For most college graduates, walking across the stage is the highlight of earning a degree. For Leni Klum, however, a major career opportunity meant celebrating in a different way.
The 22-year-old daughter of supermodel Heidi Klum recently revealed why she skipped her New York University graduation ceremony, explaining that she was working overseas on the same day she was supposed to receive her diploma. While she missed the traditional celebration, Leni says she has no regrets because she still completed her studies and earned her degree.
© GC ImagesWhy Did Leni Klum Skip Her New York University Graduation?
During an interview with The Daily Front Row, Leni shared that she was in London filming a Guess eyewear campaign when NYU held its graduation ceremony. Although the timing forced her to miss walking across the stage with her classmates, the rising model kept her focus on the bigger picture.
"I still got my diploma," she explained, adding that booking the campaign was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.
How Leni Balanced College and Modeling
Leni initially enrolled at Parsons School of Design in New York to study interior design before transitioning to online courses through New York University. The online format gave her the flexibility to travel for modeling assignments while continuing her education.
© WireImageReflecting on the experience, she admitted that juggling both worlds wasn't always easy. She said she enjoyed being in school overall but joked that she wasn't a fan of homework. Now that she's graduated, she's happy to have completed that chapter while continuing to build her career in fashion.
Why Interior Design Became Her Major
Long before graduating, Leni spoke about her passion for interior design and how it was inspired by growing up in Heidi Klum's home.
She previously explained that her mother's decorating style sparked her interest, even though their tastes are quite different. “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’s a maximalist, with fashion too. In the future, I’d love to be on Fixer Upper. I’m obsessed with that show,” she told People in 2022.
© Getty ImagesWhile Heidi embraces a bold, maximalist aesthetic, Leni describes herself as more of a minimalist. She has even said she'd love to renovate homes one day because she's a fan of HGTV'S home makeover shows.
Her Modeling Career Continues to Grow
Even while studying, Leni continued building an impressive modeling résumé.
After signing with IMG Models in 2024, she expanded her presence in the fashion industry with magazine covers, runway appearances, and high-profile campaigns. Her latest Guess eyewear shoot, which took place in London, became the reason she couldn't attend graduation in person.
© Getty ImagesThe campaign marked another milestone for the young model, who has steadily established her own identity while following a career path similar to her famous mother's.
Heidi Klum Has Always Supported Her Daughter
Heidi Klum has frequently spoken about watching Leni develop confidence in front of the camera from an early age.
Having spent years visiting her mother's fashion shoots and television sets, Leni became comfortable in the industry long before launching her professional modeling career.
© WireImageOver the years, the mother-daughter duo has appeared together on magazine covers, attended fashion events, and collaborated on campaigns, showcasing both their close relationship and shared passion for fashion.
