Kaia Gerber, born Kaia Jordan Gerber on September 3, 2001, in Los Angeles, California, is one of the most recognizable faces in modern fashion. Standing at 175 cm (5'9") with striking features inherited from her supermodel mother Cindy Crawford and former model father Rande Gerber, she quickly carved her own path in an industry that often feels predetermined by legacy.
From her first paid job at age ten for Young Versace to opening Chanel shows for Karl Lagerfeld, Kaia has navigated the complex world of high fashion with a grace that belies her years. Her career trajectory offers a fascinating case study of how a second-generation model can honor a family legacy while establishing a distinct identity.
Early Life and Family
Kaia grew up in Malibu, California, with her older brother Presley Gerber, now also a successful male model. The Gerber-Crawford household was never far from the spotlight. Cindy Crawford, one of the original supermodels of the 1990s, and Rande Gerber, a nightlife entrepreneur and former model, provided their children with both privilege and a grounded upbringing.
In interviews, Kaia has often spoken about the normalcy her parents tried to maintain. Despite their fame, family dinners and vacations were priorities. Kaia attended local schools until modeling commitments made homeschooling necessary. Her brother Presley, two years older, debuted on the runway for Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week at age sixteen, paving the way for Kaia's own runway ambitions.
The family's close bond is evident on social media and red carpets. Cindy and Kaia frequently attend events together, showcasing matching style and an obvious affection. Kaia has credited her mother with teaching her not just about modeling, but about professionalism and self-care in a demanding industry.
Modeling Career Beginnings
At age ten, Kaia became the face of Young Versace, a children's line by the iconic Italian house. This early exposure gave her a taste of the fashion world, but her parents insisted she focus on school. Three years later, she signed with IMG Models, the same agency that represented Cindy Crawford.
Her first major campaign was for Marc Jacobs' fragrance Daisy, which cemented her as a fresh face to watch. In 2016, the fashion industry took notice when she was named "Breakthrough Model of the Year" at the Daily Front Row's Fashion Los Angeles Awards. This honor, voted by editors and industry insiders, signaled that Kaia was more than just a famous daughter.
Unlike many nepotism babies who fizzle out, Kaia demonstrated a genuine understanding of her craft. She studied runway walks and posed with a natural ease that photographers praised. Her early editorial work for Vogue, Teen Vogue, and other magazines showcased a versatility that would serve her well.
Runway Debut and Rise to Fame
Kaia made her official runway debut at New York Fashion Week in February 2017 for Calvin Klein. The moment was monumental. She walked with a confidence that belied her lack of experience, earning comparisons to supermodels from the 1990s. The same season, she also walked for Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, and other top designers.
Her breakout moment came at Milan Fashion Week later that year. She walked for Versace, Fendi, and Moschino, often opening or closing shows. The Italian press dubbed her "the new face of Gen Z fashion." By the time she reached Paris, she had already secured bookings for Chanel, Valentino, and Yves Saint Laurent.
The highlight of her early career was walking for Chanel's Fall/Winter 2017 show, where she was selected by Karl Lagerfeld himself to open the presentation. Lagerfeld, known for his muses, saw in Kaia a mixture of youthful energy and old-school glamour. She later described the experience as a dream come true, posting a heartfelt thank-you to the legendary designer on Instagram.
Throughout 2017 and 2018, Kaia appeared on over a dozen magazine covers, including American Vogue, British Vogue, and i-D. She also walked for Prada, Burberry, Chloé, and Miu Miu. By the end of 2018, models.com ranked her among the "Top 50 Models" globally.
Iconic Red Carpet Moments
Kaia's red carpet style has evolved from safe and sweet to sophisticated and daring. She first gained attention at the 2018 Met Gala, where she wore a glittering silver gown by Atelier Versace. In 2021, she channeled Old Hollywood at the Met Gala in an Oscar de la Renta dress inspired by Bianca Jagger. The look featured a dramatic hip cutout and delicate leaf embroidery, solidifying her status as a fashion risk-taker.
