AND It’s a gorgeous fall day in New York when we meet the legendary supermodel Cindy Crawford, 57, and her daughter, Kaia Gerber, 22model and actress starting out.
We are used to often seeing them together, and if their beauty is unquestionable, we could even say genetic, However, Cindy and Kaia are not as similar as one might think. Strong and disciplined mother. Her daughter is dreamy and delicate.
Radiant, elegant and friendly, they are in the city for the Omega “Inspiring Women” event, which sees them as protagonists within the exhibition Planet Omega, an excursus on the achievements and records of the Swiss watchmaking house, of which Cindy and Kaia are ambassadors. Self We almost feel like we know Cindy – we grew up with his face on billboards, videos Freedom George Michael, the iconic Pepsi commercial and now the documentary The Supermodels on Apple TV – by We know very little about Kaia, only what she decides to share on her Instagram account.
Fashion, a hereditary passion
How did you get into fashion?
Kaia: I have always admired my mother. As a child, my friends and I used to go into her closet to steal her clothes and play model, so after leaving dance I thought I’d give it a try.
How much did her mother influence Kaia’s choice?
Cindy: I have never steered my children in any direction. Kaia has always been free to choose her own path, which she is doing with cinema and her passion for books. An agency contacted me when she was 14, she wanted to do it and I neither encouraged nor discouraged her. Now that she is focusing on acting I’m happy though, because it’s just her, in cinema she’s not “Cindy Crawford’s daughter” she’s just Kaia. But for me whatever choice I make in life is fine, I just hope that one day she will give me grandchildren (laughs).
The most important teaching you received from your mother?
K. When I started working, she only told me two things: always be on time and try to remember everyone’s names. Does mom confirm?
C. I am very punctual. At my house I was punished with a week at home for every minute I was late. And, I have to admit, I like to lead my life in a very structured way. I have always told my children: be punctual and keep your nose away from your cell phone!
Speaking of cell phones, what relationship do you have with social media?
C. A love/hate relationship. I recognize that they are a great way to express yourself, make your voice heard and show other sides of yourself. I try to be real, but there’s a lot of pressure and even the work has changed, there’s always this hungry little monster to be satisfied with new content. Kaia, you also use your Instagram account for your BookClub.
Kaia Gerber: «Books are my passion»
K. BookClub began as a pastime during the pandemic, but it has grown in ways that surprise me every day. I’ve had the chance to interview authors I admire and it’s evolving into something bigger. Now I’m working so that it can grow in a more accessible way and go beyond the boundaries of Instagram.
Cindy Crawford: «Why would I want to look 25?»
What kind of relationship do a 22-year-old and a 57-year-old have with time?
K. I’m very young so my relationship with time is light, but I appreciate when I can slow down a bit, everything goes so fast. Social media has changed the sense of time, my generation has immediate access to everything at all times and you can feel overwhelmed. That’s why many are turning in the opposite direction: back to mechanical recorders, paper books, clocks. They are objects that you don’t necessarily need, but a precise choice.
C. I believe growing old is a gift. Why would I want to look 25? Getting old is always better than the alternative, which is dying. It’s true that our society venerates youth, but I take care of myself mainly because I want to feel good, continue doing the things I love. Obviously when you are in front of the camera you feel the pressure, but when I look at my peers I think they are beautiful women, so I try to see myself with those same eyes. And then I am grateful for the life I have had and the marks on my face are a trace of this journey.
Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber: a close-knit couple
Mother and daughter are Ambassadors of the Omega brand, Cindy since 1995, Kaia since 2017. They will be together for the brand in Paris during the 2024 summer Olympics. Both wear an OMEGA Constellation watch in the precious Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8802 models, the mother, the Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8700, the daughter.
You are a very close-knit mother-daughter duo, who are the women who inspire you?
K. My mother first. And then the women of my generation. My peers are so strong and willing to fight for what they believe in, they don’t settle. I feel inspired when the community comes together and fights for what they think is right, even if it goes against the system.
C. Many women have inspired me, first and foremost my mother and my daughter Kaia. I find it beautiful to see women living authentically. For my part, I try to inspire Kaia in small things. I want her to feel comfortable, confident, that she can do whatever she wants. And whatever she decides to do, I want her to treat herself with kindness.
What is the best memory you have together?
C. There are hundreds of them. I particularly remember a trip to Peru. Kaia was 15 years old and I took her with me. She was really special, adventurous. There was work for Omega but also an important philanthropic moment with “Flying Eye Hospital by Orbis International”. With Kaia we visited the children waiting for an eye operation. It has been a journey full of learnings.
«Each of us is unique»
A piece of advice for young models approaching your work
K. To them I say: “There is only one of you. What each of us has is unique and exists only in this precise moment.” There is a letter from the dancer and choreographer Martha Graham that says more or less this, I reread it often because it is important to remember: “It doesn’t matter if you think you are good or not, you are the only you, bring this into the world, because it is unique“.
Advice for your daughter
C. I always repeat to my children: “Be present, try to give your best on every occasion”. I have taken risks in life, even against the opinion of those around me, like when I decided to pose for Playboy or leave my contract with Revlon after 17 years. But in doing so, I had the opportunity to launch my brand Meaningful Beauty, which will turn 20 in 2024. The moments when I took risks and trusted my instincts have strengthened me and given me the courage to make new choices. And this is a valuable lesson.
Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber, in addition to their multiple fashion commitments in the coming seasons, will be in Paris this summer for the Olympics together with Omega, to add a new memory to their special life as mother and daughter.
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