Leni Klum Shines at The King's Trust Global Gala as She Steps into the Spotlight with Style, Grace, and Independence

A show-stopping outfit, a prestigious red carpet, and a confident presence cemented 21-year-old model Leni Klum as a rising fashion force during a high-profile event in New York City. The daughter of supermodel Heidi Klum took center stage at the 4th Annual Global Gala hosted by The King’s Trust on May 1, 2025, held at the opulent Casa Cipriani.

Founded in 1976 by King Charles III—then Prince of Wales—The King’s Trust began as a charitable initiative to uplift disadvantaged youth in the UK. Over the years, it has expanded globally, supporting education, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities for young people around the world. The New York gala celebrated the charity’s continuing impact, drawing notable figures from the worlds of fashion, philanthropy, and entertainment.

Despite the event’s noble purpose, much of the media spotlight naturally shifted toward Leni’s head-turning fashion. The young model made a bold style statement in a sheer, floor-length black gown, embellished with delicate lace and sparkling sequins. The gown featured transparent sleeves and a cinched waist that elegantly framed her silhouette. A sleek, pulled-back bun and subtle diamond stud earrings elevated the minimalist styling, keeping the attention firmly on the dramatic dress.

Her mother, Heidi Klum, complemented her daughter’s ensemble with a flowing, robe-style satin coat in black. The pair shared a heartfelt moment on the red carpet, exchanging a warm embrace and a kiss in front of flashing cameras, capturing both their close bond and striking presence.

Reactions across social media were immediate and varied. Some users focused on their physical appearance, questioning the resemblance between mother and daughter. Comments ranged from critical—“They look nothing alike” and “Is she adopted?”—to admiring, with others calling Leni “a beautiful girl” and “elegant like her mom.” One fan posted a series of emojis followed by the word “perfect,” expressing admiration for Leni’s poise and polished look.

The evening’s red carpet buzz came just days before another major moment in Leni’s life—her 21st birthday on May 4. The celebration was both star-studded and intimate. According to Page Six, Leni rang in the milestone at Miami’s celebrity-favored nightclub E11EVEN, arriving at around 1 a.m. with a group of about 20 close friends aboard a luxurious party bus.

The group was ushered to a VIP area where a glowing sign spelled out Leni’s name, and bottle service flowed freely. But the most unforgettable moment came when her father, Grammy-winning artist Seal, took the stage with a guitar around 2:15 a.m. He performed an emotional acoustic version of his 1994 hit Kiss from a Rose, followed by two rounds of “Happy Birthday” that moved the entire crowd. “It was such a special moment,” a source said. “You could feel the love — and the party didn’t stop all night.”

The energy only escalated when rapper 50 Cent surprised guests with a live set, performing hits like Magic Stick, P.I.M.P., In Da Club, and Candy Shop. Seal, enjoying the vibe, was seen dancing in the crowd and recording the performance on his phone.

Meanwhile, Heidi celebrated her daughter from afar with a heartfelt Instagram tribute, posting a series of throwback baby photos of Leni along with a caption that read, “Happy Birthday Leni, I love you with all my heart ❤️.”

While Leni’s life is deeply intertwined with that of her famous parents, she has made a concerted effort to carve out her own space—especially in the fashion world. In an interview with People in October 2022, she candidly addressed the scrutiny faced by children of celebrities, often labeled “nepo babies.”

“It’s just a fact—my parents are famous,” she acknowledged. “I did get help starting off, and I know that people would dream to start off with what I had. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to take what was gifted to me by my mom. But I am doing the work and putting in the time.”

Her ambition doesn’t stop at modeling. Leni recently moved to New York City—a lifelong dream—and is studying interior design, driven by her love for space and aesthetics. “I’ve been talking about it since I was 14. And I finally did it,” she said. Growing up, Leni often joined her mother on work trips to New York, planting the seed for her future independent life in the city.

She credits her interest in interior design to her mom’s home. “My mom’s house actually sparked my interest. I always talk about redoing it,” she laughed. Their tastes, however, couldn’t be more different. While Heidi is a self-proclaimed maximalist, Leni favors a clean, minimalist aesthetic. “My closet is almost empty,” she explained. “There needs to be an inch between each hanger so I can see everything. Her closet is wild—there’s so much stuff, you can’t even move.”

Despite living apart, Leni and Heidi remain incredibly close. Leni recalled how her mom once sent her and her roommate 25 grocery bags unannounced. “We were freaking out. It almost didn’t fit in the fridge,” she said. Seeing how difficult the transition was for Heidi inspired Leni to stay in close touch. “I’ve been texting her more,” she admitted. “I didn’t think she’d be that worried.”

That protective instinct extended to Leni’s early interest in modeling. She was first approached by scouts at age 12, but Heidi put her foot down. “She was like, ‘Absolutely not,’” Leni recalled. “I was really sad about it, but in the end, she was right.” That moment only deepened her desire to pursue modeling. At 16, she landed her first major gig—a Vogue Germany editorial alongside her mother. The shoot felt natural and joyful, with mother and daughter dancing together between takes.

But the glamour hasn’t shielded Leni from the everyday insecurities many young people face. She has spoken openly about struggling with acne and the impact it had on her self-esteem. “There were days I didn’t want to leave the house,” she said. Over time, she began sharing unfiltered photos online to normalize real skin and push back against airbrushed beauty ideals.

Leni is also an advocate for inclusivity in the modeling world. At 5'4", she doesn’t meet the typical height standards for runway models, yet that hasn’t stopped her. “At the beginning, I didn’t even think of doing runway — and now I love it,” she said. “I don’t think you need to look a certain way to succeed. If you have the passion, go for it.”

That mindset reflects the values instilled in her by both parents. “They taught me to be myself and to do what makes me feel comfortable,” she said. “If you’re not comfortable, you’re not showing your best self. Just be honest, be yourself, and do what you love—and if you do all three, you’re golden.”