting, or beyond.
Handling the “Nepo Baby” Backlash
Despite the joyous occasion, Kai’s debut was met with the familiar cries of nepotism. Critics online dismissed her success as a product of her famous lineage rather than her own merit. However, Liev Schreiber was quick to counter the negativity in an interview with TMZ.
“I don’t really have any thoughts for the haters,” Schreiber said. “I’m gonna put it to you like this: What if you were a professional actor and your child decided they wanted to do something in this world? Do they have a choice of what you did?” He added, “It doesn’t matter. That’s her life. She does what she wants with her life. And I’m super proud of her. I thought she did an amazing job in the show.”
His response encapsulated the essence of unconditional parental support—a sentiment echoed by many parents of transgender children who must navigate a world filled with skepticism and undue scrutiny.
Representation in the Fashion World
Kai’s modeling debut is particularly significant given the ongoing conversation around diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. Transgender representation has gradually increased in recent years, with trailblazing models like Valentina Sampaio and Andreja Pejić breaking barriers on international runways. For young transgender individuals like Kai, visibility in high-profile spaces offers a powerful statement about acceptance and self-expression.
As a teenager embracing her identity while stepping into a world that often scrutinizes public figures, Kai’s journey is both inspiring and emblematic of the evolving landscape of gender diversity in fashion. The industry, once criticized for its lack of inclusivity, has increasingly embraced models from all backgrounds, but there is still progress to be made.
A Legacy of Love and Acceptance
Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber have always prioritized a loving and accepting environment for their children. Though they separated in 2016 after more than a decade together, they have remained close co-parents, often attending events and celebrating milestones as a family.
In 2017, Schreiber was widely praised for taking then-eight-year-old Kai—who had not yet publicly come out as transgender—to Comic-Con while dressed as Harley Quinn. The moment was celebrated by fans who saw it as a powerful message of a parent allowing their child to freely express themselves.
Watts has also shared heartfelt words about her daughter’s growth and spirit. In a birthday tribute last December, she wrote, “Your sweetness is pure and I’m the luckiest mommy in the world. The world is SO lucky that you are here!! You blow me away with your wild spirit, strength, and yes, your soft sweetness too. I thank my lucky stars I get to be your mom. I love you to the moon.”
For parents of transgender children, this kind of unwavering support is invaluable. Many families face immense societal pressure and even discrimination when their children come out. Seeing public figures like Watts and Schreiber embrace their daughter wholeheartedly sends a powerful message of love and affirmation to transgender youth and their families everywhere.
The Bottom Line
While Kai Schreiber’s journey in the modeling world is just beginning, she has already made a lasting impact. Whether on the runway or simply by being herself in the public eye, she is helping to redefine the landscape of fashion and representation for transgender youth.
Her parents’ steadfast support is a reminder of what all children—especially transgender children—deserve: love, encouragement, and the freedom to carve their own path without judgment. As Kai continues her journey, she does so with a family that stands proudly by her side, ready to celebrate every step forward.
For transgender individuals, their families, and allies, this moment is more than just a fashion debut—it is a testament to the power of acceptance, resilience, and unconditional love. Kai Schreiber is stepping into her own light, and the world is watching, cheering her on.
