According to supermodel and Project Runway host Heidi Klum, “in fashion, one day you’re in, and the next day you’re out!”  Luckily for Models of the Runway contestant Kalyn Hemphill, the designer that she was teamed up with for Project Runway, Irina Shabayeva, was “in.” This made Hemphill the very first winner of Lifetime’s Models of the Runway. 

Above: Kalyn Hemphill with Heidi Klum after winning Models of the Runway

Models of the Runway was the reality show that showed what the models involved in the reality competition Project Runway went though during the duration of the show.  For winning Models of the Runway, Kalyn Hemphill received 25,000 thousand dollars and a fashion spread in Marie Claire Magazine that she just shot on December 1^st.

I recently had the chance to speak with Kalyn via telephone to ask her all about her win, Models of the Runway, and what’s next.

Jonathan Valdez: Have you had a chance to breathe since wining Models of the Runway?

Kalyn Hemphill: Honestly, it’s been so crazy ever since the finale aired. I like staying busy though. It’s a good busy.

Jonathan: You just did the Marie Claire shoot on December 1^st, have you ever done a magazine spread before? How did it go?

Kalyn: I have never done an actual magazine spread. Spreads are the coveted thing in the modeling world.  I was very excited and it was so much fun!  I got to hang out with Irena and do the shoot with her. 

Jonathan: Did Nina Garcia show up?

Kalyn: Nina was in Paris. She called us and said hi over speaker phone. It was great hearing from her.

Jonathan: What can we expect in the spread?

Kalyn: The spread was based on Irena’s workspace and studio with sketchbooks and clothing in the shots.  It focuses on the creative process.

Jonathan: You are the face of Irina’s Spring 2010 line. I saw the video with the butterflies all over you. How was that?

Kalyn: It was so cool! Irina’s 2010 line is so inspired.  Her runway show was dark and I think she surprised everyone with the colors she chose like red and blue.  The butterflies were so fun to work with.  They came in individual envelopes and they had to heat the envelopes so they would fly out. 

Above: Kalyn Hemphill in a creation by designer Irina Shabayeva on Project Runway

Jonathan: Let’s talk about the show.  Is Heidi Klum amazing in person?

Kalyn: Heidi is a great model and a great mom. I am really inspired by her, especially with her business sense.  She is just as beautiful in person as she is on T.V..

Jonathan: Did Tim Gunn ever give you advice on how to work the clothes on the runway?

Kalyn: Tim doesn’t advise the models but he has so much knowledge about fashion. He is so down to earth and nice.  It was great to be able to spend time with him backstage.

Jonathan: What celeb judge was your favorite to meet?

Kalyn: Milla Jovovich was my favorite.  She is so passionate about was she does and she is also a model and a mom. 

Jonathan: Did they tell you who was coming before the show?

Kalyn: No they didn’t let us know on the show until the runway show.

Above: Kalyn walks the runway during the Final Round for Project Runway at Mercedes Benz Fashion week in Bryant Park

Jonathan: You are from small town Texas and I love that you have kept your southern charm and sweetness.  Do you find it hard to maintain that working in the fashion industry?

Kalyn: I grew up in a really great family and I have always had lots of support.  I have supportive friends that keep me grounded.  No matter what happens, I know who I am.

Jonathan: You originally came to NYC to be an actress correct?

Kalyn: Yes, I got involved with modeling through singing, acting, and dancing.  I did a lot of theatre in Houston and got recruited by an agency.  I love theatre and want to do T.V. work as well. Acting is my passion but I am enjoying the journey that I am on.

Jonathan: So, what’s next for Kalyn Hemphill?

Kalyn: The Marie Claire spread comes out in March 2010 and I am writing a pitch for my own show.  It would go behind the scenes of fashion events and parties to show how everything is put together.  I don’t think many people know how much work goes into all of these events.  I think the viewers would be interested in what goes on. 

No matter what Kalyn decides to do, I am more than positive that she will be successful.  Her kindness to others and strong work ethic make her someone that people want to have around.  Thank you so much Kalyn for taking the time to speak with me.  Stay fierce and friendly!