As the world’s longest-running literature festival returns to Cheltenham, UK this month, Kamile Spann steps forward not only as a model but as a newly published author and philanthropist with something to say. From Armani runways to London rooftops, she now wields visibility as power — and her debut journal, ‘Transformation’, is being presented this month at the Cheltenham Literature Festival (10–19 October 2025).

In an industry that so often trades on the surface, Kamile Spann is bringing substance back into the conversation. The Lithuanian-born model, writer and philanthropist built her early career walking for Armani, Versace, Fendi and others under top agencies including IMG, Storm, Uno and M4. Her image has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel, Marie Claire, Grazia, Glamour and Telva.

Now based between Switzerland and the UK, Kamile’s re-emergence is rooted in vulnerability, storytelling and purpose. Her self-reflection journal ‘Transformation’ — launched at Claridge’s this past May in support of Women for Women UK — explores identity, reinvention and emotional freedom. This month, she brings it to Cheltenham, marking her official debut as an author and speaker before a literary and cultural audience.

Alongside her creative pursuits, she continues to expand her philanthropic reach as an ambassador for both the Art Voyage Biennial Foundation and the Savsim Foundation, while supporting key causes across London, Monaco and Zurich. We sat down with Kamile to trace the arc of her journey — from high fashion to human truth — and to hear how she’s redefining visibility for the modern woman.

Your entry into fashion was early and international. What first inspired that path?

I was born in Lithuania and always felt drawn to visual expression and presence. Modelling offered a stage to communicate through imagery — and I embraced it. I signed with agencies such as IMG, Uno, Storm and M4 (later Donna Japan), and worked across Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, Milan and Paris. Those years taught me about visibility, beauty and the quiet stories hidden behind the glamour.

You paused your public life for motherhood. What did that period teach you?

Motherhood took me inward.

“Stepping away from the industry, I confronted a void — of identity, voice, self-worth. But it also gave me space to heal, reflect and rebuild.”

I climbed out of hiding by feeling deeply, owning my wounds and learning to trust the self I’d long ignored.

As you return, how do you wish to be seen?

I don’t want to be framed as “another model making a comeback”. I want to be recognised as a woman who transformed — who turned pain into purpose. I seek collaborations that don’t just decorate, but communicate. Elegant, honest, meaningful work — that’s my currency.

Tell us about ‘Transformation’ and what it represents now that it’s at Cheltenham.

This journal is a companion for women rediscovering their voices. It isn’t a formula; it’s a mirror. I launched it in May at Claridge’s, surrounded by women who inspire me, and the evening supported Women for Women UK. Now, this month, I’m presenting ‘Transformation’ at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, introducing it to a wider audience. It feels like the perfect moment — bringing something born in silence into a space of dialogue.

You’re active in philanthropy. Where does that passion stem from?

Philanthropy has always felt essential. Over the years I’ve supported the Zurich Children’s Hospital, the Princess Grace Foundation, the Princess Charlene Foundation, Rett Syndrome research, Caudwell Children and Women for Women UK. I’ve attended Caudwell Children Galas, the Global Gift Foundation Gala, and I now serve as an ambassador for Art Voyage and Savsim. To me, influence without giving back is hollow.

Which fashion moments defined your early career?

I worked with Armani, Versace, Fendi, El Corte Inglés and Burma París, and I walked for three seasons for Nicole Milano by Pronovias in Rome. Editorially, I’ve appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia, L’Officiel, Marie Claire, Glamour and Telva, and I’ve fronted campaigns for Hassanzadeh Jewellery. Most recently, I shot with Alan Strutt for Harper’s Bazaar. Each collaboration refined both my craft and my confidence.

You often talk about “turning pain into purpose”. What does that mean to you?

For years I lived a life that looked perfect but didn’t feel true. I played roles that didn’t fit and lost touch with who I was.

“My transformation began when I stopped shrinking. I hope to show other women that reinvention isn’t just possible — it’s essential.”

Pain becomes purpose when you stop letting it define you.

How do you navigate fashion’s demands while remaining emotionally honest?

By setting clear boundaries and choosing projects that align with my values. I’m not interested in empty glamour. I want elegance with integrity — collaborations that carry substance as well as style. My content today is more editorial, reflective and intentional. Visibility should serve something deeper than vanity.

What lies ahead for you now?

At the moment my focus is on sharing ‘Transformation’ here at Cheltenham, building my profile as an author and speaker, and expanding my work with philanthropic foundations. I’ve also been invited to join the Global Gift Foundation, which feels like a natural next step in aligning purpose with platform.

With ‘Transformation’, Kamile Spann isn’t simply returning to public life — she’s rewriting it. This October, as Cheltenham’s literary pulse beats from the 10th to 19th, her story stands as both an invitation and a reminder: beauty without truth fades, but truth — when owned — transforms.