With a runway presence that could stop traffic and a smile that lights up any room, Miriam has captivated hearts worldwide.
With a crown that gleamed as Miss Slovakia and the coveted title of Miss Universe Bikini 2013, she’s a true queen of the catwalk. From dazzling red carpets to chic after-parties, Miriam knows how to turn heads and steal the spotlight wherever she goes. This Slovakian sensation has since become a symbol of elegance and glamour. And wait, for this cover it’s – Picture-perfect poses? Check. Jaw-dropping couture? Double-check. Keep reading to be mesmerized by Miriam Mattova!
Team Credits:
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAYAN KHAN SHERWANI
MAKE UP BY EMMA REDFIELD
STYLING BY MARINA RAYMAR
Welcome to the anniversary edition Miriam! How does it feel to be here!?
Being on the cover of a fashion magazine is a momentous occasion that can be both humbling and empowering. It signifies a recognition of one’s work and a celebration of their unique voice and vision Moreover, being on the cover of L’Officiel is not just a personal achievement but also serves as a platform to showcase different perspectives, cultures, and identities, helping to break stereotypes and promote inclusivity within the industry.
As Miss Slovakia 2012 and Miss Universe Bikini 2013, what were the most memorable experiences?
It has been more than 10 years since I have competed in beauty pageants. During those times, competitions were viewed more as modeling competitions, where you needed to be at least 172cm and have a certain look for the modeling industry. Finally, these competitions would prepare you for the fashion world.
When I look back, I have to say the most memorable experience was representing my beautiful country Slovakia at an international competition in China amongst over 60 other girls. It was a very proud moment for me, especially after I brought the winning crown back to Slovakia, where I was only the second woman to win an international beauty pageant title and since 2013 no other Slovak contestant has brought yet another crown home.
Looking back, what is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your journey in pageantry?
There are many valuable lessons I have learned after being in the beauty and fashion industry for a couple of years.
Self-confidence is key in any competitive industry. Confidence can make a significant difference in how you present yourself on stage or in front of the camera.
Perseverance pays off: Success rarely comes overnight. Hard work, dedication, and perseverance are essential qualities to keep pushing forward despite setbacks or challenges.
Next it is important to embrace diversity: The pageant and fashion industry celebrates diversity in all forms, whether it be in body types, backgrounds, or styles. Embracing and celebrating diversity can lead to more meaningful connections and opportunities. Especially being from a very small country it is and always will be very important for me to represent the Slavic beauties.
Lastly Staying true to yourself: In a competitive industry that often values appearance and image, it’s important to stay true to your authentic self. Embrace your uniqueness and let your personality shine through in all that you do. Overall, my journey in the pageant and fashion industry has taught me valuable lessons about confidence, perseverance, diversity, time management, and authenticity that I continue to apply in both my personal and professional life.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever visited, and what made it so special?
I have visited many interesting places, which were rich in culture, diversity, and breathtaking nature. However, I still find my homeland Slovakia the most interesting and inspiring place as I was born there and it’s still home to my loving family and it is a part of my heart and soul that I represent in the world.
What’s something about you that would surprise most people?
I would have to say resilience, people may be surprised by my ability to bounce back from adversity and overcome challenges with grace and determination, and thanks to this I was able to achieve my Doctorate Degree. Even though I can be very tough what is needed in this industry I can also be very Compassionate. I find it important to be empathetic and kind towards others as I need to give back to the people in need and the ones that were not as fortunate as I was to have an amazing family, great education, great career, and especially good health.
I love to exercise and take care of my body as it keeps me in good health, which is very important to me. I mostly love to exercise in the outdoors when I horse ride. It gives me a sense of freedom and gives me time to relax. Growing up with strong family support, I valued education highly, leading me to complete a Master’s degree in Business and Marketing and enroll in a PhD program at a young age.
Growing up with great support from my family, I was blessed with a strong voice. My parents always told me about the importance of education, which is why I am proud to have completed a master’s degree in Business and Marketing. I was the youngest at my university to enroll in the Ph.D. program and also graduated as the youngest in my family.
In what ways do you believe beauty pageants can empower women, and what changes would you like to see in the industry to further promote empowerment?
The fashion and beauty industry can provide a platform for women to showcase their talents, intelligence, and advocacy skills, which can be empowering in terms of self-confidence and self-expression. These can offer opportunities for women to network, build connections, and gain valuable experiences that can help them grow personally and professionally. Additionally, participating in beauty pageants and/or becoming models/role models allowed me to raise awareness for important causes, advocate for social issues, and serve as role models for others, which was very important for me. To show the importance of giving back.
To further promote empowerment in the beauty industry, some changes could be made:
Emphasizing cultural diversity, backgrounds, and perspectives can help create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women of all identities to participate and feel valued. I am Jewish and as a part of a minority group, it is very important to stay true to your culture and represent your heritage. Therefore, I am very thankful to the industry that let me emphasize my diver’s background.
Focusing on personal development: Shifting the focus from solely physical appearance to also highlighting talents, skills, and achievements can help individual strengths and talents, fostering empowerment through personal growth, in my case I have been able to fulfill my dream in obtaining a doctorate and representing the beauty industry in the corporate world as well. Therefore, it is very important to believe in yourself and fulfill all your dreams.
I also think it is very important to have an influential person in your life to make you feel empowered. The most influential person in my life is my mom. My mother is exactly who I always wanted to be like in the future. She is an inspiration and a blessing for me and for others who have come in contact with her.
If I hadn’t been able to choose my mother as my inspiration, as I have grown older, I have put a lot more meaning behind that response as I’ve realized how much of an inspiration my grandmother is to me.
My grandmother has taught me the importance of family values, and to always stand up for what you believe in. She has shaped my life in more ways than I can explain, and I am forever grateful for all she has taught me. Even though a career is very important to emphasize your family is very important as they are the ones who will stand through thick and thin by your side.
As someone who has achieved success in beauty pageants, what advice would you give to young women aspiring to follow a similar path?
For young women aspiring to enter the fashion and/or beauty industry, I would first tell them to Focus on self-care: take care of your physical and mental well-being by prioritizing healthy habits, staying active, getting enough rest, and managing stress.
Self-care is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and confidence in pursuing a modeling career. Secondly build a strong support system: Surround yourself with positive influences, mentors, and advocates who believe in you and support your aspirations. Having a strong support system can provide encouragement, guidance, and valuable feedback along your modeling journey. In my case, the best and strongest support system was my family I am forever grateful for their amazing support and always being by my side through thick and thin. And I owe them a big Thank you because without them I would never be where I am today. It is also very important to focus on education and skills: While modeling can be a competitive field, having a strong educational background and honing your skills beyond modeling can be beneficial, as beauty is not the only important feature to be the shining star.
Lastly what I found important was to be prepared for rejection: Rejection is a common part of the modeling industry, so it’s important to develop resilience and perseverance. Learn from setbacks, use feedback to improve, and keep pushing forward toward your goals, as many models even I was rejected multiple times and I never gave up.
Remember that pursuing a career in modeling can be challenging but also rewarding. Stay focused, determined, and adaptable as you navigate your path in the industry.
