Kaia Gerber Reflects on Her Unique Upbringing as the Daughter of Cindy Crawford

Kaia Gerber has opened up about her rather ordinary childhood, despite being the daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford. At 24, she describes her upbringing as “pretty isolated” but insists it was “in a really great way,” emphasizing that things were “as normal as possible.”

Gerber reminisces about attending public school, taking part in theater, participating in community plays, and being involved in choir and dance recitals. Yet, she acknowledges that her home environment also included things many children don’t encounter—like nude photographs of her mother adorning the walls. For Gerber, these images were not just shock value; she considered them “artistic” and felt they didn’t symbolize vulgarity or objectification at all.

“To me, they were artistic,” she explained, calling it “a homegrown gift of no shame for a woman’s body.” It’s an interesting perspective, one that might surprise many who think about the pressures of growing up in the limelight.

Reflecting more on her childhood, Gerber shared that her life took a significant turn when she was selected by Donatella Versace for her first campaign at age 15. At that point, she decided to switch to homeschooling to focus on her modeling career.

Despite her late mother’s fame, she insists she never felt spoiled. “She doesn’t give advice unless you ask for it,” Gerber noted, adding that when Cindy does share wisdom, it can be tough to hear. “It’s frustrating because she’s usually right, but she also lets me make the same mistakes she did 30 years ago.” There’s a genuine relatability in her experience, and it reflects the careful balance between guidance and independence in their relationship.

Gerber officially made her runway debut at 16, subsequently gaining the opportunity to walk for esteemed fashion brands like Chanel, Versace, and Prada. It’s a fascinating journey that many aspire to, yet it comes with its own challenges.

In a related note, Crawford recently shared insights on the best advice she’s given her children, irrespective of whether they pursue modeling or other careers. “Be on time,” she emphasized. At 59, she maintains her confidence in the modeling world, suggesting that happiness and purpose play significant roles in that. “Sometimes you don’t feel confident, but once you walk out the door, it’s your decision,” she remarked, giving a glimpse into her mindset and personal growth over the years.