Heidi Klum on Red Carpet Dates with Son Henry: 'What Better Date Can You Have Than Your Own Son?'

Key facts

• Heidi Klum, 52, has been bringing her son Henry Samuel, 20, to red carpet events.
• Klum's husband Tom Kaulitz has been traveling extensively, prompting her to seek a companion.
• Henry Samuel helped Klum with a wardrobe malfunction at LACMA's Opening Gala in April.
• Klum wore a black mesh gown that got caught in her heels at the LACMA event.
• The mother-son duo attended the premiere of 'Project Hail Mary' in March.
• Klum has four children: Leni (21), Johan (19), Lou (16), and Henry (20).
• Klum married musician Tom Kaulitz in 2019.
• At the 2026 Met Gala, Klum wore an ensemble inspired by the Veiled Vestal sculpture.

A New Red Carpet Companion

Heidi Klum has found a new red carpet partner: her 20-year-old son, Henry Samuel. The supermodel, 52, has been bringing Henry to high-profile events, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's Opening Gala for The David Geffen Galleries and the premiere of 'Project Hail Mary.' In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Klum revealed the reason behind the change. 'To be honest, because my husband has been traveling so much and I didn't want to go alone,' she said. 'So Henry has been like, "I'll come with you, mom." And I'm like, "This is fabulous."' Klum added, 'I mean, what better date can you have than your own son?'

A Night of Fun and Appreciation

Klum described the experience as 'fun' and emphasized the joy of seeing events through her son's fresh perspective. 'Obviously, things are super exciting for me too, but it's different with a 20-year-old when they see things and do things for the first time, like a big red carpet,' she reflected. She noted that Henry is 'always super appreciative' that she takes him, but she feels even more grateful. 'To be honest, I'm more appreciative that he comes with me, that he's proud to be on my side,' Klum said. 'And we have a fun night together. We love people watching, we gossip a little bit. It's a real fun night with my son.'

A Wardrobe Malfunction at LACMA

During the LACMA gala in April, Henry proved to be a quick-thinking escort. Klum wore a black mesh gown with a long train that got caught in her heels while she was taking pictures outside. Samuel immediately came to her rescue, unhooking the dress from her heels. The incident highlighted the practical support Henry provides, beyond just being a date. Klum's decision to bring her son has turned into a bonding experience, with both enjoying the glamour and the behind-the-scenes moments.

Family Dynamics and Background

Klum is mother to four children: Leni, 21; Johan, 19; Lou, 16; and Henry, 20. She shares all four with her ex-husband, musician Seal. In 2019, Klum married Tom Kaulitz, a guitarist for the band Tokio Hotel. Henry, the second youngest, has increasingly appeared alongside his mother at public events. His towering height and handsome looks have drawn attention, often eclipsing his supermodel mother in photographs. Klum has embraced the attention, sharing the spotlight with her son.

Met Gala 2026: A Sculptural Tribute

At the 2026 Met Gala, Klum took the 'Fashion Is Art' theme to new heights with an ensemble inspired by the Veiled Vestal sculpture. The gray material was molded to her body, creating a formfitting silhouette with illusion elements that mimicked sheer fabric. Her face was partially veiled by a floral headpiece, and she wore gray contacts, with painted hands, face, and even teeth. The look paid homage to Raffaelle Monti's 1847 sculpture, which was commissioned in 1846 and represents a Vestal Virgin. The sculpture originally resided in Cavendish's West London Chiswick House and is now displayed at Chatsworth House. It famously appeared in the 2005 film adaptation of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice.'

Contrast with Previous Year

Klum's 2026 Met Gala attire stood in stark contrast to her 2025 ensemble, when she wore a simple black gown designed by Vetements creative director Guram Gvasalia. The shift from minimalist to elaborate, sculptural fashion underscores her willingness to embrace bold themes. Klum's consistent presence at major fashion events, from the Met Gala to red carpet premieres, continues to generate headlines. Her recent decision to bring Henry along has added a personal dimension to her public appearances, blending family life with her career.

The bottom line

• Heidi Klum has been bringing her son Henry Samuel as her red carpet date due to her husband's travel schedule.
• Klum and Henry enjoy people-watching and gossiping together, turning events into bonding time.
• Henry assisted Klum with a wardrobe malfunction at the LACMA gala, demonstrating his support.
• Klum's Met Gala 2026 look was inspired by the Veiled Vestal sculpture, a stark contrast to her simple 2025 gown.
• Klum's four children are from her marriage to Seal; she married Tom Kaulitz in 2019.
• The mother-son duo attended the premiere of 'Project Hail Mary' in March.