A monarch is born

Thom Browne transformed The Shed into a giant garden with 20-foot grass blades and a massive chrysalis. Kai Schreiber, 17, was hand-picked to emerge from it.

Already a fashion veteran

Schreiber has modeled for Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Fendi, and Celine. Days before the show, she was named breakthrough model of the year.

Parents in the front row

Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts sat front row, cameras out. Kai tried to ignore them, just like when they watched her give her awards speech.

“It was a little nerve-wracking, having to give a speech with them right there, staring at me, I just tried to ignore them”

Browne wanted a performer

The designer cast Schreiber because she could perform at the level he wanted. He was still calling shots on wigs and accessories minutes before showtime.

“She's an amazing performer, she's an amazing girl just in general”

A bug's life on the runway

Models wore insectile twists on Browne's signature suits and ladybug silhouettes. The collection was directly inspired by the 1998 animated film.

The only chrysalis transformation

Eight other models were butterflies, but Schreiber was the only one to enter the onstage chrysalis and emerge transformed in a new ensemble.

“I knew that I wanted to have a butterfly moment that was more of a performance”

Dance meets high fashion

Schreiber studied classical ballet at LaGuardia. She was thrilled to combine her two passions, striking poses that blended modeling and modern dance.

First trans breakthrough model

Schreiber is the first trans girl to receive the breakthrough model title. She credits the trans people who paved the way before her.

“I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the trans girls and boys who paved the way for me”

Feeling like a unicorn

Schreiber kept her dramatic rainbow eyeshadow on after the show. Next up: London Fashion Week, then Italy and France.

“I feel like a unicorn”