Naomi Watts & Liev Schreiber Back Trans Daughter Kai at NYFW, Bold

Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber made a united front at New York Fashion Week on Tuesday, perched in the front row of Thom Browne’s spring‑2027 collection. The former “Ray Donovan” actor and actress celebrated their 17‑year‑old daughter, Kai Schreiber, who had been dazzling the runway since March 2025.

Their appearance was a proud moment for a family that has consistently shown up together on the global fashion stage.

Schreiber looked sharp in a corduroy suit while Watts wore a sweater vest over a button‑down and tie, paired with matching shorts. Kai stole the spotlight in a butterfly‑themed look from the designer, complemented by dramatic pastel makeup. The trio’s presence underscored the growing visibility of trans talent in high fashion.

Just days earlier, the family had gathered at the Rainbow Room for Kai’s “Breakthrough Model of the Year” award from Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards. The teen used the platform to acknowledge both her industry and personal supporters, marking a historic first for a trans girl receiving the honor.

## Background & Context

Watts, 57, and Schreiber, 58, ended their 11‑year marriage in 2016 but have remained united parents to two children: 19‑year‑old son Sasha and daughter Kai. Both have since remarried in 2023—Watts to Billy Crudup and Schreiber to former pageant queen Taylor Neisen—yet they consistently attend events side by side for their kids.

Kai’s runway debut came in March 2025 at Alessandro Michele’s fall 2025 Valentino show during Paris Fashion Week. Since then, she has walked for Jean Paul Gaultier, Fendi, Celine, and Jason Wu, opening the latter’s spring 2026 NYFW show last September.

Her momentum continues with a new joint campaign with her mother for Simkhai’s fall 2026 collection.

Schreiber has publicly championed Kai’s identity. In a interview last year he said, “Kai was always who Kai is,” and added, “It’s important that she goes, ‘Hey, I am trans,’ and, ‘Look at me,'” calling her a fighter. These public statements reinforce the family’s commitment to representation.

## What People Are Saying

During the Fashion Media Awards,

Kai thanked those who had “so graciously welcomed [her] into this beautiful world of fashion.” She noted she was the first trans girl to receive the accolade and added, “I carry that with me into every room.” The teen also expressed gratitude for her parents’ unwavering support, saying she feels “lucky” to be raised by them.

Watts followed the ceremony with an Instagram tribute to her daughter. “Your extraordinary love of fashion has brought you not only incredible creativity, but also the most beautiful community of people who see you, embrace you, and celebrate exactly who you are,” she wrote. “So proud of you, my darling. ❤️🏳️‍⚧️”

Both parents attended the awards dinner in complementary Valentino outfits: Watts in a sandy‑pink pleated top with jeans and teal Rockstud pumps, while Schreiber was seen planting a kiss on Kai’s cheek, highlighting their shared affection.

## What Happens Next

Kai’s career is already on an upward trajectory. She will continue to appear in runway shows for top designers and has a new campaign lined up with her mother for Simkhai’s fall 2026 collection. The duo’s collaboration marks a rare father‑daughter partnership in high fashion marketing, suggesting further joint projects may follow.

Watts and Schreiber have already proven that their family dynamic extends beyond personal life into professional realms, offering a model of supportive parenting in the public eye. Their presence at NYFW signals that they will remain prominent figures in both the entertainment and fashion industries.

As Kai’s journey unfolds, industry observers will keep a keen eye on her next runway appearances and advertising campaigns, expecting more milestones from this young trans talent who has already broken barriers at just 17.