IN CONVERSATION WITH HALEY KALIL

Haley Kalil is redefining what it means to be a modern multi-hyphenate. A former biomedical scientist turned super-creator, she has become one of the most influential digital voices of her generation—named to both the Forbes Top Creators and the inaugural TIME100 Creators List. With more than 33 million followers across platforms, Haley has built a universe where couture meets comedy, intellect meets internet culture, and fashion becomes a playground for creative reinvention. Her high-concept videos consistently rack up millions of views, while her red-carpet dominance—from the Oscars and Grammys to the Tonys and Golden Globes—has cemented her as a fixture in today’s fashion landscape.

jacket and shirt FRANKIE SHOP
tights FALKE
shoes BALENCIAGA
necklace LAURA LOMBARDI
ring TOM WOOD

Before the internet knew you as a creator, you were a biomedical scientist. What part of that identity still informs how you approach creativity today?

I love problem solving. I think that’s why I was so drawn to the sciences. Interpreting data, understanding theories. It's like a fun mental game. Social media is basically just interrelation of data and prediction of human behavior. The same way I used to study the data on a single cell suspension, I study the data on my videos. You get to use your brain in a similar way, but you aren’t stuck in a tiny laboratory. It’s truly the best of both worlds, creativity and logic. 

bodysuit TTSWTRS
skirt OTTOLINGER
shoes DIESEL

You transitioned from the lab to the runway after winning Sports Illustrated’s Model Search. When you look back now, what felt like the true turning point in your career?

I feel like I’ve lived so many different lives and each one had a turning point. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit was a huge turning point for my modeling career, because it literally started it. But the real turning point that changed my life was my NYC apartment tour because that’s what gave me the confidence to pursue a career in comedy and digital media. 

You’ve built a cross-platform audience of 33+ million people. What do you think draws viewers so consistently into your world?

I am baffled when I read that number. I truly don’t know. I am just so honored people enjoy the weird, crazy, random things I make. I love people so much and I still can’t believe anyone takes time out of their day to watch the things I create. 

underwear FLEUR DU MAL
gloves and skirt MAISON MARGIELA
jewellery TOM WOOD
stockings FALKE

Your videos blend high fashion and humor in such a unique way. How did that creative formula develop?

I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a formula. I have no idea what I’m doing, but neither does anyone. And I think that feeling is so relatable. This world is crazy and fun and unpredictable. I’ve never really “planned” anything. I love fashion and I make videos about the things I love. So, of course, I had to make comedy videos about fashion because it’s been a lifelong obsession. 

Being named to both the Forbes Top Creators list and the TIME100 Creators List back-to-back is massive. What does recognition at that level mean to you?

It means everything to me. To have your creativity and the things you’ve built recognized by two of the biggest names in the industry is an honor. I’m amazed TIME and Forbes even know who I am. It blows me away. I feel like I’m living a dream and I don’t want to pinch myself in case I wake up. 

leggings BALENCIAGA
dress ZIMMERMANN
cuff AGMES

You’ve collaborated with everyone from Ed Sheeran and Millie Bobby Brown to Elton John. What have those collaborations taught you about celebrity culture in the digital age?

Celebrities are normal people too. I was obsessed with celebrity culture as a young girl growing up in Minnesota. It felt like that world was unreachable. This career taught me that celebrities are just people too. And many of them are just as confused as how they got so famous. Of course they work hard, but the idea of fame is so strange to accept sometimes. Because at the end of the day, we are all the same. Just humans on this little rock floating in the universe. I hope I capture that feeling when filming, because nothing makes us more similar than doing the same TikTok trend across all languages and cultures. It’s just fun.

full look TTSWTRS

You’ve walked nearly every red carpet—from the Oscars to the Grammys to the Golden Globes. How has this past year shaped your relationship with fashion?

I’ve always loved fashion. Now I get to experience it from the epicenter of the red carpet. I freak out every time one of my fashion icons walks by in a gorgeous custom designer gown. It’s such a fabulous expression of character and art. I love how actors and actresses will match their designs to, not only their personality, but the personality of the character they play. I get excited to see who’s wearing what or what dress someone might pull out of the archives. 

How do you balance the comedic persona your audience loves with the high-fashion side of your brand?

Fashion is expression, and high fashion can be so camp. Comedy is the same thing. Comedy is just expression. I think the two match perfectly. I mean, we all know our girl Alex Consani is a comedian, and model of the year. I think the two are very easy to marry. Comedy and fashion are both about finding your voice and being yourself.

full look DIESEL
jewellery TOM WOOD

Your audience often says you feel like both a fashion icon and a best friend. How do you stay grounded while being watched by millions?

I have really good family and friends. My mom used to say “Give someone money and power, and you’ll find out who they’ve always been.” I was raised right. The only reason I get to do any of this is because of the support of other women. They have truly made my dreams come true. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. I did not accomplish this alone. It would be such a misuse of the opportunities other women have given me to act crazy and get a big head. There’s nothing more ick than ego. I have none and I don’t want any. I’m a normal girl with a phone who was given a dream by women who cheered for a stranger. I owe my online community everything for that.

Representation for women in STEM is still an ongoing conversation. Do you feel a responsibility to bridge fashion, science, and digital culture for your audience?

I just want women to feel comfortable and confident pursuing any career. Certain parts of STEM are still heavily male dominated. I just never want that gender gap to influence a woman’s career decision. I was one of only 2 women in my upper level physics class. Engineering was sold to me as a man’s career. I want those labels to fade away and I want women to pick any career they damn please. 

coat IRO
bodysuit FLEUR DU MAL
shoes BALENCIAGA
necklace BURBERRY

dress LOUIS VUITTON
leggings BALENCIAGA

What’s a part of your creative identity that you feel the world hasn’t fully seen yet?

Oh boy, I kind of put everything on the internet. I’m so chronically online I had to turn off my screen time. I think it would be fun to get into streaming. Sometimes it’s hard to show who I truly am through short form media, so streaming would give people a more detailed look into my real life and I think it would be fun. So we shall see.

Looking ahead, what do you want your next chapter to stand for, on and off the internet?

I just want to lead with kindness and be someone people feel comfortable with. I want to be the mom or big sister of the internet. I want everyone to feel welcome on my page. I want everyone to feel comfortable approaching me to have a conversation. I just want to be there for people the way they’ve been there for me, in every possible way I can.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent HALEY KALIL
photography BRYCE THOMPSON
stylist NATA BOCHA
hair DENNIS DEVOY at Art Department
makeup MISUZU MIYAKE at Art Department using M.A.C. Cosmetics
set design KACEYLIN PRINEA
pr CANCEL COMMUNICATIONS
location PIER59 STUDIOS
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN