IN CONVERSATION WITH MARTHA HUNT

Martha Hunt’s career spans the world’s most influential runways and campaigns. Best known as a former Victoria’s Secret Angel, she has worked with fashion houses including Prada, Miu Miu, Balmain, and Michael Kors, earning a reputation for her elegance, versatility, and striking presence. Beyond fashion, she is a dedicated advocate for scoliosis awareness. Drawing from her own experience, she serves as Co-Executive Director of Enuval, a nonprofit focused on education, early detection, and support—using her platform to champion health, empowerment, and transparency both on and off the runway.

When you look back at the beginning of your modeling career, what moments stand out as truly pivotal?

Walking the Spring/Summer 2013 runways was a pivotal moment in my career. It was my first season walking for various major fashion houses, from Chanel to Prada, and I booked the Miu Miu campaign shortly after. Becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel later on also boosted my career and visibility in the industry, and I’m grateful for the loyalty and opportunities the brand offered me at that time.

How did becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel shape your understanding of visibility and responsibility in the fashion industry?

It was an honor to be chosen to represent the brand, as it was a benchmark moment in any model’s career at that time. Because it was so body focused, I felt it was important to use that visibility to speak openly about my experience with scoliosis. It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss, to show young people facing a diagnosis or treatment that they’re not alone, and that it doesn’t have to stop them from achieving their dreams.

full look MAGDA BUTRYM

You’ve been very open about your experience with scoliosis. What gave you the courage to share such a personal part of your story?

When I was younger, there weren’t any public figures representing the condition, so I felt compelled to shine a light on it. There was never any doubt that I would speak about my experience, the only question was when. Once I felt established enough in my career, I began sharing my scoliosis journey and getting involved in research and advocacy efforts.

How did that journey ultimately lead to the creation of Enuval?

I first went to Capitol Hill to advocate for scoliosis research funding, where I met spine surgeon Sariah Khormaee, MD, PhD. We stayed in touch and eventually began exploring how my platform could be used to further the cause.

We identified a clear gap. Scoliosis affects females at higher rates, yet women make up less than five percent of spine surgeons and remain underrepresented in spine research. Enuval was founded on a shared commitment to advancing spine care while addressing these disparities. As the work evolved, we recognized the importance of directly involving individuals affected by spine conditions in research, using social media to connect people who wanted to contribute to a cause they deeply cared about. Patients bring a different focus entirely to the traditional research model.

dress VIVETTA
necklace MARIE LICHTENBERG
tights FALKE

left:
top CALVIN KLEIN
skirt ZOE GUSTAVIA ANNA WHALEN
shoes MAGDA BUTRYM

right:
full look DIOR

What misconceptions about scoliosis do you most hope to change through your advocacy?

Rather than focusing on misconceptions, our work is centered on what’s missing. As a research-based organization, we aim to contribute high-quality, transparent data in areas where many questions about scoliosis still go unanswered, led by patient experience. The shared experience of scoliosis brings people together, and that patient-led perspective has motivated us to pursue research that can better support both physicians and patients. I’m inspired by our participants who are willing to dedicate their time to a cause they care about.

Has your advocacy work changed how you approach modeling or the projects you choose to take on?

My advocacy work has given me a broader sense of purpose, making each visible project feel more meaningful because I’m representing more than just my personal image.

dress OSCAR DE LA RENTA

coat SPORTMAX
tights FALKE
shoes DIESEL
ring MARIE LICHTENBERG

What role do you think models can play today beyond wearing clothes and representing brands?

Models can use their platforms to visibly represent lifestyles, raise awareness about meaningful subjects, or even utilize modeling to fund personal side projects. Some things take time and need to be cultivated outside of public view, which can be challenging with the fast paced demands of social media. You’re also not failing if not everything can be seen or talked about until it’s ready.

Are there conversations within the fashion industry around health and body transparency that you feel encouraged by, or that still need to happen?

I feel encouraged when I see people in the industry using their platforms in ways that feel authentic to their own voice, especially when it comes to health and body related topics. There’s nothing more valuable to these conversations than honesty rooted in lived experience.

left:
full look DOLCE & GABBANA
tights CALZEDONIA

right:
full look LOUIS VUITTON

How do you protect your mental and physical well-being in an industry that’s constantly moving?

I’m grateful to have been part of the industry for such a long time. Having a daughter helped re-center my priorities around what matters most. She keeps me grounded and reminds me that the industry is just one part of what has shaped my identity. I have other passions that stay close to my heart, regardless of how the industry changes.

Who or what inspires you most outside of fashion?

My daughter, Emery. She’s a live wire of life force energy. She’s awakened parts of myself that were dormant for a long time.

How has your definition of beauty changed since you first entered the industry?

Beauty to me is any person who is self-possessed.

Looking ahead, what do you hope the next chapter of your career allows you to explore or give back?

In the next chapter of my career, I hope to give back in meaningful ways by supporting the scoliosis community worldwide, while continuing to author my own story. 

dress TOTEME
brooch MARIE LICHTENBERG

TEAM CREDITS:

talent MARTHA HUNT at IMG
photography WILLIAM FERCHICHI at Imaj Artists
styling NATA BOCHA
makeup MATIN at Tracey Mattingly using Retrouvé Skin And Lashify
hair BRENTON DIALLO at The Wall Group using Matrix
nails MAMIE ONISHI at See Management using Aprés Nails
dop and editing KARAN SHARMA
photography assistant HYNING GAN
styling assistant ALENA ALIFIRUK
video assistant ANGEL
studio GO STUDIO PENTHOUSE
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN