Mode Around the Globe: Haley Kalil
Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa
Photographed by
RYAN HOUCHIN
& JUSTIN RINGSBY
Haley Kalil
@Haleybaylee
Where are you from and how does it differ from where you live now?
I am originally from a small town in Minnesota called Victoria. We had a Subway and a Dairy Queen….and that’s about it. Now I spend most of my time living in New York City which has been quite the culture shock from the town of only a couple thousand people…but I couldn’t be happier.
If you had to summarize your beauty routine in five steps, what would it be?
Step 1: DRINK WATER
Step 2: Wash face morning and night with iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
Step 3: I apply a medicated Clindamycin that helps prevent breakouts
Step 4: iS Active Serum and Pro-heal Serum Advance Plus applied next
Step 5: I finish with SPF 50 from iS Clinical and a daily moisturizer from First Aid Beauty
What’s your go-to Showpo outfit for lunch with the girls this summer?
I am all about comfort. I love a maxi dress or a cute matching set in a bright color or pattern. They are cute, comfy, and breathable.
What’re your favorite stores to shop, in store & online?
I have so many favorites. My closet is a mash-up of so many stores. I have everything from Target to Forever 21 to Armani. I love to buy my basic pieces at Urban Outfitters or Uniqlo and then purchase a couple of expensive pieces to match from stores like Gucci or Prada. House of CB is one of my personal favorites for an easy night on the town with a dress that needs no alterations.
How did you develop the career you have today? What tips & tricks can you extend to someone aspiring to have a career like your own?
Hard work, a great support system, and self-confidence are key in this industry. I would be nothing without my family and friends backing me all the way. You hear so many “no’s” in this industry that it is very easy to get burnt out. Knowing your worth, understanding your values, and refusing to compromise on the things that make you.. that will get you very far. Just remember, if it were easy… everyone would be doing it.
Who and what inspires you? Why?
I like to take inspiration from people I know. I understand looking up to celebrities and fashion icons in my career… but I don’t know them personally. They could have an incredible career while secretly being a horrible person. I look up to people I know. It sounds so cheesy, but my mom is my biggest inspiration. She works her butt off. She stays kind and humble at all times. I’ve seen her go through some of the hardest times in her life and she still somehow manages to be a bright light for everyone around her. I hope I can be half the woman she is.
A good book and/or TV show you read/watched recently?
I’m actually OBSESSED with The Dropout. It follows the real life story of Elizabeth Holmes and the fraud surrounding Theranos. It is a Hulu original and, if you’re as obsessed with the science world as I am, you’ll be hooked!
What was your favorite part of the Modeliste getaway to Cabo Corazon?
I adored meeting and spending time with a group of people I may never have run into in my everyday life. Modeliste places people together and there is nothing more valuable in this life than connection. I loved laughing, shooting content, modeling, and just bonding with the most incredible people. Their team is so warm and inviting that you never want to leave. I’m waiting for my next invite on a trip because it felt like a true family.
What’s a fun fact our Modeliste readers would be surprised to know about you? I graduated with a 4.0 in my double major in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology with a minor in Chemistry. I am a HUGE nerd. I collect comic books, LOTR (Lord of the Rings) memorabilia, and I am obsessed with anything STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Before my introduction to the fashion world, I worked in an immunology lab studying type 1 diabetes.
How do you hope to influence people through your social media platforms?
Because I have a passion for STEM, I hope to encourage young women to pursue careers in science, tech, engineering, and math. Once dominated by men, I would love to see the STEM fields filled with women fighting for women’s issues, especially in medicine. It is a passion of mine to encourage women to follow THEIR passions…no matter what society says their “role” should be.
When’s the last time you cried happy tears?
When I saw myself on the inaugural cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. I’m just a normal girl from a small town in Minnesota. Never in my wildest DREAMS did I imagine seeing myself on a cover of SI Swimsuit. It is a day I will never forget for the rest of my life.
What’s the craziest fan experience you’d ever had? What would you like to say to your fans?
It’s always such a surprise to me when people recognize me and come say hi. I love it!! Again, I’m so normal so I love just chatting with people and hearing about their life stories. I once had a young girl stop me in Times Square and she started crying when we took a photo together. She was bullied for having red hair and she told me that I made her feel beautiful because of my red hair. It made my entire year. To my fans… which is still a weird word for me to say because we are all just normal humans trying to navigate life… I say thank you!!! Your support does not go unnoticed. I love you all so much and I am cheering you on in everything you do in life.
What would you title this chapter in your life?
A Fresh Start. I’ve had some personal battles I’ve faced in my life – whether that has been relationships, health issues, and the death of my fur baby, Pooh Bear. This is a chapter of navigation and truly understanding who I am and what I stand for.
Are you working on any exciting projects you’d like to share?
I just starred in my first movie role which I am super excited about. I am excited to continue acting. I am also excited for the launch of my charity “The Nerd Herd” which should be coming later this year. We had so many manufacturing delays due to Covid that I can’t wait till my passion project is actually a reality!! You can follow along on @thenerdherd on Instagram and stay up to date with the launch.
