Marta Pozzan on Creative Collaboration, the Immigrant Mindset and Working with Julia Fox

Words: Sihaam Naik

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When she was 12, Marta Pozzan gave her mother a letter. Detailed in shaky penmanship, it painted her thoughts on the world with an optimistic naivete. She wanted to be stronger and change things, believing she could do it through her. “Mom - what a gift life is.” It read. “We are so lucky to be alive on this planet as human beings that we must be the best we can, the kindest we can and work the hardest we can.” This empathy and desire to work hard haven’t left Pozzan’s side throughout her burgeoning career.

As our conversation begins, Marta Pozzan apologises for her late arrival to our video call after being caught in the notoriously endless LA traffic. Despite our delay, she is eager to share her experiences, having just wrapped up a two-month shoot in New York for an upcoming project. “I need to be bi-coastal,” she laughs. “LA can be very peaceful, but New York was so vibrant and alive!” After over a decade on the West Coast, it’s understandable why a new city could be so invigorating to the acclaimed creative.

She got her start in the industry 12 years ago, when she first moved to LA while assisting actor and model Jamie King. Since then, you might recognise her from her global brand campaigns, including Kenzo Fragrances, Samsung, and Jeffrey Campbell, as well as her various roles on screen, including the horror film Whisper featuring Maia Mitchell and From Scratch alongside Zoe Saldanha. Her online presence is inimitable, with an Instagram feed that reflects her vibrant energy; a scroll through her page shows Pozzan cheerily emoting in front of a wall of crisps at a bodega in New York, Pozzan lazily hugging an oversized magazine against a maxi jean skirt, or showing off a vampy lip look in an editorial shoot outtake.

Her forthcoming film, slated to release in 2025, found Marta working alongside icon Julia Fox, which Marta was incredibly excited about. “She’s the coolest - and her look [in the movie] is very different from what we’ve seen her in.” Marta enthuses, adding that she can’t wait to reunite with Fox when they’re doing press tours to promote the film. “The director wrote this part with me in mind for it,” she reveals. “I love working with female directors; most of the projects I’ve worked on have been headed by women.” 

Pozzan notes that feels most comfortable when on set. She smiles about her time working on the film, where she made close friends with the cast. I could tell she was reliving the experience all over again when she recounts this, talking about how being on a movie set was just like a longer photoshoot — and the bonds she made parallel to none. “I’m Italian, so I’m incredibly passionate and emotional. I ended up falling in love with my hair and makeup team, the director and the DP…” she trails off wistfully.

marta pozzan polyester zine editorial actress

Dress- Del Santos | Capris- Belle | Shoes- Taottao | Sunglasses- Mykita

marta pozzan polyester zine editorial actress

Black tank and pants - Priscavera | Belt - Rui Zhui

“I want to be able to give it my all, and the best version of my creativity comes from safety”

marta pozzan polyester zine editorial actress

Grey Outfit- Tibi | Necklace- Danny Figures | Heels- R13 | Glasses- Lexxola

We’ve been chatting for a while now, and it’s repeatedly made clear that community is important to Marta. Midway through our conversation, my own feelings on the importance of collaboration came up.  In a serene twist of events, she said exactly what I was thinking: “The more you feel like you belong, the better you create,” she says carefully. As an immigrant to the United States, there was an initial struggle to find her people and a distinct feeling of belonging. As an immigrant myself, I couldn’t relate more. “I always feel like I make my best art when I feel safe,” I offer, and smile when I’m met with a resounding exactly!

“I want to be able to give it my all, and the best version of my creativity comes from safety,” she affirms. Through her words, I can almost see a more vulnerable Marta shine through, which is heartening from such an accomplished multi-hypenate. It’s important for Pozzan to be busy, as seen in her impressive reel of work, but her latest challenges lie in the art of slowing down. “I like spending time with my dogs and watching The Kardashians,” she hums. “I also love getting massages - but it is hard to slow down because I thrive when I’m working.” 

For Pozzan, an actress, model, creator and writer, wearing multiple caps feels like second nature and bleeds into her desire to be everywhere all at once. Her favourite shoot she’s ever done is Kenzo Fragrances because it used to be her signature scent when she was 12. “I loved being part of something that I’ve loved for so long,” she emphasises. Driven by what’s familiar and nostalgic to her ensures that Pozzan can capture how she feels with the most authenticity. Her love for her craft is palpable, making her journey relatable to every creative mind. “Creative thinking is a huge part of my job” she muses. “I love to plan and manifest my next move to ensure it’s the right next step for me.”

As an introspective thinker myself, I ask Marta about her biggest lesson of the year as our conversation draws to a close. After a thoughtful pause, she responds, “Taking responsibility for your own choices.” This realisation has driven her transformation from working independently to collaborating on set, highlighting not just a personal growth but positioning her as a creative force to watch.

marta pozzan polyester zine editorial actress

Jean outfit, boots, black leather top: R13, Belt: Del Santos

marta pozzan polyester zine editorial actress
marta pozzan polyester zine editorial actress

Grey Outfit- Tibi | Necklace- Danny Figures | Heels- R13 | Glasses- Lexxola

Photographer: Luke Stage | Styling: Anna Huger & Forza Mike | Makeup: Gianna Guerino | Producer: Molly Apple & MERDE Agency

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