Mitzi Martin embodies a multifaceted spirit, flawlessly blending her roles as a model, mother, traveler, and passionate animal advocate. With a wealth of life experiences shaping her journey, she remains grounded and authentic in all that she does. Mitzi’s allure goes beyond her striking beauty; it’s her profound humanity and genuine compassion that shine through, captivating everyone who encounters her. Each moment in front of the camera reflects not just her physical grace, but also the beauty of her soul, allowing her to tell stories that resonate on a deeper level.

What is your fondest memory from your long, illustrious career?
Traveling with my mother. I was only 15 when I started traveling to countries outside the US for extended periods of time. My mom would have to come with me for months at a time. She was so excited about my career she made everything fun. I come from a big family (7 sister’s and 1 brother) I was lucky to get her all to myself. She passed not long ago so those memories mean more to me now than ever.

What do you consider being your big break in the industry?
I was 17 and had been working in Paris when I met the amazing photographer and make-up artist Tyen. He was the Makeup Director of Dior at the time. He hired me for the Dior campaign. I don’t think I understood then what a big deal it was but my agents in Paris were over the moon about it.

I remember one week before the shoot Tyen said “Mitzi, don’t get a pimple before the shoot.” No pressure. Tyen had an exhibition 30 years of Creation at Palais de Tokyo some years ago. I was thrilled to see my photo for the vintage Dior makeup campaign was part of the collection.

Have you ever met your hero? How did it go?
Yes, I met my heroes a few weeks ago at the Lancaster Animal Care Center. A shelter in Lancaster, Ca. Mike Ruiz and the staff and volunteers working there. I was completely humbled by their total love, dedication and empathy toward the dogs. It is a courageous and heartbreaking job. It restored my faith in humanity.

By your mid-teens, you were traveling all over the world. How would you feel about your children doing the same?
No way! Not even a chance. I had the time of my life. I feel very blessed by my experience, but I lived as an adult in a way. I was being photographed as a woman not a teenager. I was making big decisions. Flying alone a lot to foreign countries not knowing who was picking me up at the airport. Doing my taxes and smoking cigarettes to fit in and feel grown up. Not to mention the constant fending off of unwanted advances. I would like my kids to be kids for as long as possible and enjoy their freedom of being young.

What was your most favorite project to work on, in both modeling and film?
Every job I have ever done with photographer Alberto Tolot and make-up artist Francesca Tolot. This includes beauty campaigns, editorials, personal creative projects. I believe the Tolots are the most talented, creative, and kind artists I have ever had the honor of working with. I mean Alberto basically taught me how to model. This also includes a rotation of incredible hair stylists I consider the best in the world. Peter Savic, Enzo Angileri, Robert Vetica, Yuki Sharoni, and the beautiful Serena Radaelli. Their talent is only surpassed by their kindness and grace.

Outside of the standard money and fame, what has the modeling industry given you?
It gave me the opportunity to see the world. In a way that most people would not have a chance. And so many wonderful life long close friends.

Do you have a crazy modeling story you'd want to share?
Haha! I do have some stories, but I cannot share. Mostly because they are not about me. Maybe in ten more years.

You call California home. How does it compare to NYC and Paris, where so many creatives in your fields decided to call home for themselves?
Yes, this was a tricky situation. Also frustrating for my agents in New York. Obviously if I had lived in NY or Paris, I would have had a lot more opportunity and been more available.

I was a real California girl who grew up with a big family. I always wanted to go home. The kind of girl who loved her boyfriend, her dogs, and her parents, too. I made my choices with my heart. The result was a lot of redeye flights or passing completely on great bookings and eventually including acting into my work here and there.

How have you stayed grounded?
The absolute and honest truth to this question is I never drank alcohol or did drugs to this day. It is easy to stay grounded when you are 100% clear on everything that is going on around you. This also kept me safe. I was the first person to leave every party or club or client dinner for sure. Also remember I have eight siblings, and my parents had been married since college. If I wasn’t living with the current love of my life I was living with one of my sisters. Family keeps you grounded.

The book One Woman, 100 Faces covers 25 years of your life. What do you want the next 25 years to look like?
More of the same. I have never stopped working. Even through my pregnancies. I continue to do beautiful work with highly creative photographers like Mike Ruiz, Troy Jensen, and Greg Gorman to name a few. I don’t follow the rules of over 40 in this industry. I have never really fit in one box one type or age group. I continue to do amazing beauty campaigns, advertising, lifestyle and the avant-garde. I plan to follow in the footsteps of timeless beauties like Andie MacDowell, Jerry Hall, and Maye Musk. Who have paved the way and proven at any age we can be beautiful and sexy and ourselves and still marketable.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Mitzi Martin
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Fashion Stylist: Melvin Sanders at TMG
Hair + Makeup: Raquel Moreno
Photography Assistant: River Chad
Assistant Fashion Stylist: Andy Myers
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Seana Watson
Location: FD STUDIOS

Fashion Model & Animal Advocate, Mitzi Martin