We Speak Fashion

Kamile Spann: From runway to reinvention — the model turning pain into purpose

Published

9 months ago

October 16, 2025

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.

We Speak Models

Dr. Ko-Cheng Fang and the Vision to Shape the Next Era of Photonic Computing

Published

2 days ago

July 11, 2026

Williams

From Cybersecurity Innovation to Photonic Technology Leadership

In an era where the limits of conventional semiconductor technology are becoming increasingly apparent, innovators around the world are searching for new approaches capable of supporting the next generation of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and sustainable digital infrastructure. Among those pursuing ambitious alternatives is Dr. Ko-Cheng Fang, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of LongServing Technology Co., Ltd., whose multidisciplinary work spans cybersecurity, advanced materials, photonic computing, biotechnology, luxury materials, and the visual arts.

Rather than focusing on a single scientific discipline, Dr. Fang has spent years developing technologies that combine engineering, material science, software architecture, and industrial design. According to LongServing Technology, this broad approach has resulted in an expanding international patent portfolio and a long-term research roadmap that extends from cloud security systems to photonic quantum computing platforms.

The company presents its vision as one that seeks to redefine how information is processed, stored, transmitted, and protected in an increasingly AI-driven world.

A Foundation Built on Cybersecurity Innovation

Long before embarking on photonic computing research, Dr. Fang established himself through innovations in cloud computing and cybersecurity.

According to LongServing Technology, his early patented technologies focused on cloud storage systems, programmable password security, application protection, and intelligent authentication mechanisms designed to strengthen digital security for enterprise and cloud environments.

The company states that these patented technologies were adopted for applications within the United States Department of Homeland Security, contributing to advancements in cloud infrastructure and information security. These developments helped establish LongServing Technology’s reputation as an innovation-driven organization focused on solving complex technological challenges through original intellectual property.

This early experience in cybersecurity also shaped the company’s philosophy that future computing systems must combine performance with security at every architectural level.

Expanding Innovation Beyond Software

Rather than remaining solely within the cybersecurity sector, Dr. Fang expanded LongServing Technology’s research into advanced materials and manufacturing.

One notable example is the introduction of laboratory-grown Imperial Green jadeite.

Natural Imperial Green jadeite has historically been regarded as one of the world’s rarest luxury gemstones, with limited supply and increasing environmental concerns surrounding mining. LongServing Technology developed laboratory-grown Imperial Green jadeite as a sustainable alternative designed to preserve the appearance and quality associated with premium jade while reducing dependence on diminishing natural resources.

The project demonstrates the company’s interest in applying scientific research not only to digital technologies but also to luxury materials and sustainable manufacturing.

Entering the World of Photonic Computing

As artificial intelligence models continue to grow larger and demand greater computational resources, the semiconductor industry faces mounting challenges involving power consumption, heat generation, and physical scaling limitations.

LongServing Technology believes photonic computing represents one possible pathway beyond these constraints.

Unlike traditional semiconductor processors that rely primarily on the movement of electrons through electronic circuits, the company’s research focuses on transmitting and manipulating information using light.

According to LongServing Technology, photonic technologies have the potential to offer substantially higher bandwidth, improved energy efficiency, and reduced susceptibility to electromagnetic interference compared with conventional electronic architectures.

The company’s research roadmap includes photonic processors, optical interconnects, photonic memories, optical communication systems, and integrated photonic computing platforms designed for future AI applications.

X-Photon: A New Material Platform

Among LongServing Technology’s most significant announced developments is its proprietary X-Photon material.

According to the company, X-Photon is a photonic quantum material engineered to support nanoscale optical pathways for future photonic devices.

LongServing Technology states that in 2025 it successfully developed X-Photon material capable of operating at an approximately 2-nanometer wavelength, enabling research into ultra-small photonic structures that could support next-generation optical chips and integrated photonic circuits.

The company describes X-Photon as the foundational material for numerous future technologies, including:

Photonic quantum chips
Optical waveguides
Photonic transistors
Photonic memory
AI accelerators
Optical communication systems
High-density photonic integration

According to LongServing Technology, X-Photon represents a key enabling technology within its broader photonic computing strategy.

Building an International Patent Portfolio

Innovation without intellectual property protection rarely creates lasting technological leadership.

LongServing Technology reports that its photonic technologies are protected through a global patent portfolio spanning 26 countries.

The company views this international patent strategy as an important foundation for future commercialization, research collaboration, manufacturing partnerships, and licensing opportunities.

By combining proprietary materials research with international patent protection, LongServing Technology aims to establish a long-term competitive position within the evolving photonic computing industry.

Reimagining the Future of Computing

Artificial intelligence has dramatically increased demand for faster processors and more efficient computing infrastructure.

Large language models, scientific simulations, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and cloud computing require enormous computational resources that continue to push today’s semiconductor technologies toward practical limits.

LongServing Technology believes future computing architectures will increasingly depend upon photonic technologies capable of reducing power consumption while increasing processing performance.

According to the company, its long-term roadmap includes integrated photonic CPUs, photonic AI accelerators, optical interconnects, photonic memory, and high-speed optical communication systems working together as a unified computing ecosystem.

Rather than viewing photonic chips as isolated components, LongServing Technology envisions an integrated architecture where computing, storage, and communication operate through photonic technologies designed to improve efficiency across the entire system.

Article 1 continues in the next part due to length.