Kai Schreiber, Transgender Model and Daughter of Stars, Wins Breakthrough Award

Seventeen-year-old model Kai Schreiber achieved a significant career milestone this month, receiving the "Breakthrough Model of the Year" award at The Daily Front Row's Fashion Media Awards during New York Fashion Week. This marks a historic moment as Schreiber becomes the first openly transgender model to win in this category. In her acceptance speech, Schreiber, dressed in a Valentino lime-green mini dress, expressed gratitude for the fashion industry, acknowledging the transgender models who paved the way for her.

Schreiber thanked her parents, actors Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, for their "unconditional support" in her pursuit of happiness and dreams. She also credited Valentino as the first fashion house to cast her, calling them instrumental in introducing her to the industry and for their continued belief in her. Her career began in March 2025, walking for Valentino's Fall-Winter 2025-26 show in Paris, followed by leading their campaign shot by Glen Luchford.

Since her debut, Schreiber has walked for numerous high-profile brands including Mugler, Michael Kors, Celine, and Fendi. She has also appeared in campaigns for H&M and Haus Labs, and fronted the lookbook and campaign for designer Jonathan Simkhai. Her image has graced the covers of magazines such as Harper's Bazaar Italia, Another Magazine, and The Face.

Born in New York in December 2008, Schreiber is the younger child of Watts and Liev Schreiber. She previously explored acting, including a voice role in "The Jungle Book" in 2016, but her passion lies in modeling. Schreiber has spoken about her aspiration to become a "supermodel" and her long-held desire to "grow up and be a beautiful, glamorous, influential woman," citing Marilyn Monroe as an inspiration, alongside transgender models like Hunter Schafer.

Her parents, who were together from 2005 to 2016, have been openly supportive of her transition. Naomi Watts frequently attends Schreiber's shows, posts about her achievements, and expresses pride. Liev Schreiber has spoken about his daughter's journey, noting that her transition felt natural due to her long-standing feminine presentation. He also highlighted the broader significance of her visibility for the transgender community, especially those lacking family support.

Schreiber, whose father is of Jewish heritage, showed solidarity with Israel by posting a picture wearing a Star of David necklace after October 7th. However, she later removed the image due to a backlash of anti-Palestinian hate speech and harassment she received online.