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Klum scared up plenty of stares as Medusa. Getty Images Heidi Klum, the reigning queen of over-the-top Halloween costumes, outdid herself this year. The supermodel shocked everyone as she slithered onto the powder-blue carpet of her star-studded Halloween party on October 31 at Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hard Rock Hotel New York, dressed as mythological creature Medusa. Klum’s full-body prosthetic, hand-painted costume required her to sit in the makeup chair for nine hours. A team of 15 people worked meticulously to bring to life the jaw-dropping look, which featured two dozen animatronic, remote-controlled snakes on her head along with reptilian contact lenses. After Friday’s big reveal, Klum provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her transformation on Instagram. In the post’s caption, she shared the inspiration behind her choice: “For #HeidiHalloween 2025 I set my gaze on bringing a classic monster into the modern world, and Medusa was irresistible…iconic, mysterious, ferocious. Her legend and the art she’s inspired prove how haunting and timeless her power is.” A stone-faced Kaulitz simply couldn’t keep his eyes off his wife. Getty Images The Project Runway host has strut with creativity at her 24 previous Halloween parties, showcasing hyper-realistic looks that leave the model unrecognizable, except for her signature commitment to the theme. Some of Klum’s most memorable costumes include a peacock outfit created in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, seductive cartoon character Jessica Rabbit and even a worm. Fans know that part of the Halloween season fun is examining Klum’s Instagram account for Easter eggs teased ahead of time. Back on October 1, Klum posted a facial prosthetic set against a metal plate with the caption, “This is just the beginning,” and Halloween emojis to heighten the suspense. Sharp eyes may have noticed she tagged prosthetic designer pro Mike Marino, who crafted last year’s E.T. ensemble for Klum and husband Tom Kaulitz. “He is a great collaborator,” Klum told Vogue about Marino this year. “He can not only bring the costume to life, but also comes up with ideas to make it even bigger and better.” For this year’s fun, Kaulitz depicted a soldier who has turned to stone — a fate that befalls anyone who gazed into Medusa’s eyes in the Greek myth. The model cautioned in the post, “Don’t stare too long or you’ll turn to stone.” Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral and SNL‘s Marcello Hernández were one happy “family.” Getty Images Despite this warning, costumed celebrities flocked to the Halloween bash at the Midtown hotel, the second consecutive year it’s hosted the event. Saturday Night Live‘s Marcello Hernández and his girlfriend, Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral, portrayed characters from The Addams Family. Broadway star Darren Criss came dressed as Shrek, possibly a nod to Klum’s 2018 costume. Additionally, actor Teyana Taylor reprised her character’s now-iconic look from One Battle After Another. Guests gathered at the property’s two-story Venue on Music Row, which had been transformed into a gothic vampire’s lair for the occasion. Sultry red fabrics, antique decor, gold accents and flickering candlelight set the scene while attendees sipped Butterfinger-tinis, a confectionery cocktail. Klum and Questlove were monster hits with the music. Getty Images When the clock struck midnight, Klum snaked her way onto stage with The Roots drummer Questlove, who donned a pastel-blue suit and Soul Glo-ed hair like Randy Watson from the movie Coming to America. Klum explained to Vogue, “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!” In an Instagram video Klum shared last Halloween, she talked about the inspiration behind her iconic parties. “It all started about 25 years ago,” she recalled, “when I was searching for a party in New York City and thought, ‘I need to take this one over.'” Given the continued success of the eagerly anticipated event, Klum is likely to continue the Heidi Halloween tradition and is probably already dreaming up her next look. As she told Vogue, “I started this party to make people happy, and it thrills me that, all these years later, I am still bringing smiles to so many people.” MORE FROM FORBES Forbes10 Top Miami AttractionsBy Jesse Scott ForbesThe World’s Best Airlines And Airports Of 2025, According To Forbes Travel GuideBy Jennifer KesterForbesThe 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix: Where To Watch, Sip And Celebrate The RaceBy Melinda SheckellsForbesHow To Fly Like A VIP Without Chartering A JetBy Chris Dong Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
