Heidi Klum Marks 25th Halloween Party with Gory Hand Prosthetic Amid Husband's Tour Absence

Heidi Klum celebrated the 25th anniversary of her annual New York Halloween party on October 31, 2026, by appearing as a life-sized, severed left hand. Her husband, Tom Kaulitz, was absent due to his band's European tour, but Klum included his name in a tattoo on the prosthetic and wore her wedding and engagement rings. The event at Cathédrale in Manhattan featured elaborate costumes from numerous celebrities, including Neil Patrick Harris and James Charles.
Key points
- Klum's 25th annual party took place at Cathédrale in Manhattan's East Village on October 31, 2026.
- The supermodel dressed as a gory, 8-foot version of her own severed left hand, a concept she described as inspired by looking at her actual hand.
- Tom Kaulitz missed the event because Tokio Hotel was touring in Europe, with a performance scheduled in Hamburg on November 1.
- Klum pointed out her wedding and engagement rings on the prosthetic and displayed a 'Tom' tattoo to acknowledge her husband's absence.
- Notable attendees included Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka as The Shining twins, James Charles as Yzma, and Taylor Momsen as Angus Young.
- The party was presented by Apothic and Butterfinger, continuing Klum's tradition of high-effort, prosthetic-heavy costumes.
Background
This event marks the 25th iteration of Klum's #Heidiween festivities, a series that has evolved from simple character impersonations to complex, multi-day production efforts. Previous years featured Klum as an earthworm in 2022 and Medusa in 2025, often with Kaulitz playing a supporting role in the narrative of the costume. The 2026 party fits a broader trend in celebrity Halloween coverage toward elaborate, high-profile transformations, as seen in other events that year.
How outlets are covering it
TODAY.com and E! News emphasized the personal narrative of Klum's costume, highlighting her emotional connection to the design and her tribute to Kaulitz. The New York Times focused on the visual spectacle, describing the 8-foot prosthetic and its resemblance to the character Thing from The Addams Family. Deadline provided a comprehensive list of attendees, noting the presence of stars like Kyle MacLachlan and Questlove, while E! News detailed the specific costumes and preparation times for guests like James Charles, who spent seven and a half hours on his Yzma look. All sources agreed on the location and date but differed in their focus, with some prioritizing the celebrity guest list and others the technical details of Klum's transformation.
Why it matters
The event underscores the cultural significance of Klum's annual party as a major celebrity gathering and a benchmark for Halloween costume creativity. The absence of Kaulitz, a frequent collaborator in Klum's costume designs, highlighted the logistical challenges of balancing personal relationships with professional commitments. The party also serves as a platform for brands like Apothic and Butterfinger to gain visibility through high-profile celebrity endorsements.
What to watch
Klum plans to join Kaulitz on his European tour following the party. The 25th anniversary party is expected to be remembered as one of the most elaborate in the series, potentially influencing future costume trends in the entertainment industry. No further events were announced in the sources, but the party's success may lead to increased media coverage and brand partnerships in the coming year.
- Heidi Klum’s Husband Was Missing From Her Halloween Festivities. Here’s Why TODAY.com
- Heidi Klum Becomes Her Left Hand for Halloween The New York Times
- Heidi Klum, Queen of Halloween, reveals this year’s ‘bloody’ costume: A giant severed hand Yahoo
- Heidi Klum’s 2026 Halloween Party Photos Deadline
- Taylor Momsen, James Charles & More Celebrities Who Scared Up a Good Time at Heidi Klum’s Halloween Party E! News
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