What makes you feel sexy? For Victoria Secret Angel Martha Hunt, and a number of the brand’s shoppers, it’s the city of San Diego. Voted America’s Sexiest City by Victoria’s Secret, the supermodel was in town last weekend celebrating the city’s win, and we had the opportunity to talk with her about what makes her feel sexy. She’s walked for designers like Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana and Mulberry, just to name a few, and has shot campaigns for Miu Miu, Hugo Boss, and BCBG. Needless to say, she knows what’s sexy. As we discussed favorite trends, lingerie and beauty routines, we realized that what makes us feel sensual, and what makes a top model feel sexy, are not that different (spoiler alert: almost everyone loves a girl's night out).
JustLuxe: San Diego was voted the sexiest city, but you’ve been all over the world—do you feel that each country or culture has its own unique sexiness?
Martha Hunt: Yes, definitely! The Latin culture has a spicy sense of sexiness, the Italians are very passionate, and the French are more quiet and aloof. Sexiness is global and I am always inspired by how differently women convey their own sense of personal sexiness.
JL: What are some places you like to go, or things you like to do when you want to feel sexy?
MH: I feel the sexiest when I am on vacation. A beautiful setting helps me get in a relaxed head space and I am able to catch up on sleep, so I feel well rested. There's also a spontaneous element about traveling and being somewhere new that makes you feel sexy. Getting dressed up for a night out with my girls [ed. note: she’s a part of the Taylor Swift squad] makes me feel sexy, and recently I have been wearing the Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy So Obsessed bra and that definitely makes me feel sexy! Each one is equally sexy in its own unique way.
JL: Speaking of Victoria’s Secret—has your work with the brand changed your perception of what it is to be sexy?
MH: Yes, by working with Victoria’s Secret I have found my own sense of inner confidence that I am able to bring to work. Being around all of the other models and seeing them feel so comfortable and confident in their own bodies is inspiring. We each have our own unique attitude and seeing how we are all different has helped me become confident with my inner sexiness.
JL: Obviously you’re professionally styled for work, but what is your daily, off-duty beauty routine like? Do you personally opt for a more dramatic or natural look to feel your best?
MH: In the morning I wash my face and moisturize. At night I like to use an oxygen serum. When I do glam I tend to opt for a more natural look. I try to focus on one feature and enhance it, such as my lips and not do much else on my face, or focus on my eyes and not do much else. My beauty tip is to choose one feature to focus on rather than the whole face.
JL: You've worked with a number of luxury brands over the years. What are some of your favorite current trends and styles to wear? Any favorite designers?
MH: Currently I am loving the ‘60s vibe that is happening. Women of the ‘60s had a very classic and feminine sense of dressing. I have really been into shopping at the store Reformation lately, because their style emulates that ‘60s girl. Some of my favorite designers are Jason Wu, Isabel Marant, Stella McCartney and Marni.
JL: You seem to really admire women of the past. How do you feel that the idea of being sexy has changed over the last decade or so? How do you think, or hope it will evolve over the next 10?
MH: I feel now there is more of a focus on fitness and being fit, and healthy is the new sexy. As what the idea of sexy is evolves, I hope to see women go back to appreciating a personal sense of style and showcasing that through signature dressing. For example, does she wear a neck scarf everyday—I love wearing scarves—a signature piece of jewelry, a lipstick color, etc. I think these signature moments really reflects who a woman is and showcases her personal sense of style in an iconic way.
