Paris Fashion Week never fails to deliver star power, and this year’s Balenciaga Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026 show on March 7 proved that point. Naomi Watts, the 57-year-old actress known for roles in films like Mulholland Drive and The Ring, showed up with her 17-year-old daughter, Kai Schreiber.
The pair turned heads as they posed for photographers outside the venue, both dressed in sleek black outfits from the brand. Watts opted for a strapless top paired with wide-leg trousers, while Kai went for a fitted ensemble that highlighted her growing confidence in the fashion scene.
This wasn’t just any casual outing. Kai, who publicly came out as transgender nine months ago, has been making waves as a model. The event drew a crowd of celebrities, but the mother-daughter duo stood out for their coordinated looks and evident bond. Watts has attended fashion weeks before, but sharing the moment with Kai added a personal touch that fans noticed right away.
Kai’s Journey into the Spotlight
Kai Schreiber, born in 2008 to Watts and her ex-partner, actor Liev Schreiber, has quickly become a name to watch in modeling. She signed with IMG Models and made her runway debut at New York Fashion Week last year, walking for brands like Valentino. At the recent Balenciaga show, Kai didn’t just attend; she embodied the brand’s edgy vibe, drawing praise for her style choices.
🔥🚨DEVELOPING: Hollywood actress Naomi Watts was spotted smiling for the camera with her 17-year-old Transgender son Kai Schreiber.
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) March 8, 2026
Her transition has been part of her public story, with both parents voicing strong support. Liev Schreiber, in past interviews shared via outlets like People, described Kai as always being true to herself. “Kai was always who Kai is,” he said, emphasizing the family’s acceptance.
Kai’s appearances at events like this one mark her as a rising talent, often labeled a “nepo baby” due to her famous parents, but her work speaks for itself. She’s walked in Paris and New York, building a portfolio that includes high-profile shows and photo shoots.
The Balenciaga event highlighted her progress. Reports from WWD described her as commanding attention in a chic black look that fit the collection’s theme. At 17, she’s navigating the industry with poise, turning what could be pressure into opportunity. Fans have followed her story, from early family photos to these front-row seats, seeing her evolve in real time.
Parental Pride on Full Display
Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber split in 2016 after 11 years together, but they’ve co-parented their two kids, Kai and older brother Sasha, with visible unity. Watts often shares glimpses of family life on social media, and this fashion week appearance felt like an extension of that. She posted about cheering Kai on during previous runways, like at Valentino, where she commented, “Be still my beating heart,” on Kai’s Instagram.
At Balenciaga, the support was clear in their side-by-side poses. Watts, a fashion regular herself, has attended couture shows in the past, but bringing Kai along shows a shift toward shared experiences.
In a Vogue piece from an earlier event, Watts called these moments “special,” noting how Kai’s immersion in fashion makes them even better. Liev has echoed that sentiment, praising Kai’s authenticity in public statements.
This family dynamic resonates with many, especially in Hollywood where personal lives often face scrutiny. Their approach stands out as grounded and affirming, focusing on encouragement rather than drama. Kai’s brother Sasha has stayed more private, but the siblings appear close in family posts, adding to the positive narrative around the Schreibers.
What the Public Is Saying
The photos from the Balenciaga show spread quickly online, sparking a range of reactions on platforms like X and Instagram. Many celebrated the duo’s style and the visible family support. One X user called it a “masterclass in mother-daughter coordination,” highlighting how Kai is “commanding the Paris spotlight.” Positive comments flooded in from fashion enthusiasts, with posts praising Kai’s modeling potential and Watts’ role as a supportive mom.
However, not all feedback was glowing. Some users expressed skepticism or criticism about Kai’s transgender identity, with posts referring to her incorrectly as a “son” or questioning her place in women’s fashion.
A viral X post shared a video of the pair, labeling Kai as Watts’ “transgender son,” which drew over 2,800 likes but also heated replies. Conspiracy theories popped up too, with one account linking the family to broader Hollywood narratives and calling for accountability, garnering hundreds of reposts.
On Instagram, comments under related posts mixed admiration with negativity. Some users defended Kai, stressing respect for her identity, while others debated her looks or the “nepo baby” label. Media coverage from Daily Mail and Hello leaned positive, focusing on her stealing the show, but social media revealed the divide.
What do you think?