Miriam Mattova is a trailblazer in the fashion industry, celebrated for her inspiring journey and pride in her Jewish heritage. With a career defined by resilience and authenticity, she has used her platform to stand against antisemitism and empower others to embrace their identity. Her influence extends beyond fashion, inspiring young women worldwide to pursue their dreams with confidence

Miriam Mattova

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Model: Miriam Mattova @miriammattova
Photographer: Alex Lam @joypix_alex
Makeu-up: Emma Redfield @emmaredfield
Hair: Duyen Huynh @duyenhuynh
Styling: Jacob White-Ferrari @whiteferrari

Miriam, you are known as one of the most powerful and inspiring figures in the fashion industry. Your career has grown rapidly, and you’ve achieved so much without traditional modelling training. What has helped you maintain your inner confidence as you’ve faced new challenges?
Marie Claire, thank you so much for the compliments! I am truly humbled.
Yes, you’re right — this year has been an incredible journey for me. However, as a Jewish model, it has also been very challenging due to the tragic events of 7th October and the rise in antisemitism they’ve brought. Back to the beginning — my journey in modelling has been unique, especially without traditional training. Maintaining inner confidence amidst challenges has been crucial to my success.
Over the years, I’ve learned to embrace who I truly am and to take pride in my Jewish heritage. These qualities have always been my foundation. They’ve helped me understand that confidence comes from authenticity, allowing me to approach opportunities without imitating others. These opportunities have led me to meaningful connections with designers like Stephan Caras, Ronny Kobbo, Jana Pistejova, and many others who support me and create unique looks for my events and photoshoots. I am especially grateful to Mike Mouradian, who is always ready to make last-minute alterations, ensuring I feel confident in my outfits. Cultivating a positive outlook has been essential, as I focus on growth rather than the fear of failure. Each setback is a learning opportunity, and I remind myself that challenges can open new horizons. Facing antisemitism, even in the fashion industry, has only strengthened my pride in my heritage. I stand up for what is right, even when not welcomed with open arms.
Challenges are part of any career, but resilience has helped me bounce back quicker than before. I always focus on solutions and adaptability instead of dwelling on obstacles. A clear vision and set goals keep me motivated and drive my progress. Now more than ever, the rise in antisemitism empowers me to work twice as hard, so I can have a voice and speak out. Antisemitism, like all forms of hatred, violates fundamental human rights, targeting individuals based on religion, ethnicity, or background. Speaking out upholds the principle that everyone deserves respect, acceptance, and equality, regardless of identity. The deep historical roots of antisemitism have led to horrific consequences, most notably the Holocaust, where six million Jews were systematically murdered. This history is a painful reminder of the dangers of unchecked hatred. By speaking out, we honour this past and commit to preventing similar atrocities in the future. This focus gives me a sense of purpose and channels my energy positively.
By nurturing these aspects, I’ve been able to navigate the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable fashion landscape while maintaining my confidence and passion for this art form. Success isn’t just about talent; it’s about resilience, self-love, and an unwavering commitment to one’s vision.

It is a common belief that a woman’s strength lies in her vulnerability. What are your thoughts on this, and what role has vulnerability played in your personal development?
The idea that a woman's strength lies in her vulnerability is profound. It challenges traditional notions of strength, which often focus on stoicism and invulnerability. Acknowledging and embracing vulnerability allows me to connect authentically with my audience. When we reveal our true selves — our fears, insecurities, and imperfections—we invite others to do the same, fostering deeper relationships and a sense of community. This openness can lead to collective strength. For me, it’s crucial to be a voice for young Jewish girls, helping them find their voice at a time when pride in Jewish heritage can feel overlooked. Jewish people have faced significant challenges throughout history, including persecution, oppression, and genocide. Celebrating Jewish heritage honours the resilience of the Jewish community despite these adversities, serving as a reminder of the strength required to preserve culture and identity.
Experiencing vulnerability often accompanies challenges. By facing difficult situations head-on and acknowledging my emotions, I’ve learned resilience and gained valuable insights about myself. Each experience has deepened my understanding of my values and aspirations. Recognising vulnerability as part of the human experience reframes our view of strength. It’s about having the courage to feel and express emotions, which can lead to empowerment and advocacy for oneself and others. Allowing myself to be vulnerable encourages mindfulness and reflection, leading to greater self-awareness. This self-awareness helps me make intentional choices aligned with my true self.

