Naomi Watts’ daughter Kai Schreiber has become one of the emerging names in international fashion after receiving the Breakthrough Model of the Year honor at the Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards in September 2026. The recognition marked an important achievement for the 17-year-old model, who has already appeared on major European runways and worked with several established luxury fashion houses. Her mother, actress Naomi Watts, publicly celebrated the milestone, drawing further attention to Kai’s growing career.
Kai Schreiber is the daughter of Hollywood actors Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber. Born in December 2008, she is a transgender model who has developed a professional identity beyond her famous parents. After making her high-fashion runway debut with Valentino in 2025, Kai has continued building her portfolio through major fashion shows, editorial opportunities and representation by IMG Models.
Who Is Kai Schreiber?
Kai Schreiber is a British-American model and aspiring actress who has attracted international attention through her work in luxury fashion.
She was born on December 13, 2008, to Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, two established figures in the entertainment industry.
Although Kai grew up surrounded by film and television, she developed a particular interest in fashion from an early age.
Her ambition to become a professional model eventually led her toward runway opportunities and representation by one of the industry’s leading modeling agencies.
Kai is represented by IMG Models, an international agency associated with numerous prominent fashion personalities.
At 17, she has already achieved milestones that many aspiring models spend years pursuing.
Her work has also contributed to greater visibility for transgender models within mainstream luxury fashion.
Fashion Award
Kai received significant recognition at the Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards in September 2026.
She was named Breakthrough Model of the Year, recognizing her rapid progress and growing presence on international runways.
The award was especially notable because Kai became the first transgender woman to receive the honor.
Her achievement followed a busy period of fashion appearances and collaborations with established designers.
Naomi Watts celebrated her daughter’s success publicly, expressing pride in the young model’s accomplishments.
The recognition introduced Kai to a wider audience beyond those who had followed her runway appearances.
For a model still in her teenage years, receiving an industry award represented an important step toward establishing a long-term career.
Valentino Runway Debut
Kai’s major breakthrough came in March 2025, when she walked for Valentino during Paris Fashion Week.
The appearance was part of a collection presented under creative director Alessandro Michele.
Her participation attracted attention because it marked her official high-fashion runway debut.
Walking for a globally recognized luxury house offered Kai immediate exposure to designers, casting directors, editors and other influential fashion professionals.
The runway appearance also introduced her to the demands of international fashion shows, where preparation and presentation are essential.
Kai’s Valentino debut helped establish her as a promising new model, rather than simply a celebrity daughter appearing at fashion events.
Following the show, she began receiving attention from additional luxury brands.
Major Fashion Brands
Since her debut, Kai Schreiber has expanded her modeling experience through appearances associated with prominent fashion houses.
Her runway credits have included Fendi, Celine, Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier, demonstrating her ability to work with designers known for different creative styles.
Each brand offers a distinct approach to fashion, ranging from structured luxury clothing to experimental runway presentations.
Working across these labels has allowed Kai to develop experience with different styling teams, creative directors and fashion show environments.
She has also participated in major fashion weeks, where emerging models compete for opportunities alongside experienced industry professionals.
Her growing portfolio reflects the increasing attention she has received from casting teams and luxury fashion companies.
Although her family background initially contributed to public interest, her continued runway bookings have become an important part of her professional reputation.
Her Modeling Ambitions
Kai has spoken openly about her determination to establish herself in the fashion industry.
In an interview with Interview magazine, she made her ambitions clear with the statement, “I want to be a supermodel. Period.”
The remark reflected her confidence and willingness to pursue a demanding professional career.
Modeling at an international level involves more than appearing in photographs or wearing designer clothing.
It requires adapting to different creative expectations, managing travel schedules and working effectively with photographers, stylists and designers.
Kai has already gained experience in these areas through runway shows and professional modeling assignments.
Her representation by IMG Models also provides access to international opportunities as she continues developing her career.
While she has expressed interest in acting, fashion remains the main focus of her public professional activities.
Naomi Watts’ Support
Naomi Watts has been a visible supporter of Kai’s modeling career.
The actress has celebrated her daughter’s achievements through social media and has accompanied her to fashion-related events.
Watts, known for films including Mulholland Drive, The Ring, King Kong and The Impossible, understands the challenges associated with building a career in a highly competitive entertainment industry.
Her experience has provided a useful perspective as Kai begins navigating public attention.
Naomi Watts has repeatedly expressed pride in Kai’s achievements, particularly as her daughter has developed confidence and professional independence.
The two have also appeared together at public events, highlighting their close relationship.
Although Watts is internationally recognized as an actress, Kai’s growing career has increasingly placed her in the spotlight for her own accomplishments.
Kai’s Father and Brother
Kai’s father is Liev Schreiber, an American actor known for his performances in Ray Donovan, Spotlight and the Scream film series.
Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber were together from 2005 until their separation in 2016.
Despite ending their romantic relationship, they have continued supporting their children.
The former couple also share an older son, Alexander Pete Schreiber, commonly known as Sasha, who was born in July 2007.
Kai and Sasha grew up in a family closely connected to film, television and the performing arts.
Liev has publicly supported Kai and celebrated important milestones in her life.
Both parents have maintained an encouraging presence as she develops her professional interests.
Watts later married actor Billy Crudup in 2023, while Schreiber married Taylor Neisen the same year.
Their blended family relationships have continued alongside their shared commitment to parenting.
A Rising Fashion Career
Kai Schreiber’s progress has been unusually rapid for someone who only made her major runway debut in 2025.
Within a relatively short period, she moved from her first Valentino appearance to working with several luxury labels and receiving a significant industry award.
Her achievements have also attracted attention because she is helping expand transgender representation in high fashion.
At the same time, Kai has emphasized her desire to be recognized for her professional work and personal ambitions.
Naomi Watts’ daughter Kai Schreiber is now building an international modeling career at just 17 years old, supported by her parents while establishing her own place in the fashion industry.
Her Breakthrough Model of the Year recognition represents an important early milestone, with future runway opportunities likely to shape the next stage of her career.