“I’m Basic, But in a Chic Way”: Kai Schreiber Takes Our Pop Quiz

Sixteen-year-old Kai Schreiber may be a fresh face on the runway, but as the child of two Hollywood actors, she’s anything but shy. Just before school let out for summer, we gave the budding model one last pop quiz.

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What was your first job?

My first-ever job was at a small boutique in Montauk, where we stay in the summer. It was really cute, like, boho vibes. I loved it. My first job in fashion though was a Valentino campaign that shot in February. That job made me realize, “Okay, this is what I want to do.”

Where’s your favorite place to vacation?

Paris, period. I don’t even think there needs to be an explanation. Paris is Paris, the city of fashion.

What subject are you best at?

I’ve never been the A+ student, but I’ve always loved to write. Like, literally since I was a toddler. I was creepy as hell, seriously—ask my parents. I’m sure they have a bunch of old murder stories I wrote when I was eight.

How much time do you spend on TikTok?

Oh, this is bad. Like, a lot. It’s a part of my routine at this point. I shower, do my skincare, and then doomscroll until I fall asleep. But I truly love TikTok. It’s such a fun place. I either watch inspo videos or funny ones. It’s so unserious. Instagram is more professional, but on TikTok, I literally just post whatever I want.

What’s your beauty routine?

I’ve been realizing lately that less is more, especially with skincare. I used to buy anything I saw on TikTok and then burn my face off because of it; that wasn’t cute. Now I just wash my face and put on moisturizer. In terms of makeup, my everyday look is just covering up the mishaps and a little eyeliner. Oh, and I always have my lip combo—I can’t go anywhere without her.

How often are you late for class?

Oh, this is shady. Okay, I’m gonna keep it real. Like every day, honestly. God forbid a girl loves to sleep.

What books are you reading?

I’m not reading any at the moment. Vogue. Period. But feel free to send me recommendations, y’all.

Favorite ice cream?

Mint chocolate chip all day, every day, girl. People either love it or hate it. I don’t care, it’s my fave.

Can you describe your summer style?

Summer is the season when I’m probably the least stylish. I’m in a swimsuit most of the time, and whatever is comfortable to throw on top. Especially because I’m on Long Island most of the summer. If I was in the city, my style would be better, ’cause who do I need to impress in Montauk? The fish?

What’s one movie you watch over and over again?

Black Swan. I’ve watched that movie over ten times, no joke. It’s so incredible. Apparently, Ms. Natalie Portman actually learned ballet for it, and coming from a dancer, she ate. Or The Devil Wears Prada; that movie got me into fashion.

If you could only listen to one album all summer, what would it be?

Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. I could listen to Lana’s albums all day, but that one gives me the most summer vibes—that or Norman Fucking Rockwell. Or Ethel Cain, Preacher’s Daughter.

Do you prefer beaches or pools? Why?

Okay, here’s the tea: I’m deathly afraid of the ocean, but I love the beach. My favorite thing to do in the summer is lay out a blanket, play music, and relax on the beach with my friends. But I do not mess with waves, absolutely not.

Do you consider yourself a lone wolf or part of a clique?

I’m anything but a lone wolf, honestly. I love being with my friends more than anything. Obviously, I have days on my own, but I don’t do anything on my own, really. If I don’t have plans to go see my friends, I’ll just stay in bed—but not in a sad way.

What’s the hardest part about high school?

I’ve never been really good at school. It’s always been a struggle for me. People tell me that it flies by, but I’m definitely not flying over here. I’m, like, army-crawling through it, girl.

Do you have a curfew?

I do: 12:30/1. Which is respectable, honestly. I always beg my parents to extend it when I’m out with my friends, but once I’m back in my bed watching my show with my snacks, I’m so happy to be there.

Where do you want to go to college?

I don’t know. Like I said, school has never really been my strong suit. I see myself in the fashion industry. It’s always been my dream. I’m not sure if college is for me, but we’ll see when it rolls around. I like to go with the flow.

Who do you look up to?

As a young trans girl, I’m always going to look up to the older generation of transgender people, especially in fashion. People like Alex Consani, Hunter Schafer, Hari Nef, Dara, Richie Shazam, Colin Jones, and so many more. It’s so great that there’s a strong community of us in the fashion world; it’s really a doll takeover. It’s important to all of us to have a sense of community, especially when we’re under such hostile attack.

Do your friends throw fun parties?

Do people throw parties? Yes. Are they fun? No. Sorry, babe. I know I’m 16 and I’m in high school, but I hate high school house parties. I’m not about to sit in your living room on a couch with 40 people on it with bad music blasting. It’s nothing like the movies. I like to dress up in a cute outfit and dance to Brat. Getting ready is always the most fun, and Ubers with your friends.

Do you have your driver’s license?

Not yet, but I plan on getting my permit this summer. By the time this is out, I’ll hopefully have it. I refuse to drive in the city, though. That seems horrifying; I could never.

What’s in your locker?

I sadly don’t have one, but if I did it would be really cute and organized with a mirror and a bowl of lip gloss or something gaggy like that. When I was younger, I always wanted a locker because of movies and stuff. I had one in middle school, but got in trouble because I kept candy in it, and for some reason we weren’t allowed.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a supermodel. Period. I’ve been practicing my walks in the kitchen for years; my mom can show you all the videos I forced her to film. Struggling with gender identity from a young age most likely had something to do with it. I always wanted to grow up and be a beautiful, glamorous, influential woman, like Marilyn.

How would you describe your personal style?

Most days I’m basic, but in a chic way, if that makes sense. I love my low-rise jeans and black cardigan. That’s my go-to outfit. I love when people have their own personal style; it makes the world more fun. If you’re presenting yourself in a unique, cool way, people are immediately drawn in and want to know more. If every person was walking around in the same outfit, fashion wouldn’t be a thing.

What was the first concert you went to?

Billie Eilish. I was in fifth grade. I was and still am obsessed with her. When I went to see her she was already big, but not like she is now. I guess you could say I’m an OG.

When do you feel the most free?

When I’m around people who make me feel comfortable with myself. My friends know I’m a crazy girl. I’m loud and not afraid to act a fool in public. It’s important to surround yourself with people who know you on a deep level and who treat you well. I used to let people walk all over me, but I’ve learned my worth and distanced myself from them. The people you surround yourself with have the biggest impact on you, and if they’re not making you feel free and comfortable, cut ’em off, babe. Snip, snip.

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Hair: Lucas Wilson using Oribe and Gama Professional at Day One.

Makeup: Jezz Hill at CLM.

Nails: Nori using Dior at See Management.

Photography Assistant: Andrew Espinal.

Fashion Assistant: Nicholson Baird.

Production Coordination: Claudia Malpeli.

Post-production: Camerin Stoldt.