Heidi Klum's son, Henry, has opened up about the pivotal role his supermodel mother played in building his self-assurance as he steps into the fashion spotlight. The 20-year-old made the comments during a heartfelt joint interview with ELLE Germany, which also marked their first magazine cover shoot together.
From Gaming to Glamour: A New Fashion Chapter
Henry, the son of Heidi Klum and singer Seal, revealed that his journey into fashion followed a period where he was often "hunched over his computer" playing video games. The shift in focus came with encouragement from his famous mother, who he says instilled significant confidence in him. For the ELLE Germany shoot, the duo showcased a series of coordinated, matching outfits, visually cementing Henry's aspirations to forge a path in the industry his mother dominates.
Heidi, 52, and Seal, 62, who are no longer together, are also parents to Johan, 19, and daughter Lou, 16. Heidi's eldest child is daughter Leni, 21, from her previous relationship with Italian businessman Flavio Briatore, 75.
Posture, Positivity, and Practising Laughter
When asked about the best advice he's received from his mother, Henry pointed to a surprisingly practical tip. "To pay attention to my posture," he shared, linking it directly to his former gaming habits. He elaborated, stating, "But my mother also instilled a lot in me regarding self-confidence."
Heidi expanded on her philosophy of self-belief during the interview. "I'm a positive person. I believe you can work on your attitude towards yourself and life," she explained. The model and TV host admitted she sometimes experiences self-doubt but knows how to reclaim a positive mindset.
She illustrated her point with a powerful anecdote from her early career. Heidi recounted being yelled at by a photographer for having a "terrible laugh" during a bridal magazine shoot. Instead of quitting, she sat in front of a mirror and practised laughing until she perfected it. "And today, people associate my laugh with me," she noted, highlighting her resilience.
A Supportive Family and a Legacy of Confidence
The close bond between Heidi and Henry was also evident when they walked the red carpet at the American Music Awards in May. Henry praised both his parents for their unwavering support, telling the Daily Mail they are an "inspiration" to him.
This foray into fashion with her son echoes Heidi's previous collaborative campaigns with her daughter, Leni. The mother-daughter pair have faced criticism for their joint lingerie shoots for Intimissimi, which some labelled "inappropriate". Addressing these comments in July, Heidi told People, "I'm proud of my daughter. She's fine with me like that."
She attributed their comfort to a European upbringing centred on body positivity. "I've always been very open with my body...my kids don't know me any other way and are probably more easygoing with their bodies because of it," Klum stated. She firmly rejected the idea that confidence comes with age, asserting, "I have always been confident. I have no problem walking around in my underwear. I'm not hiding in a corner."
This ethos of self-assurance and familial support is clearly being passed to the next generation, as Henry Klum embarks on his own career with his mother's guidance firmly behind him.
