Heidi Klum and Daughter Leni Turn Heads in Matching Outfits at the Venice Film Festival

"Unflattering," "Terrifying," and "Smooshed" — Heidi Klum and daughter Leni spark online firestorm after matching gowns stun at Venice Film Festival.

It was meant to be a dazzling mother-daughter moment on the red carpet, but it quickly spiraled into a fashion fiasco. When supermodel Heidi Klum and her 21-year-old daughter Leni Klum stepped out in near-identical, lingerie-inspired gowns at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, the internet had plenty to say — and not all of it was kind.

The pair appeared side by side in coordinating corseted dresses by Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi, striking poses that drew gasps — for better or worse. But once the photos hit social media, what should have been a glamorous joint appearance quickly ignited a wave of online backlash and unfiltered opinions.

"Heidi looks completely different," one stunned commenter gasped.

Matching Mayhem as the Klums Face Brutal Criticism Online

Heidi's gown, a soft blush pink, featured off-the-shoulder sleeves and sheer mesh panels delicately ruched across her frame. Her daughter Leni, just 21, opted for a bolder black version — an exposed corset with straps and a dramatic floor-length skirt.

She completed her daring look with a striking emerald necklace that stood out like a jewel in the Venetian night. But not everyone was impressed. The online reaction was swift, emotional, and merciless.

"That dress does not look good on Heidi," one person wrote bluntly, while another couldn't resist asking, "Why is her daughter so tiny?" Someone else wrote, "The poor girl looks so unhappy 🙁"

Several were unnerved by Heidi's appearance in the photos, with one user declaring, "Heidi's eyes scared me, she looks lun4tic😭[sic]."

Another described a particular shot of the 51-year-old model as "terrifying," with another commenting, "Second photo of Heidi is not flattering – her eyes."

Others zeroed in on the overall styling, accusing the custom gowns of missing the mark. "Sweet Jesus, these are unflattering dresses," one person exclaimed.

"Why does Heidi insist on wearing stuff that's a fraction too tight? This being custom makes it even worse," another scolded. One scathing remark summed up the sentiment felt by many:

"They both have amazing figures and these dresses somehow make them both look…smooshed. I don't like these at all."

Rising Star or Living in the Shadows? Inside Leni Klum's Modeling Journey

Amid the controversy, Leni's growing presence in the fashion world is impossible to ignore. Despite the criticism, her appearance at Venice marks another milestone in a modeling career that has been both inspired and complicated by her famous mother's legacy.

In an emotional March 2025 interview with Glamour, Leni opened up about her early fascination with the industry. "Not really," she said when asked if she'd always planned to model. She added:

"On the contrary, even as a child I practically begged my mom to let me accompany her to her appointments. I was fascinated by everything on set: the hair styling, the makeup and how much fun my mother had during shoots. I knew right away that I wanted to do that too."

She even admitted to sneaking in front of the camera when no one was looking and pestering stylists to do her makeup. But at just 13, her dreams hit a roadblock — courtesy of her protective mother. "My mom put the stop to it. She said I was too young. Today I'd say she was right," Leni confessed.

Discipline, Deadlines, and a Determined Young Woman

By age 16, Leni began modeling professionally, and she hasn't looked back. In the same interview, she credited her mother's advice for giving her the clarity and strength needed to survive the tough world of fashion.

"Without my mother's advice, I would have approached it a bit naively and wouldn't have had such a grasp of what modeling entails," she admitted.

Far from a glamorous fantasy, she painted the job as one of "discipline and professionalism." And her German roots, she joked, make her punctuality non-negotiable.

Protective Mother or Overbearing Mentor? Heidi Opens Up

Back in 2020, during a rare joint interview with Vogue, Heidi Klum candidly acknowledged the delicate balancing act of guiding her daughter's budding career while giving her space to grow.

"It's her career, she should make her own decisions," Heidi said, though she admitted, "I might meddle now and then." The protective instinct hasn't faded, and Leni, for her part, doesn't mind. "I was grateful for her advice, even if it did not always appear so," she explained.

Glamour, Gowns, and Growing Pains

Despite the criticism, one thing is clear: Leni Klum is not going anywhere. She's embracing the spotlight with open eyes — and a thicker skin. Her path may be intertwined with Heidi's, but this rising star is clearly blazing her own trail.

Still, as the glamorous Venice gowns continue to spark debate, the world is watching — and judging — every move.

What do YOU think of Heidi and Leni's bold fashion moment? Dazzling duo or designer disaster? Sound off in the comments!