IN CONVERSATION WITH IRIS KENDALL

interview by JANA LETONJA

From reality TV breakout to digital creator and rising fashion tastemaker, Iris Kendall is proving that life after Love Island USA can be about much more than romance. After capturing audiences on Season 7 and amassing more than 2.5 million followers in just a few months, Iris has quickly evolved into one of the most influential personalities of her generation. Now starring in Love Island: Beyond the Villa Season 2 and launching her own YouTube channel, she is taking control of her narrative while expanding into beauty, fashion, wellness, and lifestyle.

What has been the biggest surprise about navigating fame?

Honestly, just how quickly life can change. One minute I'm in Fiji wearing a bikini every day, and the next I'm leaving the villa and my life looks completely different. All of a sudden I'm sitting in meetings talking about businesses, campaigns, and all these opportunities I never imagined. It's exciting, but I was definitely overwhelmed at first. There's definitely no handbook for it. You kind of figure it out as you go. I think I have a good handle on it now. I'm just grateful I get to do something I genuinely love.

What did you want viewers to understand about you in Beyond the Villa?

I went into Beyond the Villa really excited because it was another opportunity to share more of my life outside of the villa and the relationships that mean the most to me. I think one thing I've learned from reality TV is that you're only ever seeing a small piece of someone's story. There are so many moments, conversations, and sides of people that never make it into a show, so I'm grateful for the opportunities where I can share more of myself.

How have you managed to stay grounded while living under constant public attention and social media scrutiny?

My friends and family deserve all the credit. I've been really lucky that the people closest to me don't treat me any differently. My friends are still the same people, and they always remind me not to take anything too seriously. I think having people around me who knew me before any of this and who know my heart and intentions is really important because they keep me feeling like myself.

You recently launched your YouTube channel. What inspired you to create a space where you can tell your own story?

I wanted a place where I could connect with people in a more personal way. It's literally just me, a camera, and whatever's happening that day. It gives me a safe space to share parts of my life that I probably wouldn't share anywhere else, and being able to do that has been really therapeutic. When people tell me they feel like they're hanging out with me instead of watching me, that's exactly why I created the channel.

Your style has become one of your signatures. How would you describe your fashion aesthetic today?

It honestly depends on what mood I wake up in. I pull a lot of inspiration from Pinterest, Old Tumblr pics, vintage editorials, other creators, and celebrity street style, so my saved folders are kind of everywhere. I love pieces that feel effortless. I really enjoy shopping vintage, and I like my closet to feel like it's been curated intentionally over time. Overall, I just wear whatever feels like me that day.

Are there any designers or brands you're especially excited to wear this fashion season?

I'm always hunting for really good vintage designer pieces. But as for what's currently on the market, I'm loving Celine denim right now. Prada shoes have been really cute lately, and a classic Chanel flap bag is always timeless.

As someone balancing fashion, beauty, wellness, and entertainment, how do you decide which brands to work with?

I always ask myself if I would actually use the product if it wasn't a partnership. I never want people to feel like I'm just selling them something. If I don't genuinely love something, I'm not going to pretend I do, so it's important to me to only accept offers I align with.

Social media often rewards perfection, but audiences also crave authenticity. How do you find the balance?

I think people can tell when you're trying too hard to be perfect. The older I get, the less interested I am in doing that. I love creating curated content, but I also love capturing the more raw moments. I want people to see my real life and appreciate me just being myself because the people who connect with that are who I want to build my community with. I'd rather people like me for me instead of some fake version of me.

What does a typical day look like for you when you're not filming or creating content?

Honestly, I'm happiest when it's a really simple day. I'll grab a matcha, work out with my girlfriends, spend some time in my garden, and relax at home. I definitely have exciting moments because of my job, but I think the quiet days are the ones that keep me balanced.

If people only know you from Love Island, what is one thing about yourself that would surprise them?

Probably how much I love staying home. I think people expect me to want to always be out doing something because they know me from TV, but I'm honestly such a homebody. I'm more than content lighting a candle, ordering takeout, watching TV, and hanging out with my dog.

What's one lesson you've learned from the past year that you'll carry with you for the rest of your career?

My dad always says, “What's hot eventually goes cold, but steady warmth lasts,” and I never really resonated with that until recently. This past year taught me that opinions change, and you can't control every narrative. What you can control is how you treat people, how hard you work, who you surround yourself with, and staying true to yourself. Things can shift so quickly, but staying kind, grounded, and true to myself in my real life will always be a priority.

Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in five years? Would you like to expand into fashion, beauty, acting, or entrepreneurship?

Aside from building my YouTube channel, I'm really focused on building things that feel authentic to me. I'm working on a brand that I can't say too much about yet, but it's something I've dreamed about for a long time, and it really feels like an extension of who I am. I'd also love to continue growing in the fashion and beauty space and find ways to give back to my community. I feel really lucky to have the platform I do, and that's something I don't take for granted. I want to use it to create opportunities, support causes that matter to me, and hopefully leave a positive impact beyond the content I create. Five years from now, I just want to look back and feel like I built something that's actually mine and made a difference along the way.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography BRENDAN WIXTED