Kaia Gerber is no stranger to the limelight and is the February 2023 cover star of ELLE US. After debuting on the runway at 16, she is now 21 and is looking toward acting. Captured by Cass Bird on the beaches of Malibu, California, the brunette wears spring fashion. The cover shot features Kaia wearing a gold paillette embellished dress from Celine by Hedi Slimane.
Styled by Alex White, accompanying images show the star wearing designs from Victoria’s Secret, Vaquera, Ralph Lauren Collection, and more brands. Besides being a cover star, Kaia Gerber can also be seen in the Alaia winter-spring 2023 campaign. Finishing her look, Kaia’s wavy tresses are styled by Teddy Charles with sun-kissed makeup by Frank B.
In ELLE‘s February 2023 issue (out on newsstands February 7th), Kaia Gerber opens up about the transition from modeling to acting and gives insight into her two upcoming projects: Bottoms, directed by Emma Seligman, and Mrs. American Pie, a TV series. In addition, she talks about nepotism in the modeling industry.
Kaia on the different experiences in modeling and acting:
“For so long, I felt like as a model, I was playing these different characters, which was really cool, and I still like doing that. But I think now, because I get to do that in acting and that’s my primary focus, I appreciate when I feel seen by someone as me, the person. I wasn’t ready for that when I was first modeling, because I didn’t feel fully formed. Now I feel more myself… It can be scary to show yourself, because it opens you up for criticism and for people to not agree with you and not like you, but I think I just came into myself more.”
Kaia on the conversations in modeling and the celebrity world about nepotism:
“I won’t deny the privilege that I have. Even if it’s just the fact that I have a really great source of information and someone to give me great advice, that alone I feel very fortunate for. My mom always joked, ‘If I could call and book a Chanel campaign, it would be for me and not you.’ But I also have met amazing people through my mom whom I now get to work with.”