Heidi Klum, who is arguably one of the most successful models in the world, hasn’t just paved the way for other up-and-coming models, she’s also helped open the doors for her daughter, Leni Klum, to kickstart her fashion career at the tender age of 16.
In December, it was announced that the blonde beauty and her mother would be gracing the January/February 2021 cover of Vogue Germany, which became Leni’s first major modeling opportunity. But if your first gig tends to be on a reputable publication such as Vogue, chances are you’re more than likely to have a prosperous career moving forward.
Kendall Jenner and the Hadid sisters, for example, weren’t as fortunate to have a mother who’s not only a supermodel but has also been teaching her daughter the ins-and-outs of the industry, ultimately preventing Leni from perhaps making the same mistakes her mom may have made in the early years of her career.
It’s no secret that Heidi is extremely close to Leni, who has shown clear signs that modeling is what she wants to remain committed to, but what else do we know about the mother-daughter duo? Here’s the lowdown…
Heidi Klum and Leni’s Relationship
Heidi and her daughter looked breathtaking on their joint cover with Vogue Germany, which is an incredible feat to have for a 16-year-old — and by the look of things, Leni had not taken the opportunity for granted.
In December 2020, she gushed about her excitement for the magazine’s release before posting a photo from the shoot with the German caption, "MEIN ERSTES COVER ✨,” which translates to "my first cover.” She added, "Couldn't wait to buy one, or ten.”
Then, in a lengthy Instagram post of her own, Heidi congratulated her daughter but made it clear that while fans often brand Leni as her “mini-me,” the latter had proven herself that modeling and working in the fashion industry has been a passion of hers for years.
While it’s easy to assume Heidi may have pushed Leni into the modeling world, the 47-year-old was adamant that she simply supported the teenager’s dreams.
But dreams do not come to fruition unless that person is willing to prove that they have what it takes to follow in the footsteps of a fashion icon as successful as Heidi.
Apparently, though, Leni had ticked all of those boxes.
"I'm so proud of you,” the mother of four wrote on her Instagram. “And not because you chose this path. I know that no matter which way you go, it will be your own," the supermodel wrote in German. "You always know exactly what you want and what you don't want. You are not a mini-me. And I'm happy for you that you can now show who YOU are.”
"I know that being my daughter is not always easy. You never had the opportunity to grow up 'normally.' But what is normal? But you have the talent to get the best out of everything. And I would say: none of it harmed you - on the contrary: you are a self-confident young woman who fights for her goals. And even more important: you are a really great person with your heart in the right place.”
Heidi, herself, agreed that Vogue “is the best way to start the career you dream of,” and that this was only the beginning of the career that Leni is said to have dreamed of for years.
According to the America’s Got Talent judge, Leni has been following her mother to photoshoot since she was a child, where she would carefully study some of Heidi’s modeling techniques while also keeping a close eye on how the team organizes each and every photo shoot.
In an interview with People, Heidi says Leni has wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps for quite some time — not just as a model but also as an entrepreneur.
Aside from her modeling career, the German native has also built up an incredible resume in television, having hosted a series of competition shows including Germany’s Next Top Model, which she has fronted since its premiere back in 2006. The reality program has since entered its 16th series, with Heidi also working as a producer behind the scenes of the televised modeling contest.
While nobody can predict what the future holds, there’s little to no doubt that with the endless support she’s bound to get from Heidi, Leni is well on her way to becoming one of the most sought-after models in fashion.
Do you think she'll be as big as the likes of Kendall, Gigi, or Bella?