The Glamorous World of Nepo Babies and Their Designer Wardrobes
Being the child of a Hollywood star comes with a unique set of advantages, one of which is the enviable access to a designer wardrobe. These "nepo babies," as they are often dubbed, not only inherit their parents’ good looks and talent but also gain entry to a treasure trove of vintage fashion. This phenomenon has become increasingly visible on red carpets, where young stars pay homage to their famous parents by donning iconic pieces from their closets.
Carys Zeta Douglas: A Vintage Tribute
Carys Zeta Douglas, the daughter of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, recently made headlines when she borrowed a stunning black lace dress from her mother’s collection. The 22-year-old wore the frock, originally donned by Zeta-Jones at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 20 years ago, to a red carpet event in October. Styled with pointed black heels and ruby-hued earrings, Carys not only showcased her mother’s timeless elegance but also her own burgeoning fashion sense. This isn’t the first time Carys has raided her mother’s closet; she previously wore a pink and white floral Ungaro dress that Zeta-Jones wore to the MTV Movie Awards in 1999 for her 21st birthday celebration.
Apple Martin: A Legacy of Style
Another notable example is Apple Martin, the daughter of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and musician Chris Martin. In December 2025, Apple attended the premiere of "Marty Supreme" wearing a slinky black Calvin Klein dress that her mother originally wore to the premiere of "Emma" in 1996. While Paltrow styled the dress with dark lipstick and a messy updo, Apple opted for a more natural makeup look and polished hairstyle, showcasing her own interpretation of vintage glamour. Paltrow has openly shared her intention to pass down her red carpet looks, stating that she saved many of her iconic dresses for Apple long before she was born.
Dannielynn Birkhead: A Heartfelt Tribute
Dannielynn Birkhead, the daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith, made a poignant statement at the 2025 Barnstable Brown Gala by wearing a black and crystal dress that her mother had worn to the same event in 2004. Attending with her father, Larry Birkhead, Dannielynn expressed that wearing the dress felt like “the closest to a hug I can get from her.” Larry shared the emotional significance of the moment, recalling that the last time he saw the dress was when Anna Nicole wore it. This heartfelt tribute not only honored her mother’s memory but also highlighted the emotional connections that fashion can evoke.
Andie MacDowell and Rainey Qualley: A Mother-Daughter Duo
Andie MacDowell and her daughter Rainey Qualley also exemplify this trend of familial fashion. For People’s Most Beautiful issue, Rainey wore an Alberta Ferretti gown that her mother had previously donned in 2017. The gray low-cut dress featured sheer black lace, and the duo posed together, showcasing both their individual styles and their shared love for fashion. This collaboration not only highlights the bond between mother and daughter but also emphasizes the timeless nature of certain pieces.
Kaia Gerber: Channeling Iconic Looks
Kaia Gerber, daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford, has also made waves by channeling her mother’s iconic fashion moments. At the 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala, Kaia wore a red gown reminiscent of Crawford’s famous 1991 Oscars look. While it wasn’t the exact dress, the homage was clear, and it showcased how fashion can transcend generations. The connection between mother and daughter is palpable, as Kaia continues to carve her own path in the modeling world while paying tribute to her mother’s legacy.
Mia Threapleton: A Modern Homage
Mia Threapleton, daughter of actress Kate Winslet, opted for a stylistic homage to her mother’s 1998 Oscars look by wearing a dark green Oscar de la Renta gown at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. While not a direct re-use of the original dress, Mia’s choice reflected the influence of her mother’s iconic style, demonstrating how the next generation can reinterpret past fashion moments in a contemporary context.
Lila Grace Moss Hack: Vintage Charm
In a more casual setting, Lila Grace Moss Hack, daughter of Kate Moss, borrowed her mother’s leopard print jacket for an outing, nearly two decades after Kate first wore it. Lila’s affinity for her mother’s vintage pieces highlights the ongoing trend of young stars embracing the fashion choices of their parents. Kate has humorously noted that Lila has a knack for “squirreling through” her closet, showcasing the playful relationship they share over fashion.
The world of Hollywood is not just about the glitz and glamour; it’s also about the emotional connections and legacies that fashion can carry. As these nepo babies step into the spotlight, they not only honor their parents’ styles but also create their own identities, proving that fashion is a powerful medium for storytelling and connection.
