Fashion Week's Nepo Baby Boom: Star Kids Dominate Runways Amid Criticism
During fashion week season, the conversation extends far beyond seasonal trends to focus intensely on famous surnames. An increasing number of so-called nepo babies are securing coveted runway spots, often arriving with established public profiles and loyal online followings. While a strong walk remains essential, a recognisable last name can provide a clear advantage. However, being the child of a household name does not always equate to modelling ability, as recent events have highlighted.
Sunday Rose Faces Online Backlash
This week, Nicole Kidman's daughter, Sunday Rose, faced online criticism for her catwalk appearance at the Calvin Klein Fall 2026 show in New York City. Sunday, aged 17, is the eldest daughter of actress Nicole Kidman and country singer Keith Urban. She began modelling at 16, making her runway debut during Paris Fashion Week in 2024 for Miu Miu's Spring/Summer show, despite her reportedly overprotective father wanting her to wait until she was older.
Since then, she has landed major campaigns for watchmaker Omega and a three-month campaign with Miu Miu. Dior creative director Jonathan Anderson recently selected the Nashville-born model to walk in his debut womenswear show and appear in his first coed campaign. She also presented him with the Designer of the Year prize at the British Fashion Awards.
At the Calvin Klein show, Sunday wore an oversized beige trench coat with large brown leather lapels over a buttoned-up shirt, paired with white gloves, a brown clutch, and heeled slouchy brown leather boots. Her mother Nicole proudly reshared a video of the walk on Instagram, captioning it New York Baby. However, critics accused Sunday of stomping her way around the catwalk and suggested she was hired only due to her famous parents.
Iris Law's Sweet Demands and Success
Iris Law, 25, daughter of actor Jude Law and actress Sadie Frost, has been making waves in the fashion world. She made her catwalk debut for lingerie giant Victoria's Secret last year, appearing alongside models like Bella and Gigi Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, and Lila Moss. According to exclusive reports, after the show, Iris requested specific cookies from one bakery and smoothies from another, sending her assistants frantically around the city.
Now the face of Versace's Dylan Purple perfume, Iris is a favourite of designers including Donatella Versace, Miuccia Prada, Burberry, Nike, David Yurman, and Victoria's Secret. Last month, she became the face of a new swimwear range for Victoria's Secret, with the collection launching in early March.
Scarlett White's Full Circle Moment
Scarlett White, 19, is the only daughter and eldest child of supermodel Karen Elson and The White Stripes rocker Jack White. She made her modelling debut last year with a Marc Jacobs campaign, followed by a mother-daughter spread in U.S. Vogue shot by Annie Leibovitz. During Paris Fashion Week in September 2024, she attended the Valentino Pavillon des Folies Show with her mother.
Karen Elson shared on Instagram that seeing her daughter walk her own path is a full circle moment, connecting with people who changed her life at a similar age. Scarlett is also studying, and both her parents helped her move into her college dorm in August 2024.
Kai Schreiber's Transgender Inspiration
Kai Schreiber, 17, daughter of actors Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts, made her modelling debut in Valentino's fall 2025 show. Since then, she has walked for brands including Celine, Calvin Klein, Fendi, and Mugler. Models.com cited her as a breakout face of the spring 2026 season.
Kai, who is transgender, has spoken about struggling with gender identity from a young age and aspiring to be like influential women such as Marilyn Monroe. She credits older transgender figures in fashion, like Alex Consani and Hunter Schafer, as inspirations. Her work with Valentino solidified her desire to become a supermodel.
Leni Klum's Independent Path
Leni Klum, 21, daughter of supermodel Heidi Klum and businessman Flavio Briatore, entered modelling at 16 with a Vogue Germany cover alongside her mother. Heidi praised Leni's independence, emphasising she is not a mini-me. Leni later landed her first solo cover for Glamour Germany and has worked with brands like Dior Beauty, Michael Kors, and Karl Lagerfeld, as well as walking in numerous runway shows.
Ever Anderson and Lila Moss Continue the Trend
Ever Anderson, 18, daughter of actress Milla Jovovich and filmmaker Paul Anderson, is building a career in both fashion and film. She has campaigns for Chloé, Miu Miu, and Marc Jacobs' Daisy fragrance, and recently walked in the Dior Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris.
Lila Moss, 23, daughter of model Kate Moss and magazine editor Jefferson Hack, has followed her mother into modelling. Despite being shorter than average at 5ft 6in, she has worked with brands like Fendi, Miu Miu, and Yves Saint Laurent. Her career has faced nepotism accusations, but she insists her mother has supported her decisions without directly coaching her walk.
Industry Reflections on Fame and Opportunity
As more celebrity children appear on runways each season, the fashion industry demonstrates how fame can open doors. While these nepo babies bring visibility and social media clout, their presence sparks ongoing debates about meritocracy, talent, and the role of legacy in an increasingly competitive field. The rise of star kids highlights a shifting dynamic where name recognition and personal brand often complement, and sometimes challenge, traditional modelling skills.
