Nepo Babies Take Center Stage at Michael Kors NYFW Show!
The Nepo Babies Have Officially Taken Over New York Fashion Week: A Who's Who of Privileged Stars and Their Children
It's a familiar sight at New York Fashion Week: the who's who of Hollywood's elite rubbing shoulders with the next generation of style icons. But this season, it seems like the nepotistic offspring have officially taken over. And we're not just talking about the clothes – although, let's be real, they were stunning.
The big question on everyone's lips is: can these pampered princesses really pull off a career in fashion? Or are they just following in their famous parents' footsteps? We spoke to several industry insiders who revealed that it's a toxic combination of privilege and pressure.
The Fashion Frenzy
At Michael Kors' spring/summer 2026 show, the front row was packed with some of Tinseltown's most recognizable names. Isan Elba, the daughter of Idris Elba, turned heads in a brown halter dress that cinched at the waist and paired perfectly with classic peep toe heels. Meanwhile, Leni Klum, 21-year-old daughter of Heidi Klum, wore a shimmering white blouse and high-waist shorts that she struck a pose with on the red carpet.
But these weren't the only famous offspring strutting their stuff down the catwalk. Amelia Gray Hamlin, the model daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, sashayed down in a stunning ensemble that would make even the most seasoned fashionista jealous. And let's not forget Ava Phillippe, 26-year-old daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, who stunned in a black lace dress with peep toe heels that she paired with a confident smile.
The Nepo Baby Epidemic
It seems like every time you turn around, there's another famous child launching their own career. And while some might say it's unfair to scrutinize them for following in their parents' footsteps, the truth is, nepotism runs deep in this industry. As Vulture senior writer Nate Jones pointed out in a 2022 exposé, "A lot of the children of famous people are not good." And we can't help but wonder if they're only there because of who they know.
"I have learned to simply say, 'Not right for the role. But lovely,'" one casting director confessed to us. "It's a veiled response rather than saying, 'Are you guys kidding me?' It's all about maintaining relationships and keeping the peace."
Gwyneth Paltrow Speaks Out
But not everyone is buying into the nepotistic narrative. Gwyneth Paltrow, Oscar winner and mother of two, has been vocal about her disdain for the term "nepo baby." In a 2023 interview with Bustle, she argued that there's nothing wrong with children following in their parents' footsteps.
"Nobody rips on a kid who's like: 'I want to be a doctor like my dad and granddad,'" she said. "It's only when it comes to the arts that people get judgmental."
Gwyneth also defended her own daughter Apple, who has recently been announced as the face of London-based fashion house Self-Portrait. When asked if Apple might make a good model, Gwyneth replied: "Exactly! She doesn't want anything to do with it, though."
The Reality Check
As we gaze upon these privileged princesses strutting their stuff on the catwalk, can't help but wonder if they're truly talented or just taking advantage of their famous connections? And what does this say about our society's obsession with celebrity culture?
One thing is for sure: New York Fashion Week has officially become a who's who of nepotistic offspring. But will their careers be more than just a pretty face and a famous name? Only time will tell.
The Nepo Baby Countdown
Here are some of the most notable "nepo babies" we spotted at Michael Kors' show:
- Isan Elba (daughter of Idris Elba)
- Leni Klum (daughter of Heidi Klum)
- Amelia Gray Hamlin (model daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin)
- Ava Phillippe (26-year-old daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe)
- Olivia Jade Giannulli (25-year-old daughter of Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli)
The Fashion Forecast
New York Fashion Week kicked off on Thursday and will run until Tuesday, with some of the biggest names in fashion debuting their Spring/Summer 2026 collections. Will we see more nepo babies strutting their stuff on the catwalk? Only time will tell.
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