Kaia Gerber, the 24-year-old model and actor, has spoken candidly about her upbringing with supermodel mother Cindy Crawford, particularly her exposure to nude photographs of her mother as a child. In a recent Harper’s Bazaar cover story, Gerber explained that these images were commonplace in her home, “lining the walls,” yet she never perceived them as vulgar or objectifying. Instead, she described them as artistic and a natural part of growing up in a household that rejected shame around the female body.
A Childhood Without Shame
Gerber’s perspective highlights a deliberate effort to normalize nudity and body acceptance within her family. This approach contrasts with broader societal norms where female bodies are often sexualized or hidden. Gerber’s upbringing was also marked by a relatively normal childhood outside of her mother’s fame. She attended public school, participated in theater, choir, and dance, even memorizing full musical scores by age nine.
Hollywood Anecdotes
Gerber has previously shared other unusual details from her Los Angeles childhood. In one instance, her mother prepared her for a fashion show by playing compilation videos of models falling. Another memorable experience was having Pamela Anderson as her elementary school crossing guard, complete with a yellow safety vest. These anecdotes paint a picture of an upbringing steeped in celebrity culture but grounded in everyday experiences.
Redefining Icon Status
Gerber’s understanding of her mother’s icon status evolved as she matured. Watching the Apple TV+ documentary The Super Models made her fully grasp the magnitude of Cindy Crawford’s legacy. She expressed feeling starstruck by her own mother after realizing the depth of her impact.
Setting Boundaries Through Transparency
The discussion of nude photos isn’t framed as a shocking revelation but rather as a declaration of boundaries. Gerber is making it clear that her household never treated the female body as something to hide, and she has no interest in reinterpreting that reality. This approach underscores a rejection of societal taboos surrounding female nudity and a celebration of body acceptance.
“It wasn’t vulgar; it wasn’t objectification… it was a gift to grow up in a house that was without shame for the female body.”
This perspective is a direct response to the industry’s often-restrictive standards and a testament to a childhood that prioritized openness and self-acceptance.
