Podcast Summary: Amelia Gray Hamlin Is Tired of Your Misconceptions

Episode Information:

• Title: Amelia Gray Hamlin Is Tired of Your Misconceptions
• Podcast: The Run-Through with Vogue
• Hosts: Chioma Nnadi, Chloe Malle, Nicole Phelps
• Release Date: March 4, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Run-Through with Vogue, Vogue editors and host Chloe Malle sit down with the multifaceted model Amelia Gray Hamlin to delve into her experiences in the fashion industry, her personal journey, and the misconceptions surrounding her persona. The conversation offers a candid glimpse into Amelia's life both on and off the runway, highlighting her passion for fashion, her dedication to her craft, and her efforts to redefine how she's perceived by the public.

Meeting at the World Trade Center

The episode begins with reminiscing about Amelia's first encounter with Willow Lindley at the World Trade Center, just days before last year's Met Gala.

• Willow Lindley [01:14]: "Amelia, we are so happy to have you here at the studio... When we first met, actually in this building, was that the first time you'd come to the building?"

• Amelia Gray [03:30]: "Very well."

Amelia recounts being fresh off a flight from Chanel in Marseille and the memorable experience of trying on the iconic undercover light-up terrarium dress.

The Terrarium Dress Experience

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the challenges and memories associated with the terrarium dress Amelia wore to the Met Gala.

• Amelia Gray [02:05]: "It's so nice to meet you, Amelia."

• Willow Lindley [02:08]: "And Amelia was such a trooper because that dress was... an actual terrarium."

Amelia reflects on the technical difficulties with the dress, including issues with the electrical strips that prevented the lights from turning on. This led to improvising by practicing her walk in the cafeteria, navigating the challenges of both the dress's rigidity and the psychological pressure of the event.

• Amelia Gray [03:26]: "They broke it down a lot. I had no idea what to expect... It ended up actually being qu. Which was nice because I had space to put padding and protect my hips."

Couture Journey and Runway Dreams

Amelia shares her awe and gratitude for being part of the couture world, particularly her experiences with renowned designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel.

• Amelia Gray [05:35]: "Jean Paul Gaultier was actually my first ever couture show... having these insane couture moments, I'm still not really."

Her disbelief at walking multiple Chanel shows underscores her humility and astonishment at her career trajectory.

• Amelia Gray [06:15]: "I've done, I think, 11 Chanel shows. I don't understand."

Character Work and Runway Persona

Drawing from her upbringing in a household of actors, Amelia discusses how she channels different characters for each runway show, making every performance unique.

• Amelia Gray [10:54]: "The character is all dependent on the outfit that I'm given... I'm always like, listen, I'm gonna do my best."

She explains that her passion lies not just in the clothes but in the collaborative art of fashion, emphasizing the authentic and energizing experiences when she fully embodies the character dictated by her attire.

• Amelia Gray [11:48]: "When I'm really passionate about an outfit, then it just makes the experience so much more beautiful and authentic to me."

Navigating Relationships in the Modeling World

Amelia opens up about the complexities of dating within the modeling industry, likening it to high school dynamics where maintaining relationships can be challenging and emotionally taxing.

• Amelia Gray [20:12]: "The thing about this industry is it's very adjacent similar to high school... I've dated people in the industry. I'm very private about my dating life..."

She offers insightful advice on finding partners who understand the demands of a model's lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of shared schedules and mutual support.

• Amelia Gray [22:05]: "Finding someone who has a similar life to you, but that isn't a model."

Personal Anecdotes and Fun Stories

Amelia shares lighthearted stories from her career, including her first subway ride for a Vogue shoot and the playful interactions with children inspired by her runway personas.

• Amelia Gray [17:30]: "I was rolling around. I touched everything."

A particularly heartwarming moment involves a child recognizing her as her Violet from The Incredibles, highlighting the impact of her work on young fans.

• Amelia Gray [19:03]: "He was like, do you have your superpowers with you?"

Challenges and Public Perception

Addressing the misconceptions and harsh judgments she faces, Amelia discusses the struggle of maintaining her true personality amidst public scrutiny and the fabricated narratives often portrayed online.

• Amelia Gray [25:18]: "It's been really hard for me, being told who I am... I have this opportunity to change their mind about me because everything that they had in their head was like this false, made up, just like perspective of me that doesn't exist."

She emphasizes the importance of a strong support system and maintaining a positive outlook to navigate the inevitable rejections and challenges of the industry.

• Amelia Gray [23:30]: "Rejection is hard for anyone in any industry. But I think it's all about perspective."

Notable Quotes

• Amelia Gray [08:47]: "My dad always said, if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life."

• Amelia Gray [17:05]: "Nothing matters."

• Amelia Gray [22:13]: "It's just all about... finding someone who has a similar life to you, but that isn't a model."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with reflections on happiness and fulfillment within the high-paced world of fashion. Amelia's candidness about her experiences, both triumphant and challenging, provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the modeling industry and the person behind the runway persona. Her journey underscores the importance of passion, resilience, and authenticity in carving out a successful and fulfilling career in fashion.

Production Credits

The Run-Through with Vogue is produced by Chelsea Daniel, Alex DePalma, and Joanna Solotaro; engineered by Jake Loomis and James Yost; mixed by Mike Kutchman; executive produced by Stephanie Kariuki; and overseen by Chris Bannon, Conde Nast's head of Global Audio.

Additional Insights

Throughout the episode, the hosts and Amelia intertwine professional experiences with personal stories, painting a comprehensive picture of her life in fashion. From technical mishaps with high-concept dresses to the camaraderie among fashion insiders, the conversation highlights the multifaceted nature of Amelia's career and her determination to redefine misconceptions about her persona.

Final Thoughts

Amelia Gray Hamlin's appearance on The Run-Through with Vogue serves as an inspiring testament to her dedication and love for the fashion industry. By addressing and dispelling common misconceptions, she not only humanizes the model behind the glamorous facade but also encourages a more authentic and supportive environment within the fashion world.