Heidi Klum and Seal’s Son Henry Samuel Says His Parents Helped Him in ‘Figuring Out’ His Personal Style (Exclusive)

Henry Samuel has fashion in his genes.

On Thursday, Nov. 13, the up-and-coming model appeared at the 2025 GQ Men of the Year Awards in Los Angeles wearing a brown pinstripe suit and a white T-shirt underneath. The 20-year-old accessorized with black dress shoes, a long silver chain necklace and tinted black-rimmed glasses.

On the red carpet, Samuel, who is the eldest son of Heidi Klum and singer Seal, spoke to PEOPLE about getting style inspiration from his parents.

“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 reflected. “[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.'”

Samuel went on to reveal his favorite moments from his supermodel mom and musician dad’s careers.

“Definitely Victoria’s Secret for my mom on the runway,” he said of Klum, 52, referring to her 11-year reign as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. “[In] the ’90s with Adriana Lima.”

As for his dad, Seal, Henry called out a particular performance of the 62-year-old singer’s.

“Definitely when he was performing [a tribute] for Prince,” he said, referring to the late “Purple Rain” singer, who died in 2016 at age 57. “I would guess that’s my favorite moment for my dad.”

In addition to Henry, Klum and Seal — who split in 2012 after nearly seven years of marriage — share Leni, 21, Johan, 18, and Lou, 16.

Samuel also shared an update about his modeling career, saying that things were “going great” after recently signing to NEXT Management.

“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, teasing, “I have stuff coming more in the future with them — a lot more projects.”

Samuel’s contract with NEXT was announced in July.

“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,” he said in an official press release following the news.

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“Henry brings a unique presence and creative energy that feels fresh and entirely his own,” Josh Otten, the U.S. director of Talent at NEXT Management, said in a statement of his own. “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.”

The news came just after Samuel made his runway debut at the Lena Erziak show during Paris Haute Couture Week back in January. By March, Samuel landed the cover of Hunger Magazine.

After news of Samuel’s modeling contract was announced, Klum celebrated on her Instagram Stories, tagging his her son.

Samuel is carrying on the family legacy. In addition to her time a Victoria’s Secret Angel, Klum has also walked the runway for Vera Wang, Zac Posen, Escada and more. She most recently reprised her role as host and judge on Project Runway.