# Kai Schreiber's butterfly moment at Thom Browne

> The 17-year-old model emerged from a giant chrysalis at New York Fashion Week in a performance blending fashion and dance.
- Title: Kai Schreiber's butterfly moment at Thom Browne · Vanity Fair
- Summary: The 17-year-old model emerged from a giant chrysalis at New York Fashion Week in a performance blending fashion and dance. Kai Schreiber became the first…
- Keywords: kai schreiber, thom browne, new york fashion week, nyfw, breakthrough model, trans model, daily front row, fashion media awards, liev schreiber, naomi watts, the shed, Kai
- Source: Vanity Fair — https://vanityfair.com/story/kai-schreiber-thom-browne-nyfw-show-interview
- Author: Chris Murphy
- Published: 2026-09-16T22:14:39.571+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kai schreiber, thom browne, new york fashion week, nyfw, breakthrough model, trans model, daily front row, fashion media awards, liev schreiber, naomi watts, the shed
## 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
## Key takeaway

Kai Schreiber became the first trans girl named breakthrough model of the year, then starred in Thom Browne's theatrical spring 2027 show.