Heidi Klum transforms into Medusa at her annual Halloween party in New York

Highlights

• Model arrives at New York bash as a full-scale Medusa
  
• Husband Tom Kaulitz joins as a knight turned to stone
  
• 24th edition of Klum’s famed Halloween party
  

Medusa takes Manhattan

Heidi Klum lived up to her “Queen of Halloween” crown once again, unveiling a dramatic Medusa transformation at her annual New York City Halloween party. The German-American model and TV personality arrived in a head-to-tail snakeskin look, complete with a writhing snake headpiece, fangs, and a forked tongue.

This year marks the 24th edition of Klum’s party, held Friday at the Hard Rock Hotel New York. The event has become one of the season’s most-watched costume showcases thanks to her elaborate, movie-level looks.

Tom Kaulitz, appeared beside her as a knight seemingly turned to stoneGetty Images

A myth brought to life

Klum slithered into the venue in a full prosthetic bodysuit, a long serpent tail trailing behind her. She carried a bow and arrow and flashed a forked tongue at photographers, staying firmly in character.

Her husband, Tom Kaulitz, appeared beside her as a knight seemingly turned to stone a nod to the fate awaiting anyone who crosses Medusa’s gaze.

The party, presented by Butterfinger and Huluween on Disney+, once again drew a crowd eager to see how Klum would outdo herself.

Hints, hype, and a tradition of spectacle

Klum spent October teasing her transformation online, posting glimpses of prosthetics and prep work. Ahead of the big reveal, she told Good Morning America she planned to be “very scary, but very ugly,” keeping fans guessing.

She collaborated again with prosthetic makeup artist Mike Marino, who won an Emmy this year for The Penguin. Their partnership has produced some of her most memorable looks, including E.T., a peacock, Fiona from Shrek, Jessica Rabbit, and a full-body worm.

Two decades of Halloween pressure

The event has become one of the season’s most-watched costume showcasesGetty Images

In a behind-the-scenes video posted to Instagram, Klum reflected on how her signature event started nearly 25 years ago when she struggled to find a standout Halloween party in New York. “I thought, ‘I’m going to have to take that one over,’” she recalled.

The bar has risen each year and so has the pressure. “I have sleepless nights over Halloween, you have no idea,” she said. “I always hope that it works out.”