As Halloween approaches, one thing is certain: it’s not officially All Hallows' Eve until supermodel Heidi Klum reveals her highly anticipated costume. This year, Klum made a grand entrance at the Hard Rock Hotel in New York City, dressed as the iconic Medusa for her 24th annual Heidiween party. Klum’s costume has become a much-anticipated event that fans look forward to each year.
“I look forward to Halloween all year,” Klum shared with Vogue shortly before her event. “I have been doing this for 24 years and hope I can do it forever. Every year, I get more inspired and more enthusiastic.” For Klum, Halloween is a special day dedicated to being silly, dressing up, dancing with friends, being creative, and indulging in candy.
Year after year, Klum keeps fans guessing about her costume choice. In the past, she has wowed audiences as Jessica Rabbit, a peacock, E.T., and even a creepy worm. This year, she decided to reinterpret a mythological Greek figure, choosing Medusa for its iconic status.
“I wanted to explore the classic monsters of history and reimagine one in a modern way,” Klum explained. “Medusa stood out to me as truly iconic—mysterious yet ferocious. The legend of her turning humans to stone has fascinated audiences for centuries.” Klum’s hand-painted costume features extraordinary details, including moving mechanical snakes that rest atop her head, showcasing her creativity and commitment to the character.
The preparation for this stunning look was no small feat. Klum spent an impressive nine hours in the makeup chair to achieve the final look. “I love that all of the snakes move independently—they look so real,” she remarked. “I also have a custom split snake tongue that is just next level.” Klum’s meticulous planning and passion for elaborate costumes are evident; she often begins conceptualizing her outfits years in advance.
Although Klum had a later start than usual for this year's costume, she collaborated with her close friend, special effects artist Mike Marino, who has helped bring her visions to life for many years. “He immediately said, ‘Hell yeah!’,” Klum recalled. “He is a great collaborator, bringing not just the costume to life, but also ideas to make it even bigger and better.” The costume was the product of a dedicated team of over 15 artists and took six months to complete, showcasing the level of skill and creativity involved in Klum’s Halloween transformations.
This year, Klum is excited to celebrate her Halloween bash with friends, stating, “I made sure that I can dance in my costume because my friend Questlove is deejaying, and I am ready to shake this rattlesnake tail!” Klum is also eager to see the costumes of her guests, appreciating the effort they put into their outfits. “Every year, I am stunned at the amazing costumes that they all create,” she said. “I started this party to make people happy, and it thrills me that, all of these years later, I am still bringing smiles to so many people.”
As Klum gears up for her star-studded Halloween bash, she remains a true icon of the holiday, inspiring countless fans with her creativity and passion. “Happy Halloween!” she exclaimed, leaving fans eager to see what next year will bring. Below are more exclusive photos capturing Klum's stunning transformation into Medusa.
