Lauren Sánchez, the glamorous former Fox anchor and fiancée of Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, recently had a proud mom moment as she attended her son Nikko Gonzalez’s runway debut at the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Sartoria show in Milan. The event, which showcased the brand’s autumn-winter 2024/25 menswear collection, saw the 22-year-old Nikko strutting down the catwalk in a sharply tailored ensemble, much to the delight of his supportive family.
Nikko Gonzalez, born in 2001 to Lauren Sánchez and former NFL star Tony Gonzalez, has recently ventured into the world of modeling. His runway debut was a significant milestone, and his mother couldn’t contain her excitement. Sánchez took to Instagram to share her joy, posting a video of Nikko on the runway and captioning it, “Just a proud mama. It was such a gift to watch my son @nikkogzz walking the runway for @dolcegabbana in Milan. Congrats, my love.” The post garnered attention from celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, who commented, “Yessssssssss!!!!!!!!!!”
The fashion show was a star-studded affair, with South Korean singers Rowoon and Younghoon also in attendance. However, the spotlight was firmly on Nikko, who looked dapper in a double-breasted suit adorned with a gold brooch. His runway appearance was a testament to his budding career in fashion, a path that seems to be supported wholeheartedly by his family.
Nikko’s journey into modeling is a natural progression, given his family’s high-profile background. His mother, Lauren Sánchez, is a well-known media personality, while his father, Tony Gonzalez, is a celebrated NFL player. After graduating from Loyola High School in 2020, where he was a member of the American football team, Nikko has been exploring various interests, including fashion and technology.
Lauren Sánchez’s relationship with Jeff Bezos has also brought Nikko into the limelight. The couple, who have been together since 2018, were seen sitting front row at the fashion show, cheering on Nikko. Their presence at such high-profile events has often raised eyebrows, but it’s clear that family support is a priority for them.
Nikko’s Instagram, which boasts over 22,000 followers, offers a glimpse into his luxurious lifestyle. From sunbathing on the beaches of Bora Bora to exploring cultural sites in Spain, Nikko’s life is a blend of travel and adventure. His close bond with his mother is evident from their numerous photos together, often accompanied by heartfelt captions from Sánchez.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Sánchez emphasized the importance of being a mother, stating, “I think people don’t realize how important being a mum is to me, because I don’t put it on social media, but it’s my most important job.” This sentiment is reflected in her unwavering support for Nikko’s endeavors.
The blended family dynamic also seems to be working well. Sánchez has two other children, Evan and Eleanor, from her marriage to American businessman Patrick Whitesell. Bezos, on the other hand, shares four children with his ex-wife MacKenzie Scott. Despite their high-profile status, the family maintains a level of privacy, with only occasional glimpses into their personal lives.
Nikko’s runway debut is part of a broader trend of young family members of high-profile public figures making their mark in the fashion world. For instance, Beyoncé’s nephew, Julez Smith, made his runway debut during New York Fashion Week earlier this year. These young talents are carving out their own identities, leveraging their family connections while also showcasing their unique skills and interests.
The Dolce & Gabbana Alta Sartoria show itself was a grand affair, reflecting the brand’s commitment to luxury and style. Domenico Dolce, one of the brand’s founders, described couture as more about a lifestyle than just fashion. “It’s not just a fashion show for cool clothes. It’s a moment, it’s history, it’s a relationship, it’s food, it’s Italian, it’s everything,” he said in a 2021 interview.
As Nikko Gonzalez continues to explore his interests in fashion and technology, it’s clear that he has a strong support system in place. His runway debut is just the beginning, and with the backing of his family, particularly his proud mother Lauren Sánchez, the sky’s the limit for this young talent.
Source: Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, Page Six, WWD
