Kaia Gerber Shares How Cindy Crawford Mentored Her for the Runway

Kaia Gerber and Mom Cindy Crawford Watched Videos of Models Falling Before Her First Runway Show

Kaia Gerber and mom Cindy Crawford Gotham/WireImage/Getty Images

Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, Kaia Gerber's mom Cindy Crawford helped her prepare for the runway by showing her clips of models falling on the catwalk. Kaia found this approach helpful in getting ready for big events.

Before my first-ever fashion show, my mom Cindy Crawford gathered my whole family and showed me videos of models falling. She wanted to prepare me for the worst-case scenario. It was surprising to see how many different ways a model could fall, but it definitely stuck with me.

Even though my mom's teaching method was unconventional, it seems to have been effective.

“Knock on wood, I haven’t ever fallen,” Gerber told Fallon, 49. “Maybe she scared me enough that I didn’t fall.”

Kaia Gerber and Mom Cindy Crawford Watched Videos of Models Falling Before Her First Runway Show

Kaia Gerber, at the age of 16, impressed the fashion industry with her runway debut in Raf Simon’s Calvin Klein show at New York Fashion Week in September 2017.

"Kaia has a way of brightening up the room," Love magazine editor-in-chief Katie Grand shared with Vogue. "She's not only stunning, but also dedicated, diligent, charismatic, and a true ray of sunshine."

Maybe part of Gerber's impressive runway debut can be attributed to her decision to only walk in a limited number of shows during her first fashion month. She chose to participate in just 18 shows, a significantly lower number compared to the typical runway model.

During this season, I realized how important it is to get enough sleep. It's crucial to take some time for yourself, especially when you're constantly around other people. In an interview with Vogue, she mentioned, "I didn't expect how great it would feel and how lucky I am."

Editor's P/S:

Kaia Gerber's unique preparation for the runway, guided by her mother Cindy Crawford's unconventional approach, highlights the importance of both physical and mental preparedness in the demanding world of modeling. Gerber's decision to limit her show appearances during her first fashion month allowed her to prioritize self-care and maintain her focus.

Crawford's method of exposing Gerber to potential pitfalls empowered her with the confidence to navigate the challenges of the runway. By showing her clips of models falling, Crawford instilled in her daughter a realistic understanding of the risks involved, which ultimately contributed to her composed and successful debut. Gerber's subsequent rise in the fashion industry demonstrates the effectiveness of this unconventional preparation, showcasing the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in such a high-pressure environment.