Airyn De Niro Talks Halloween, Goth Style, and Her Father’s Unwavering Support
Airyn De Niro, daughter of legendary actor Robert De Niro and model Toukie Smith, is embracing her truest self this season — both personally and artistically. Known for her grace, honesty, and individuality, the 30-year-old transgender woman recently opened up about her transition journey, her deep connection with the goth and dark feminine aesthetic, and her father’s “nonstop” support during her evolution.
In her latest interview, Airyn shares insights into her identity, her creative rebirth through fashion, and a hauntingly beautiful Halloween photoshoot that celebrates empowerment, transformation, and authenticity.
Reconnecting With the Inner Goth
While pink has always been a signature shade in her palette — as seen in her earlier coming-out photoshoot — black, she says, has always been her first love. Inspired by her mother Toukie Smith’s fashion sense, Airyn admits that her affection for darker tones has always been more than an aesthetic; it’s emotional and symbolic.
“I was a big Hot Topic person growing up,” she laughs. “I loved Avril Lavigne, Evanescence, Paramore — even Demi Lovato during her pop-punk phase.”
Today, she finds herself reconnecting with that teenage version of herself, now living openly and proudly in the body she always dreamed of. “Getting to experience worlds, communities, aesthetics, and fashions in a body that you’ve always wanted to be in but weren’t before — it’s very healing for your younger self,” she explains.
A Halloween Celebration of Self-Expression
For Halloween 2025, Airyn collaborated with photographer Sezen June Sinan for a moody, gothic-themed photoshoot. The imagery represents her evolution — not just as a trans woman, but as an artist embracing every layer of her identity.
“If my first shoot was about coming out as trans,” she says, “this one was me coming out as the alternative baddie I really am.”
Although hesitant at first — still recovering from surgery and new to being the focus of a professional shoot — Airyn found confidence in fashion’s transformative power. “I’ve never really felt at home in my body before,” she admits. “That’s why this goth look means so much to me. Dark fashion feels like armor. It’s confidence.”
The Power of the Dark Feminine
When asked what draws her to the darker side of style, Airyn’s response is deeply introspective. “It’s the mystery — the unknown,” she says. “You can be afraid of the darkness, or you can be curious about it. I choose curiosity.”
For Airyn, goth culture isn’t about rebellion — it’s about embracing power, self-assurance, and emotional depth. “I love powerful women,” she says. “When women express themselves confidently through how they present, that’s what truly draws people in.”
She also emphasizes the importance of representation in alternative subcultures, particularly for people of color. “The goth and punk worlds have often been portrayed as white spaces,” she notes. “But there are so many Black and brown people who love the darker side of things. Goth isn’t about one body type or skin color — it’s for everyone.”
Inspired by Icons and Inner Strength
For her Halloween shoot, Airyn drew inspiration from the character Wednesday Addams and actress Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of her. “Wednesday is unapologetically herself — powerful, mysterious, and darkly feminine,” she says. “That’s exactly what I wanted to channel.”
Her love of music also plays a major role in shaping her identity. “I’ve been singing since I was little,” she reveals. “I still take lessons, even though I have stage fright.” Among the few who’ve heard her sing is none other than Ariana Grande — a personal idol and recent acquaintance.
“I met Ariana on my birthday while she was filming with my dad,” Airyn recalls. “She was so kind and warm. I sent her a clip of me singing, and her response really gave me a confidence boost. To hear encouragement from someone like her meant everything.”
Family, Acceptance, and Ongoing Support
Throughout her journey, Airyn has had the unwavering love of her family — particularly from her father, Robert De Niro. “The support has been nonstop from him, and I’m so grateful,” she says.
She recalls a recent conversation where she expressed wanting minor cosmetic touch-ups to feel more comfortable in her body. “He told me, ‘You’re a good-looking kid. You don’t need to change yourself,’” Airyn shares. “But when I explained how important it was for me as a trans woman, he completely understood. He just wants me to be safe and confident.”
She adds, “He’s always said, ‘There’s nothing else to do but accept your kid for who they are.’ He’s not just a great father — he’s an open-hearted human being who accepts people from all walks of life.”
Looking Ahead — and Dressing for the Occasion
As for Halloween night, Airyn had big costume plans. “My boyfriend and I were going to be Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, but my wig didn’t come in time,” she says with a laugh. “So I’m just going to try to look fabulous anyway.”
With her fearless attitude, grounded spirituality, and renewed confidence, Airyn De Niro continues to inspire — not only as a daughter of Hollywood royalty, but as a woman defining her own legacy on her own terms.
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