Kaia Gerber Opens Up On Family, Fame, And Flashbacks To Malibu Days

Kaia's Journey from Malibu to the Spotlight

Kaia Gerber is pulling back the curtain on her early days in the public eye, sharing rare insights into her childhood alongside big brother Presley Gerber. As the daughter of iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford and entrepreneur Rande Gerber, life was anything but ordinary – yet surprisingly relatable. Chatting with Harper’s Bazaar for their February 2026 cover story, the 24-year-old model reflected on a childhood filled with public school drama, community theater, and SoCal sunshine.

“I always went to public school. I did theater. I did every community play. I was in choir. I did singing recitals. I danced," Kaia recalls, painting a picture of an artsy kid with Broadway dreams. Frequent NYC trips with her family always included a mandatory stop on the Great White Way. "I saw Wicked eight times. I had all the lyrics to Rent memorized by the time I was nine years old,” she shared.

“It's so interesting to articulate your own childhood, because I have a brother who's two years older, and our memories are completely contradictory, which is really fascinating," Kaia mused, reflecting on the complexities of siblinghood and shared history.

Presley's Truth and Mental Health Journey

While Kaia fondly remembers her Malibu upbringing, her brother Presley has his own unique take on their past. As he navigates the ups and downs of life in the public eye, Presley recently made waves by speaking candidly about his mental health challenges. In an Instagram video posted on December 1, the 26-year-old model opened up about his battle with night terrors and panic attacks, revealing his medication regimen.

“I feel like honesty is the best policy," Presley said from the warmth of a sauna, sharing that he's "currently" managing his symptoms with 1mg of Buprenorphine twice a day. He also mentioned the fluctuating use of benzos, along with Xanax and Valium to cope with severe anxiety episodes.

Presley’s quest for balance and clarity is ongoing. “Doctors say a lot of different things so it's kind of scary. But hopefully between my research and their research and the world and God, we can finally figure this out," he expressed, highlighting the uncertainty many face when seeking mental health solutions.

A Home Filled with Art and Acceptance

Back at home, Kaia and Presley grew up surrounded by the iconic imagery of their mother. "They were, to me, artistic. It wasn't vulgar; it wasn't objectification," Kaia said of the nude photographs that adorned their family space, describing it as "a gift to grow up in a house that was without shame for the female body."

As her modeling career took flight, Kaia made the shift from public school to homeschooling at 15, navigating her path in an industry her family knew intimately. Through it all, she remains grounded in her Malibu roots, carrying those formative years with her into the world of high fashion.