5 Shocking Revelations About Leni Klum: From Controversial Campaigns To Her Secret College Life In NYC

Leni Klum has rapidly transitioned from being "Heidi Klum's daughter" to a legitimate force in the high-fashion world, continually making headlines with her bold career moves and candid personal life. As of December 2025, the German-American model is successfully navigating a dual life: balancing high-profile modeling contracts with a demanding college curriculum in New York City. Her trajectory is a fascinating study in modern celebrity, where legacy meets independence, and she has proven she is not afraid to challenge critics head-on, particularly regarding her recent, highly-publicized campaigns.

The 21-year-old model is not just following in her supermodel mother's footsteps; she is forging a distinct, entrepreneurial path that includes major brand ambassadorships and a surprisingly grounded academic pursuit. From walking runways to defending controversial artistic choices, Leni Klum’s story is a compelling mix of glamour, grit, and a refreshing commitment to her own identity outside of her famous family's shadow. This deep dive explores her complete biography, the major brands she works with, and the controversy that made her clap back at critics.

Leni Klum: Complete Biography and Profile

Leni Olumi Klum, born in New York City, is the eldest child of supermodel and television host Heidi Klum and Italian businessman Flavio Briatore. Her life has been one of global exposure, though her mother fiercely protected her and her siblings from the public eye for most of her childhood. Leni's eventual decision to enter the modeling industry was a highly anticipated event, a move that has quickly established her as a rising star.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Full Name: Leni Olumi Klum
• Date of Birth: May 4, 2004
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 21
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
• Nationality: German and American
• Biological Parents: Heidi Klum (Mother) and Flavio Briatore (Father)
• Adoptive Father: Seal (The British singer, who was married to Heidi Klum from 2005 to 2014, formally adopted Leni)
• Siblings: Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Samuel, Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel, and Lou Sulola Samuel.
• Occupation: Fashion Model, Social Media Personality
• Education: Currently studying Interior Design at college in New York City
• Relationship Status: In a long-term relationship with Aris Rachevsky
• Modeling Debut: December 2020, on the cover of Vogue Germany alongside her mother, Heidi Klum

The Intimissimi Controversy: Leni Klum Claps Back at Critics

One of the most talked-about aspects of Leni Klum's career is her ongoing collaboration with her mother for the Italian lingerie brand, Intimissimi. The mother-daughter duo first partnered for the brand in 2022, and their campaigns—including the Fall 2024 and Christmas 2024 collections—have consistently sparked intense online debate and criticism.

The core of the backlash stems from the perceived "risqué" nature of the mother and daughter posing together in lingerie. Critics on social media labeled the ads as "strange," "weird," and "inappropriate," questioning the boundaries of a professional relationship between a mother and her adult daughter.

Leni Klum, however, has not shied away from defending the work. In a candid interview, she directly addressed the controversy, making it clear that she was comfortable with the artistic choice and the concept of the shoot.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

She emphasized that her mother, Heidi Klum, is her greatest supporter and a close colleague in the industry. Her response to the negativity was famously blunt: "I honestly don't look at it. I don't read it. If I don't look at it, I don't read it, it doesn't really affect me," she stated, before suggesting that the critics were likely just "jealous" of her opportunity. This strong defense showcased her independence and her commitment to the campaign, proving she is willing to stand her ground in the face of public scrutiny.

From Dior Beauty Ambassador to NYC College Student: Leni's Dual Life

While the Intimissimi campaign dominates headlines, Leni Klum is quietly building a robust portfolio with global luxury and lifestyle brands, all while pursuing a non-fashion-related college degree—a testament to her desire for a well-rounded life outside of modeling.

The Rise of a Brand Ambassador

Leni Klum has quickly moved beyond editorial work to become a highly sought-after brand ambassador. Her major collaborations include:

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Dior Beauty: She was named a brand ambassador for Dior Beauty, a significant milestone that places her alongside some of the world's biggest stars. This role involves promoting Dior's makeup and skincare lines.
• FILA: Leni has also partnered with the Italian sportswear brand FILA, showcasing her versatility by moving from high-fashion lingerie to street style and athletic wear. Her collaboration with FILA often highlights her own personal "off-duty model style," which favors comfortable yet stylish pieces like high-top sneakers and denim.
• GHD: She has also secured deals with GHD, a professional hair styling brand, further diversifying her portfolio across beauty and fashion sectors.

The Interior Design Dream

Perhaps the most surprising entity in Leni Klum's profile is her commitment to higher education. Despite her booming modeling career, she moved to New York City to attend college, where she is studying Interior Design. This decision highlights a genuine interest in a creative field outside of the runway, suggesting a long-term plan that values stability and personal passion over fleeting fame.

Her mother, Heidi Klum, has expressed immense pride in Leni’s ability to balance her high-demand career with her studies, often pointing out that Leni is managing her own schedule and navigating this complex life as an independent young woman. Leni's college life in NYC also allows her to be closer to her long-term boyfriend, Aris Rachevsky, whom she has been dating since 2019.

Leni Klum’s Future: Fashion Week and Red Carpet Dominance

Looking ahead, Leni Klum is poised to cement her status as a fashion icon. Her recent high-profile appearances, such as attending the 2025 Glamour Women of the Year awards ceremony and her highly creative, body-painted costume at the 2025 Heidi Klum Halloween Party, keep her firmly in the public eye. Her runway debut, which involved opening Berlin Fashion Week, proved her capability on the catwalk.

As she matures and continues to build her independent brand, Leni Klum is becoming a powerful voice for her generation of models—one that prioritizes authenticity, education, and artistic freedom, even when it means facing down social media critics. Her story is a clear indication that she is not just an heiress to a supermodel legacy, but a formidable talent charting her own course.