During fashion week, attention often shifts beyond current styles to the rising wave of celebrity offspring taking centre stage on the runways. Increasingly, nepo babies—sons and daughters of well-known figures—are claiming significant spots, leveraging not only their modelling skills but also the public recognition tied to their family names. This dynamic places growing scrutiny on the role that fame plays in shaping modelling opportunities.
Among these rising stars is Sunday Rose, the daughter of actress Nicole Kidman and country singer Keith Urban, whose recent appearance at the Calvin Klein Fall 2026 show has reignited debates around nepotism in modelling. Her presence exemplifies how high-profile connections may influence access to premier runway slots, while viewers and critics weigh her performance against expectations.
Sunday Rose’s Modelling Journey and Controversy on the Calvin Klein Runway
Seventeen-year-old Sunday Rose made her runway debut at Paris Fashion Week in 2024, walking for Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer collection despite her father’s hesitations about her entering the fashion industry at a young age. Since then, she has secured prominent contracts, including a high-profile campaign for luxury watch brand Omega and a three-month engagement with Miu Miu. Notably, she was personally invited by Dior’s creative director Jonathan Anderson to participate in his debut womenswear show and his inaugural coed campaign, an endorsement reflecting her growing status in fashion circles.
This past weekend, Sunday took to the New York City runway once more, modelling at the Calvin Klein Fall 2026 show wearing an oversized beige trench coat featuring pronounced brown leather lapels, paired with white gloves, a brown clutch, and slouchy heeled leather boots. Her hairstyle was styled loose but pulled back from her face, completing the look. While her mother Nicole Kidman expressed evident pride on Instagram by sharing a video of the walk, captioning it “New York Baby,” online audiences were divided. Critics questioned her walking technique, some describing it as “stomping,” and suggested her placement on the runway was secured more by lineage than skill.
Other Celebrity Offspring Making Marks and Stirring Discussion
Sunday Rose is part of a growing cohort of celebrity children making strong impressions within the fashion industry, each navigating varying degrees of public scrutiny about the influence of their family backgrounds on their careers.
Iris Law’s Rise and Versace Endorsement
Iris Law, 25, daughter of actor Jude Law and actress Sadie Frost, has carved out her own space on runways and campaigns. She debuted for Victoria’s Secret last year, appearing alongside supermodels including Bella and Gigi Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, and Lila Moss. Beyond the Victoria’s Secret lingerie show, Iris recently featured in Casablanca’s Resort 26 campaign and has gained recognition as the face of Versace’s Dylan Purple perfume. She also maintains strong ties with premier brands like Miuccia Prada, Burberry, Nike, and David Yurman. Her modelling portfolio recently expanded to include a swimwear collaboration for Victoria’s Secret Pink Frankies Bikinis collection, available in the UK this spring.
Scarlett White Balancing Modelling and Music
At 19, Scarlett White, daughter of supermodel Karen Elson and musician Jack White, has made notable strides in modelling while also pursuing music and studies. Having debuted with a Marc Jacobs campaign last year, Scarlett shared the spotlight with her mother during Paris Fashion Week 2024 at the Valentino Pavillon des Folies show. Karen Elson’s Instagram post about Scarlett’s burgeoning career reflected a touching appreciation of the ‘full circle moment’ as her daughter forged her path within the fashion world akin to the influential figures in Elson’s own youth.
Scarlett continues to maintain a balance between modelling and academic life, having recently moved into college with the support of both parents, who co-parent amicably following their separation. This grounding likely contributes to her poised approach amid the pressures of the industry.
Kai Schreiber’s Breakthrough and Transgender Representation in Fashion
Kai Schreiber, 17, daughter of actors Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts, debuted on the runways with Valentino’s fall 2025 show and has since walked for major fashion houses including Celine, Calvin Klein, Fendi, and Mugler. A transgender model, Kai has spoken candidly about her journey with gender identity, revealing her early struggles and aspirations to emulate icons like Marilyn Monroe.
She highlighted the supportive network within the fashion industry, praising trailblazers such as Alex Consani and Hunter Schafer for fostering a sense of community. Kai identified her experience working with Valentino as the catalyst solidifying her desire to become a supermodel.
Leni Klum’s Path to Taking Up the Family Mantle
At 21, Leni Klum, daughter of supermodel Heidi Klum and businessman Flavio Briatore, began modelling at 16. Despite early challenges with parental separation and adoption into Heidi’s later marriage with singer Seal, Leni has been steadily building her career. Her initial Vogue Germany cover alongside her mother in 2020 marked a significant moment, reinforced by Heidi’s public praise for Leni’s independence and self-confidence.
Since then, Leni has featured in campaigns for Dior Beauty, Michael Kors, GHD, and Karl Lagerfeld, appearing in renowned fashion magazines and high-profile events such as the CFDA Awards. Her runway appearances continue to solidify her presence in the industry.
Ever Anderson and Lila Moss: Young Faces Gaining Momentum With Established Roots
Ever Anderson, 18, daughter of actress Milla Jovovich and filmmaker Paul Anderson, is rapidly developing her modelling and acting career. She has participated in campaigns for Chloé, Miu Miu, and Marc Jacobs’ Daisy fragrance, and recently walked for Dior’s Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris, establishing herself as a dual-career talent.
Lila Moss, 23, daughter of model Kate Moss and magazine editor Jefferson Hack, has followed her mother into modelling, despite frequent accusations of nepotism casting shadows on her career. Standing at 5ft 6in, shorter than typical runway models, Lila has earned roles in advertising campaigns for brands like Miu Miu, Pepe Jeans, and Marc Jacobs Beauty. Commenting on her relationship with her mother, Lila stated,
“I don’t know that my mum expected me to go into fashion, really. I’m quite shy, like her – but she’s fully supported every decision I’ve made. She hasn’t helped me with my walk, though.”
“She’s like, You just have to feel it. I don’t know what I do. I just do it!”
“I’m like, Cool – off to practice some more, then…”
Lila’s remarks illustrate how celebrity children negotiate their own identity within an industry that often questions their legitimacy.
The Broader Debate: Celebrity Influence Versus New Talent in Modelling
The visibility of children of famous actors, musicians, and fashion icons on runways globally has intensified ongoing discussions about fairness and merit within the industry. While last names can undoubtedly open doors—offering instant recognition and media interest—critics worry that an increasing number of ‘star kids’ could overshadow emerging talents without famous ties. This trend fuels concerns about the diversity of opportunities and whether talent alone is the true calling card in modelling careers today.
The presence of figures such as Sunday Rose, Iris Law, Kai Schreiber, Leni Klum, and others underscores a generational shift within fashion, where celebrity culture blends with industry gatekeeping. Their careers signify both the appeal and the challenges faced by heirs to fame attempting to prove their merit.
What Lies Ahead for Nicole Kidman Daughter Modelling and Industry Practices
As the debate continues, the modelling world may need to balance the allure and publicity that celebrity offspring bring with a commitment to nurturing broad talent pools. For Sunday Rose and her peers, public reception will likely remain mixed, reflecting tensions about legacy versus individual accomplishment.
The industry’s response to these pressures could shape future casting decisions, possibly emphasizing skill and experience alongside or even over famous lineage. Meanwhile, for those like Sunday, ongoing performances and professional growth will be critical to securing lasting reputations beyond their family names.
