In a recent interview, Naomi Watts shared insights into her experience as a mother to 17-year-old daughter, Kai, a budding model. Appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the 57-year-old actress revealed that her teenage daughter is not shy about dispensing style advice, often offering her opinions on her mother’s fashion choices.
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Watts, who shares both Kai and her son, Sasha, also 17, with ex-partner Liev Schreiber, expressed a blend of admiration and humour regarding Kai’s confidence in sharing her fashion insights. “Fashion is a big topic in the household, especially now, and I take serious notes from her,” Watts remarked, acknowledging that the advice she receives can be both solicited and unsolicited.
Reflecting on a particular fashion moment, Watts recounted her experience at the 2018 Met Gala, an event that showcased the theme “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination.” During the lead-up to the gala, she had presented Kai with two stunning options from designer Michael Kors. Ultimately, Watts chose a dress adorned with a striking 9,000 crystals, which she felt comfortable in, despite Kai’s playful suggestion that her mother had chosen the “wrong dress.”
Watts recalled the moment with a sense of amusement, noting that Kai, during a FaceTime call in the car with Mr. Kors himself, boldly stated, “You wore the wrong dress.” This candid honesty highlighted the creative dynamics within their relationship, as Watts acknowledged the sensitivity that artists often possess.
Despite the occasional fashion critique from her daughter, Watts supporting Kai’s modelling pursuits has been a primary focus for her. As she explained during an October 2025 appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends, she considers herself “a bit of a momager,” taking an active role in managing her daughter’s burgeoning career.
“She’s extra young, but she’s got her head on, and it was a nice way for her to feel pride about what she’s doing,” Watts stated, emphasising the importance of nurturing Kai’s self-esteem as she navigates the competitive modelling industry. “It’s exciting and very much younger than we anticipated. But for Kai, we felt she was ready,” she added.
Kai’s fashion prowess has emerged not just through her runway appearances but also in her high-profile outings alongside her mother. The duo has been spotted together at various events, including a Dior fashion show in New York City in April 2024 and an Armani Beauty party the following June, showcasing their close-knit relationship and shared interest in the fashion world.
Watts’ reflections on motherhood and style demonstrate the evolving dynamics between parents and their teenage children, especially in the entertainment and fashion spheres where trends and opinions can vary greatly. It is clear that while Watts remains an iconic figure in the industry, her daughter is carving out her own niche, with both women learning from each other as they navigate their respective paths.
As Kai continues to ascend in the modelling world, Watts’ supportive and encouraging approach serves as a reminder of the importance of a nurturing environment for young talent. The mother-daughter duo’s interactions not only illustrate the bonds of family but also provide a glimpse into the collaboration between generations in the world of fashion, where style and self-expression are ever-evolving.
In sharing her experiences, Naomi Watts not only highlights the delightful moments of being a mum but also reinforces the idea that parenting often involves learning and growth—both for the parent and the child. As they continue to influence each other’s lives, it will be intriguing to see how their shared journey in the creative world develops over the coming years.