Amelia Gray Hamlin: From Reality TV Star to Fashion’s Reigning It-Girl
Amelia Gray Hamlin has swiftly ascended the ranks of the fashion world, becoming one of its most in-demand models. With an illustrious background that includes being the daughter of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna and actor Harry Hamlin, Amelia was no stranger to fame, but she has carved out her own space in the industry. Over the past few years, her evolution from a burgeoning influencer to a runway fixture has been nothing short of remarkable.
Her journey into fashion began modestly on Instagram, where she shared her stylish outfits and began to build an impressive following. This digital presence laid the foundation for her official modeling debut on the runway for New York-based designer Dennis Basso in 2018. From there, her career took off, gradually earning her spots in high-profile campaigns and runways across the globe. It wasn’t until 2021, however, that Amelia truly began to make waves, marking her breakthrough moment when she walked for Chinese designer Yuhan Wang at the Spring/Summer 2022 London Fashion Week show.
The Yuhan Wang show in 2021 was a pivotal moment for Gray. Dressed in a sheer floral-printed design, she captured the attention of the fashion world, demonstrating her poise and confidence. Soon after, she started to book shows with top-tier designers, walking for Dilara Findikoglu, Tommy Hilfiger, Diesel, and Dsquared, solidifying her presence in the fashion landscape.
Amelia’s meteoric rise continued as she made her Paris Fashion Week debut in 2022, walking for Vivienne Westwood. This moment held personal significance for the model, as she had long dreamed of walking in Paris. After the show, she posted on Instagram, sharing her excitement and describing the experience as a dream come true. Amelia’s Paris debut included two striking looks, and her undeniable connection with the designers, Vivienne Westwood and Andreas Kronthaler, further established her credibility within the fashion industry.
One of Amelia’s most iconic moments came during Balenciaga’s infamous Spring/Summer 2023 “mud” show in Paris. The avant-garde and edgy nature of the show, which involved models walking through mud, generated significant buzz and drew international attention. Walking among a line-up of top models, Amelia’s participation in such a bold and unusual runway further emphasized her ability to thrive in unconventional fashion settings. It was this versatility and willingness to take risks that elevated her reputation.
Another major milestone in Gray’s career was her couture debut with Jean-Paul Gaultier. Walking during Paris Haute Couture Week, she showcased a collection designed by guest creative director Haider Ackermann, marking a new phase in her career as she ventured into the exclusive world of haute couture. Her appearance for Jean-Paul Gaultier signaled her acceptance into the upper echelons of the fashion elite, cementing her status as a serious and sought-after model.
Amelia Gray’s journey with Miu Miu has also played a significant role in her ascent to It-girl status. She has been a part of multiple Miu Miu campaigns and runway shows, including the Fall/Winter 2023 and Spring/Summer 2024 collections. Her recurring collaboration with the brand showcases her as a key member of the Miu Miu family, sharing the stage with high-profile names like Little Simz and Gigi Hadid. These continued partnerships illustrate the trust major fashion houses place in Amelia, further enhancing her portfolio.
One of the most notable highlights of her career came in May 2023 when she walked in the Versace x Dua Lipa “La Vacanza” show at Cannes Film Festival. Walking for Versace, a brand she had idolized since childhood, was a defining moment for Amelia. She shared her elation on Instagram, expressing how much the opportunity meant to her, as it had been a lifelong dream to walk for the iconic house. The inclusion in such a high-profile event, alongside two of the industry’s powerhouses—Donatella Versace and Dua Lipa—was proof of her growing influence in the fashion world.
Her impressive portfolio doesn’t stop at runway shows. Amelia has been a part of numerous campaigns for renowned brands, including Miu Miu, FRAME, and Jean-Paul Gaultier. Her FRAME Summer 2024 campaign, in particular, stood out, with the denim brand selecting her as their newest ambassador. Following in the footsteps of supermodel Gisele, Amelia was praised for her “old-school work ethic and drive,” qualities that have helped propel her career forward.
In 2023, Gray continued her streak of success by appearing in the latest Jean-Paul Gaultier campaign, “TRES GAULTIER,” which aimed to celebrate rebellious models. Her role in this campaign further reinforced her image as a bold, edgy figure in the fashion world, constantly pushing boundaries and embracing her unique persona.
From her early days of creating Instagram content to becoming a fixture on the most prestigious runways, Amelia Gray Hamlin has proven herself as fashion’s new favorite It-girl. Her evolution from reality TV royalty to high-fashion muse is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and undeniable charm. Amelia’s future in fashion looks bright, and with each passing season, she continues to solidify her place as a modern-day muse, adored by designers and fashion lovers alike.