One of her most talked-about moments came in 2024 at the Toronto International Film Festival. She wore a white Hervé Léger bandage dress that paid homage to Cindy Crawford's iconic 1993 Oscar gown. The dress, with its heart-shaped neckline and structured cups, was a modern reinterpretation. Kaia completed the look with vintage diamond jewelry and an Omega watch from her mother's personal collection. Stylist Molly Dickson told Vogue that Kaia had created a mood board with the original dress as a reference point.
Another memorable appearance was the 2025 LACMA Art+Film Gala, where she and Cindy Crawford wore matching sequined dresses. The mother-daughter duo radiated glamour and a shared sense of fun. Similarly, at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards, Kaia turned heads in a sheer black slip dress, proving her ability to mix sexiness with sophistication.
Expanding Horizons: Acting and Other Ventures
Modeling was never Kaia's only ambition. In 2016, she landed a supporting role in the indie film "Sister Cities," which earned positive reviews for her natural on-screen presence. She continued to take acting classes, and in 2024, she starred in the psychological thriller "Shell" alongside Elisabeth Moss and Jamie Bell. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, marking her transition into serious acting.
Kaia has also ventured into hosting and producing. She launched a book club on Instagram during the COVID-19 pandemic, reading titles ranging from classic literature to contemporary fiction. The club, named "L.A. Book Club," grew quickly, demonstrating her influence beyond fashion.
Her personal style has translated into collaborations and brand ambassadorships. She has worked with Omega, Marc Jacobs, and most recently, became the face of a new Prada fragrance. Her social media presence, with over seven million followers, allows her to connect directly with young audiences who admire her not just for her looks, but for her curated sense of taste.
Relationships and Personal Life
Kaia's romantic life has been covered extensively by tabloids. Her first high-profile relationship was with actor Jacob Elordi, best known for "Euphoria" and "The Kissing Booth." The pair dated from 2020 to late 2021, often seen together in Los Angeles and New York. In a Vogue interview, Kaia said Jacob taught her "how to love unconditionally."
After their split, she briefly dated comedian Pete Davidson in early 2022. The relationship was short-lived but highly publicized. Later that year, she began a relationship with Austin Butler, her co-star from a yet-to-be-released project. They were together for over two years, attending major events like the 2023 Oscars afterparty before separating in early 2025.
Since mid-2025, Kaia has been linked to Lewis Pullman, son of actor Bill Pullman and star of "Top Gun: Maverick." They were photographed holding hands in Venice, Italy, and attended the Venice Film Festival together. Kaia wore a white lace dress for the occasion, sparking engagement rumors. While neither has confirmed a serious commitment, they appear to be in a happy relationship.
Kaia has spoken candidly about navigating romance in the public eye. In a rare 2025 interview with The Wall Street Journal Magazine, she said, "I try to protect my private life because the work is the only part that needs to be public."
Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Details
Kaia's first name has Hawaiian roots: "Kai" means "sea" in Hawaiian, reflecting her parents' love for beach vacations. She has a growing collection of minimalist tattoos, including a small angel on her collarbone and a cross on her finger. She plays guitar and writes poetry, which she occasionally shares on Instagram.
Her love of reading led to the aforementioned book club, which features works by authors like Sally Rooney and Joan Didion. She is also an advocate for mental health awareness, often speaking about the pressures of social media and modeling.
Despite her fame, she maintains close friendships with models like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber. Kendall once joked, "We all try to get our bookings before she enters the scene, because once she does, we're all going broke."
Kaia also supports various charities, including the Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She credits her family for instilling a sense of responsibility to give back.
As she continues to evolve, Kaia Gerber remains a compelling figure in both fashion and popular culture. Her journey from celebrity child to accomplished model, actress, and influencer is a testament to her diligence and adaptability. Whether walking for Chanel, starring in a film, or simply sharing a book recommendation, she consistently demonstrates that she is more than just a famous last name.
Source: gala.de News