Henry Samuel is stepping confidently into the fashion world and he’s giving credit to the two people who helped him find his way, his parents, Heidi Klum and Seal.
The 20-year-old rising model, who recently signed with NEXT Management, hit the 2025 GQ Men of the Year Awards in a sharp brown pinstripe suit paired with a white tee, silver chain, and tinted glasses. While on the red carpet, he reflected on how growing up with supermodel Heidi Klum and award-winning singer Seal shaped his relationship with fashion.
“When I was growing up, I always was evolving with my style and just figuring out my own look or how I feel in different clothing, but that evolved over time,” he shared in a recent interview with People Magazine. “[My parents] were telling me like, ‘Whatever makes you feel good, whatever can make you feel powerful, make you feel like whoever you want to feel.’”
Henry also pointed to some standout career moments from each of his parents. For Klum, he didn’t hesitate, “Definitely Victoria’s Secret for my mom on the runway. [In] the ’90s with Adriana Lima.”
When it came to Seal, one performance holds the top spot. “Definitely when he was performing [a tribute] for Prince,” he said, calling back to the emotional moment honoring the late legend. “I would guess that’s my favorite moment for my dad.”
The former Victoria Secrets model and Seal, who split in 2012 after nearly seven years of marriage, also share kids Leni, 21, Johan, 18, and Lou, 16.
Henry says he’s settling into modeling with excitement, especially after joining NEXT Management earlier this year. “I’m doing a little bit of stuff with YSL. I’m having fun with them right now. I’m doing all their beauty stuff and all their fragrances,” he revealed. “I have stuff coming more in the future with them — a lot more projects.”
His signing with NEXT was announced in July, where he shared, “I’ve grown up around fashion and entertainment, but stepping into this world myself is a whole new experience. I’m grateful to Next Management for this opportunity and excited to learn, grow, and find my own voice in the industry.”
Josh Otten, U.S. director of Talent at NEXT, echoed this excitement, “Henry brings a unique presence and creative energy that feels fresh and entirely his own.”
Otten continued, “He’s entering the industry to forge his own path, and at NEXT, we’re committed to supporting him through a 360-degree strategy that spans fashion, entertainment, and cultural relevance.”
Photo Credit: Henry Samuel Instagram; Seal Instagram
