Kai Schreiber Hits the Runway for Valentino

Kai Schreiber, the 16-year-old trans daughter of renowned British actress Naomi Watts and American actor Liev Schreiber, made a bold and high-profile runway debut at Paris Fashion Week last week. Strutting down the runway for Valentino’s Fall-Winter 2025-26 show, Schreiber turned heads in an eye-catching, avant-garde look that perfectly matched the show’s surreal, brick red, gender-neutral bathroom set. The “dystopian, disturbing, Lynchian space” was complete with flashing lights, an otherworldly soundtrack that included a remix of “Gods and Monsters” by Lana Del Rey, and an atmosphere meant to bridge the gap between public and intimate. Kai’s outfit was a standout moment in a show packed with drama. She hit the runway rocking a cheetah-print sweater dress with a brown-and-blue feathered collar, white lace tights, and blue-tinted sunglasses. The collection itself was a dizzying array of textures and contrasts, with peacoats, sequins, and layers dominating the styles seen on the runway. Valentino’s creative director Alessandro Michele describes the collection as “suspend(ing) the duality between what is intimate and what is exposed,” a theme that paid homage to the recently-passed cult favorite Mulholland Drive director. Schreiber’s debut wasn’t just about the glitz and glam of fashion, though. It marks a milestone for representation, as trans people are becoming more and more visible not only in the fashion world, but in the public eye at large. Schreiber’s debut signals a growing inclusivity in the fashion industry, and her presence on the Valentino stage will certainly inspire young trans people who might see a bit of themselves in her. Advancing the movement toward greater visibility and acceptance for trans individuals, Schreiber’s fearless debut is a reminder that diversity isn’t just a buzzword. It is essential for creating a world where everyone can thrive. If this is just the beginning for her, we can’t wait to see what’s next. Photo courtesy of social media