Model Diaries: Wallis Day

Photographed by JANA SCHUESSLER

From her fearless approach to acting to her effortlessly edgy personal style, Wallis Day is embracing a new chapter defined by creativity, ambition, and self-discovery. The actress, producer, and entrepreneur opens up about fashion, beauty, her dream roles, life behind the camera, and the exciting projects on her horizon.

Congratulations on your Modeliste cover! What does it mean to you to be our latest cover star, and what do you love most about the magazine?
I never get used to being on a cover, so I feel very grateful and lucky. What I love most about the magazine is that they give women a platform to take up space and be themselves.

You're entering an exciting new era, both personally and professionally. What three words best describe this chapter of your life?
Building, challenging, but rewarding.

With so much happening in your world, what's bringing you the most happiness right now?
My friends and family.

Your podcast, Girls Next Door, with Francesca Allen offers such a refreshingly candid glimpse into your lives. What makes your dynamic so special, and what do you love most about creating that space together?
I think Fran brings out the best in me. When you bounce off someone who has the same humor as you, the conversations are really funny. It's just nice to have a space to be able to do that with Fran.

If you could invite absolutely anyone in the world onto Girls Next Door, who would be your ultimate dream guest?
Honestly, right now, Dolly Parton, because I just know she has so many incredible stories. Who wouldn't want to be in a room with her for 40 minutes?

Your personal style strikes the perfect balance between understated sophistication and unexpected edge. How would you describe your fashion aesthetic?
Minimal chic with a twist of edge.

Fashion is all about individuality and inspiration. Who are the style icons who have influenced your own approach to getting dressed?
Honestly, any of the '90s supermodels. I love the edges and the big shoulders.

Every great wardrobe has those signature essentials. What's the one accessory you find yourself reaching for time and time again?
Honestly, a blacked-out pair of glasses.

As we transition into fall, which fashion trend are you most looking forward to embracing?
Playing with layers.

If you could have unlimited access to anyone's wardrobe for a day, whose closet would you love to raid?
I would raid Luxury Law's, and I would specifically raid the Zendaya side.

What's one timeless fashion investment you believe you'll never regret?
Honestly, a classic timepiece. A keepsake that you can keep with you forever.

Let's talk beauty. What are the three products that have earned a permanent place in your everyday beauty bag?
Kate Somerville SPF, Barbara Sturm Face Spray, and some Pixi eye masks.

What's the most valuable beauty advice you've ever received that you still swear by today?
Always take your makeup off before bed. It's so simple, but it's so important.

Confidence is such an important part of personal style and self-expression. When do you feel most powerful and completely yourself?
Honestly, when I'm expressing myself, pressure-wise, and doing something with adrenaline, like riding on the back of a motorbike.

Music can instantly transform a mood. What songs and artists are currently dominating your playlist?
"Spacer" by Sheila, because my best friend and I just dance to it. I'm loving '80s disco, house, and funk right now, Purple Disco Machine, anything like that. And then, honestly, probably some cringey pop song that I'm not going to admit.

What's the last book that truly resonated with you or changed the way you look at life?
The last great book I read was Untamed by Glennon Doyle. A girlfriend of mine gave it to me, and it honestly just helped me rearrange the furniture in my head.

When you're not working on set, what television series has recently captured your attention?
The Bear. It's so fucking good.

Between filming, producing, and your many creative ventures, your schedule is constantly evolving. What does your ideal day off look like?
Doing nothing.

If you could escape anywhere in the world tomorrow for a spontaneous adventure, where would you go?
Tokyo.

What's something unexpected about you that might surprise even your biggest fans?
I have a really low pain threshold, which is funny because, obviously, I love doing stunts on set. People don't expect it. I'm a pussy.

You've portrayed an incredible range of complex, powerful women throughout your career. What qualities or perspectives from your own personality do you bring to the characters you play?
I think probably the justice of it all, because when I play villains, I like to play them as the heroes in their own story. There's always a reason why they do something. I try to make that come through in the characters I play.

Looking ahead, is there a particular character, genre, or type of performance that would be your ultimate dream role?
I would love to do a Girl, Interrupted, like Angelina Jolie's character Lisa. I'd love to play that fucked-up, gritty, psychological thriller.

Beyond acting, you've expanded your creative vision into producing and launched your own production company. What inspired you to take greater creative control behind the camera, and what excites you most about this new direction?
I think just the passion for creating made me go behind the camera as well. Honestly, having the freedom to share the stories that I want to tell and really falling in love with different aspects of the industry.

You've already accomplished so much, but we love that you're always looking for your next adventure. What's something unexpected still at the top of your personal bucket list?
Honestly, to film something fun, like The Traitors or SAS: Most Wanted.

Between your acting career, entrepreneurial ventures, and exciting creative projects, there's so much on the horizon. What can you reveal about what's coming next, and what are you most looking forward to sharing with the world?
I just finished shooting a movie, which was really fun. I'm about to start shooting a BBC show at the end of this month. Next month, I'm launching a company, which I'm really excited about. It's a wellness company in the peptide space. That's where my attention is now, and I'm really looking forward to it. Watch this space.