Martina Nermin Depretto

Martina, how would you describe your style? Has it changed since you started modeling?

‘Moody’, a bit like me. There are days when I dress myself in a particularly eccentric way (I’m a big fan of prints, patterns and, more specifically, animal prints) and others when I just want to wear the bare essentials. Since I’ve been working as a model, I’ve discovered the beauty of being minimalist. I wear only a few simple, beautiful yet essential garments.

That being said, what’s been the most important moment in your career so far?

I still have many steps to take! I’m quite happy and satisfied with what I’ve reached so far: I managed to walk down the catwalk, shoot a few cover stories and collaborate, as an influencer, with very cool brands, such as Trussardi, Versace and Camper.

Has fashion always been a passion of yours? If so, how have you nurtured your interest?

I’ve always liked fashion, but it turned into a true passion when I started working in this field. Anyhow, I still perceive it as a way to express yourself, a business card.

What’s the garment you couldn’t live without?

A nice coat and a pair of cowboy boots.

Martina, do you have a style-related advice on how to stand out from the crowd?

The most unique garments you can wear and nobody will ever be able to take away from you are your personality and self-confidence. So, my advice is to work on yourself and then express your being: people can ‘see’ your aura, and they often envy it.

What can’t be missing from your bag?

A pair of sunglasses, a lip balm, an anagogic camera and a crosswords book!

Speaking of social networks, you have over 24K followers on Instagram. What do you think the positive and negative sides of social media are? How do you deal with online criticism?

On social networks too, I became ‘famous’ by chance. In the small environment where I lived, I felt misunderstood. In fact, for each person of my village admiring me, there was another one hating me. So, I can say that I’ve made my bones. That’s the way I am and I wouldn’t change myself for anyone, because after all I’m more than enough. I’ve lived both the positive and negative sides. The positive one consists of feeling a part of something, raising issues that, once they’ve reached a big audience, can make a difference. On the contrary, the negative one has to do with the hypersensitivity of those who are on social networks: anything can offend them, they feel like they have the right to critique any content just for the sake of doing it.

What do you always forget to pack?

I never travel light (Laughs, E.D.)! I’ve got a problem with distinguishing essential things from the unnecessary ones, yet I keep on forgetting my hairbrush and toothbrush.

Talking of sports and nutrition, how do you stay in shape? Do you follow a particular diet? Do you practice any sports activities?

As a good Italian, food is a fundamental aspect of my life. I really like to cook and, as much, to eat. So, the only diet I follow is vegetarianism, because of ethical reasons. Regarding sports, I’ve always been an active person. As a child, I danced and, when I stopped, I started going to the gym every now and then. That being said, for me the best kind of exercise is walking or riding my bike, instead of using public transportation.

What’s the outfit that best represents you? And what do you wear when you travel?

The look I’m going for more and more consists of a white T-shirt, black bootcut trousers, Tabi shoes and very big dark shades. When I travel, I like to feel comfortable. So, if it’s possible, I always try to wear a pair of slippers.

Regarding sustainability, how do you think fashion can give its contribution?

There are many things I don’t like about the environment I work in, because of the environmental impact they have. For example, the use of plastic during photo shoots (it’s rather absurd, among plastic cups and bottles!) and fur, the little recycle of materials and the fact that unsold products are burned. Many little expedients could make a difference. When buying from the big brands, the pro is that, once you’ve made an ‘investment’, the garment you bought will be forever. I still wear the clothes that my mom bought when she was young!

What piece of advice would you give to an aspiring model? What are the sides of your life as a model that you prefer and the ones that, on the contrary, you don’t like?

Believe in yourself! Unfortunately, this job leads you to doubt yourself and the way in which you look, because you’re constantly being judged and compared to someone else. At the same time, always being surrounded by many people, you have the chance of establishing as many friendships. You can live a bunch of different experiences…and travel a lot!

That said, do you have a secret dream?

I’m satisfied with my life at the moment. So, right now, my one and only dream is to find my place in the world, because I’m still confused and there are too many things I’d like to do!

Lastly what’s the question you’ve never been asked, but you’ve always wanted to answer?

What super power would you like to have?’, to which I’d answer: ‘Understanding and speaking any language’.