Kaia Gerber: The Rise of a Supermodel and Actress Redefining Stardom

Early Beginnings and Family Influence

Kaia Gerber’s entry into the fashion world was almost inevitable, given her lineage. As the daughter of Cindy Crawford, one of the most iconic supermodels of the 1980s and 1990s, Kaia was introduced to the industry from an early age. However, her journey is not solely defined by her mother’s legacy. Kaia’s career began at the age of 10 when she modeled for Versace’s children’s line, Young Versace, showcasing her natural poise and camera presence.

This early work, supported by her parents, laid the foundation for her career, but Kaia soon showed that she was more than just “Cindy Crawford’s daughter.” Her upbringing in Malibu, California, provided a grounded environment despite the family’s fame, where her parents emphasized professionalism, humility, and discipline – values that Kaia has adopted into her work. Her mother’s guidance has been particularly important, with Kaia citing Cindy’s advice to “be professional and kind” as the basis for her approach to modeling. This blend of familial support and personal ambition has allowed Kaia to step out of her mother’s shadow and establish her own identity in the industry.

Meteoric Rise in Modeling

Kaia’s modeling career began at just 16 years old, when she debuted on the runway for Raf Simon Calvin Klein Collection during New York Fashion Week in 2017. This moment marked the beginning of a stormy ascent, as she soon became a favorite face for major fashion houses like Chanel, Prada, Versace and Saint Laurent.

Her ability to balance the elegance of high-fashion with the authenticity of Gen Z set her apart. In 2018, she won Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards, a significant achievement that underscored her rapid rise to supermodel status. Kaia’s portfolio includes campaigns for brands like Marc Jacobs, Omega and YSL Beauty, as well as covers of prestigious magazines like Vogue Paris, Vogue Italia and American Vogue.

Her striking resemblance to her mother, combined with her unique charm and professionalism, has made her a favorite among designers and photographers. Kaia’s global appeal lies in her versatility – she can embrace the cutting-edge aesthetic of Alexander Wang or the timeless beauty of Chanel, making her a defining face of modern fashion.

Transition to Acting and Expanding Horizons

Beyond modeling, Kaia has ventured into acting, showcasing her versatility and ambition to redefine herself as a multifaceted talent. Her acting debut came in 2021 with roles in American Horror Story and its spinoff, American Horror Stories, where she demonstrated her ability to hold her own alongside seasoned actors.

She further expanded her acting portfolio with her feature film debut in Damien Chazelle Babylon (2022) and roles in Bottoms (2023) and Saturday Night (2024). Her role in the Apple TV series Palm Royal (2024) alongside stars like Kristen Wiig and Allison Janney marked a significant step in her acting career, highlighting her ability to transition from the runway to the screen.

Kaia’s foray into acting is not just a side project but a deliberate attempt to build a diverse career, just like her role model, Karlie Class who has successfully blended modeling with entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors. The move reflects Kaia’s desire to break free from the limitations of the “model” label and establish herself as a cultural figure with depth and range.

Redefining Stardom with Authenticity and Influence

Kaia Gerber represents a new ideal of stardom – one that combines traditional glamour with modern credibility. Unlike the untouched supermodels of the 1990s, Kaia connects with her audience through social media, where she has over 10 million Instagram followers. She uses the platform to share her professional work, personal interests, and advocate for issues such as mental health and body positivity.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched an Instagram book club, Library Science, which features conversations with fans about literature and discussions with authors and celebrities. The initiative reflects her intellectual curiosity and desire to connect authentically with her audience.

Kaia’s grounded personality, shaped by her upbringing in Malibu and her parents’ emphasis on humility, helps her deal with the pressures of fame while remaining relatable. Her openness about the challenges of carrying on her mother’s legacy and dealing with public scrutiny makes her even more endearing to fans, especially Gen Z, who value authenticity and vulnerability.