Heidi Klum’s youngest daughter, Lou, just hit a milestone, and the supermodel made sure the day didn’t go unnoticed. On October 9, Heidi celebrated Lou's 16th birthday with a heartfelt tribute filled with rarely-seen family photos and videos that reached deep into the family archives.
"Lou my beautiful sunshine. Happy 16 th Birthday. I love you with my whole heart ," Klum wrote on Instagram, alongside a nostalgic reel of moments from Lou's childhood.
Among the carousel of throwbacks was a sweet video of Lou singing as a young child, a beachside family photo, and a group shot featuring all four of Klum’s children, Leni, 21, Henry, 20, Johan, 18, and birthday girl Lou, posed in front of a brick wall.
The post was not just a walk down memory lane, but also a rare glimpse into the more private side of Klum’s life. The supermodel shares her children with ex-husband Seal, though the kids are often seen with her current husband, Tom Kaulitz, who she says plays the role of “extra dad” in their blended family.
Just weeks earlier, the entire family made a public appearance at HeidiFest in Munich, a Bavarian-themed event hosted by Klum. The model wore a red and white dirndl complete with a flower crown and a necklace that read "Tom" in tribute to her husband. Lou followed her mom’s lead in a similar traditional outfit, showing off her heritage with pride.
“These are my roots—even if I'm not from Bavaria, I'm still German,” Klum told OK! Magazine at the time. “I grew up here, too. And in that respect, I think it's nice for my children to see a bit of my roots.” In addition to honoring Lou’s birthday, the moment was another opportunity for Klum to highlight her daughter’s creativity, especially when it comes to Halloween.
Known for her elaborate Halloween parties and jaw-dropping costumes, Klum has long hoped to pass that festive energy on to her kids. So far, Lou is the only one who seems to have caught the bug. "I was hoping that I would pass this on even to my kids, but out of four, there's only one that really is going for it and that's Lou," Klum told PEOPLE in 2021.
“Lou, especially. She makes her own things,” she added in a 2024 interview. “She's also really into anime. She makes all the wigs herself.” The Project Runway host even admitted her daughter might be outshining her when it comes to building costumes.
“She’s pretty talented, I have to say, more talented than me when it comes to building things. If anyone has the major block about dressing up and that stuff, it would be my Lou.”
Earlier this fall, Klum had celebrated another one of her children, her son Henry, who turned 20 in September. That birthday tribute included a home video of toddler Henry dancing around the living room, wearing a gold crown while holding hands with his sister Leni to the tune of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
Klum has never shied away from expressing how deeply motherhood has shaped her. She opened up about the evolving worries that come with raising children during an interview with People. "When they’re young, you’re worried they’re going to jump in the pool or stick their finger in a socket,” she said.
“Then they’re driving. Then it’s sex, drugs and rock and roll. You hope the seed you planted in them grows. That they’re good people. That they’re healthy. But you always worry. And I know I’ll still be worrying when I’m 80," she said.