What a month it's been for Hailey Clauson!
Just two weeks ago, the blond bombshell made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover debut and last night she was headed to Vanity Fair's star-studded 2016 Oscars party. Ahead of the evening, E! News got an exclusive look at the 20-year-old prepping for her first ever Academy Awards celebration where Clauson dished on all things SI and her girl-next-door attitude.
Hailey was still reeling from the mag's big reveal, admitting, "I've had a week to think about what just happened to my career, which still doesn't seem real."
Despite a sudden launch into the limelight, Clauson acknowledged, "I've been modeling for eight years almost now, and it feels good to work hard and it pays off."
As for any controversy surrounding the issue's decision to highlight model's with diverse body types, Clauson believes, "It's changing the world," adding, "I've been through all the struggles and had to stick to who I was and own who I was so it was amazing to be appreciated for my body type and be on the cover of Sports Illustrated next to two different body types who probably had similar experiences as me."
Though she admits her year-round workout schedule is a "lifestyle," the model recognizes that there's beauty in every one.
"Just own what you got. It doesn't matter what anybody thinks," Clauson explained.
Speaking of flaunting your assets, Hailey did exactly that at the post-Academy Awards shindig. Opting for tousled waves and a smoldering makeup look, Clauson stunned in a pale purple Versace gown with sequined cut outs.
The glam ensemble was out of the beauty's typical comfort zone, as she revealed, "I'm a pretty casual girl. There's a lot of designers I'm a fan of, but I like to stick with jeans and T-shirts. For special events like this I get to wear Versace, and that's special."
Better get ready for more extraordinary red carpet opportunities, girl! This is far from your last.