You are an inspiration to many, but who inspires you? Are there people in your environment or past who have taught you the importance of being both strong and vulnerable?
I draw inspiration from many, especially within my family. My family exemplifies a beautiful balance of strength and vulnerability. My mother inspires me with her courage and eloquence. Her openness in sharing her own challenges and triumphs has taught me that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength that fosters connection and growth. She has guided me while being remarkably honest about her personal journey. Her willingness to forgive and show humility is a profound example of how vulnerability and strength coexist. Her journey, sharing my grandmother's story of the Holocaust and advocating for social change, is a source of immense pride and inspiration to me.

You are steadfastly true to yourself and your Jewish roots. How has your recent move to Canada helped amplify the voice of your national identity?
Jewish roots provide a rich tapestry of customs, traditions, and practices reflecting a unique culture developed over millennia. This heritage shapes the collective identity of Jewish communities worldwide, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Acknowledging Jewish roots involves recognising a long and complex history, including persecution and resilience, like my grandmother endured during the Second World War. This awareness reminds us of the importance of preserving our legacy. Moving to Canada, known for its multiculturalism and diversity, has significantly amplified my voice. I always believed that Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion would allow me to express my cultural identity freely. Sadly, since 7th October, this environment has changed. I hope I can use my voice to fight antisemitism and that the environment will once again encourage the celebration of Jewish heritage freely and safely. I am blessed to have found the Yorkville Jewish Center, which strengthens my ties to my Jewish roots and feels like a second home.

Your photographs convey not only beauty but also depth that resonates with viewers, even through the lens. What would you like to impart to future generations based on your experience?
Through modelling, I aim to convey more than just visual beauty. I find it essential to capture the depth of human experience, emotion, and the stories behind each image. Based on my experiences, I believe that authenticity is a powerful force in a world that often promotes curated images and surface-level connections. I always encourage models to stay true to themselves, celebrate their uniqueness, and embrace the stories that define them. Authenticity resonates far beyond the surface, fostering deeper connections with others—a key factor in my success. It’s crucial to state that vulnerability is not a weakness but a source of strength. When I allowed myself to be open and honest, it led to genuine interactions and a fuller understanding of my emotions, which ultimately reflected in my photoshoots. I also believe in using my voice for change. Modelling, like any form of art, has the power to provoke thought and inspire action. I have been able to raise awareness about social issues that matter deeply to me. For example, my voice has contributed to conversations encouraging people not to fear being visibly Jewish in public. Moreover, taking care of my mental and physical health is paramount. It fosters a sense of well-being that translates into confidence both on and off the runway. While I aim to convey more than visual beauty, I believe that feeling confident in my mind and body is fundamental. Investing time in my well-being ensures I am always 100% ready for the tasks, jobs, and events ahead. I am immensely grateful to my incredible, professional team, whom I now consider family. My personal trainer, Danielle Milner, and Aubrie Shafrir, owner of Facile Med Spa, have designed a transformative program combining effective workouts with treatments like Morpheus8 and Forma. These innovative, non-invasive treatments help tighten and tone my body, allowing me to achieve the best version of myself. I am also fortunate to have an exceptional beauty team. Emma Redfield, the most talented make-up artist in Toronto; Daniel Fiorio and his team at Salon Daniel, who provide unparalleled hair expertise and treatments; and Majesty’s Pleasure, a luxury nail salon offering the finest nail services in Toronto—all play an integral role in my journey. So yes, the story behind each image is incredibly important. But to truly portray that story, one must first believe in and love themselves. In my case, having an amazing team to support and help me achieve my beauty goals has been invaluable.