Heidi Klum and Seal's daughter, Leni, is no ordinary college student – she traded traditional graduation ceremonies for international campaigns with some of the world's most coveted designer brands.
During a new interview with The Daily Front Row, Leni revealed that she skipped her graduation for a modelling job. The 22-year-old enrolled at New York City’s Parsons School of Design for interior design before transferring to online courses at New York University. However, she has had a nontraditional college experience due to balancing her course with her career as a model.
"I was studying online, so I was able to travel for work," she shared. "I'm glad it's over now, but I did enjoy it when I was in school. I'm not a fan of homework! Other than that, it was great."
© Variety via Getty ImagesLeni missed her graduation day as she was on set shooting a Guess campaign. "I still got my diploma!" she said. The promotion for the brand's eyewear collection was shot overseas in London. "Originally, I was shocked," she said of her reaction to landing the job. "Obviously, I was 100 percent doing this."
Aside from modeling, Leni has a passion for interior design. "My mom’s house actually sparked my interest; I always talk about redoing it. I’m more a minimalist – a few pieces here and there that stand out – but we have completely different tastes," she told People in 2022. "She’s a maximalist, with fashion too. In the future, I’d love to be on Fixer Upper. I’m obsessed with that show."
© WireImageLeni Klum's modeling career
The German supermodel was married to Seal from 2005 to 2014 and the pair share four children – Leni, Henry, Johan, and Lou. Heidi was dating Leni's biological father, businessman Flavio Briatore, in 2003 and announced her pregnancy in December that year. However, the couple split before Leni was born and in this time Heidi met Seal who was present at the birth in May 2004. Seal legally adopted Leni in 2009, whose name was changed to "Leni Olumi Klum."
© WireImageLeni was first approached by a modelling scout at the age of 12; however, her mom would not allow her to sign. It wasn't until Leni was 16 that Heidi allowed her to make her debut alongside her for Vogue Germany. In February 2024, Leni signed with IMG Models.
© Getty Images"It's not just jumping in front of the camera and looking pretty," she told Vogue Germany back in March. "There are a lot of things that happen behind the scenes that you don't even see in the end product. Modelling requires a lot of discipline."
