She’s walked for Paris Couture Week, graced the pages of Harper’s Bazaar, and mentored on Greece’s Next Top Model. But behind the glamour, Mary Vitinaros is every bit as grounded as the place she calls home.
In the world of international fashion, few figures embody the sheer elegance, depth, and global magnetism of Mary Vitinaros. A statuesque presence with classic beauty, distinctive blue eyes and luminous blonde hair, Mary commands attention both on and off the runway. But beyond her polished exterior lies a woman of remarkable depth—a former tennis prodigy, a university graduate, a mentor, and a sought-after television personality. In this exclusive interview Mary opens up candidly about her journey, all the way from Melbourne to the world’s most glamorous fashion capitals.
“I’m loving being back home!” she tells me, her warmth unmistakable. “It’s always special to return to the Melbourne Fashion Festival—it’s my hometown and where I started my career. I’ve walked in so many MFF shows over the years, so it feels amazing to be back.”
Born and raised in Melbourne to Greek and Italian parents, Mary’s heritage is embedded in her identity. While she now resides primarily in Greece, Australia remains an emotional anchor. “Honestly, I miss my family the most—and, of course, sausage rolls!” she laughs.
Her homecoming for Melbourne Fashion Festival this year was not just nostalgic, but a full-circle moment. “I loved the Manning Cartell collection—I even wore one of their looks to the opening night,” she says. “Bianca Spender and Aje also had incredible pieces that really stood out. And there were so many beautiful designs on the Menswear runway that I would genuinely wear myself!”
“Wearing incredible Australian brands has definitely been a highlight. It’s always exciting to showcase the talented designers we have here in Australia.”
Having graced the global fashion stage, Mary brings international perspective to any conversation about style. “Leopard print and deep burgundy tones stood out at MFW,” she notes. “Silhouettes reminiscent of the early 2000s are also making a big comeback.”
Upon reflection, Mary’s journey into fashion was anything but linear. She trained for years as a competitive tennis player, reaching a national ranking in Women’s Tennis Australia. “Stepping away from that dream wasn’t easy,” she admits. “It was definitely a really difficult and disappointing moment – I’d spent my whole childhood working towards becoming a professional tennis player.
“But looking back, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. All those years of training taught me discipline, resilience, and so many life lessons that shaped who I am today.”
Her entry into modelling, like many things in life, came through serendipity. “I was scouted quite a few times when I was younger, starting at around age 12” she says. “My mum even had a little collection of business cards from different modelling agencies.
“When I was 16, I was scouted by IMG NY while at a water park on the Gold Coast. At the time, I was still really focused on tennis, but that moment definitely made me consider modelling more.”
“I wouldn’t say there was one single moment that launched my modelling career. It was more a result of years of dedication and working consistently with amazing clients around the world.”
Mary’s modelling career spans the globe. She was chosen as the face of the global Guess Marciano Spring/Summer ’23 campaign. She was featured in a multi-page spread for Harper’s Bazaar, personally selected by couture designer Celia Kritharioti to walk in her Paris Couture Week show, and landed the cover of Greece’s first-ever Hello! Beauty edition. She also graced the covers of Greece’s Gala and DownTown magazines.
Her recent brand collaborations include ambassadorships with Zolotas (Greece’s largest jewellery company) and vehicle rental giant AVIS. She has partnered with luxury fashion and lifestyle brands including Kurt Geiger, Karl Lagerfeld, Dior, Loewe, Moschino, Missoni, Dyson, Carolina Herrera, and Burberry. In 2023 alone, she shot campaigns for Wilson Tennis, H&M, Gottex, Maaboo, and True Tone.
“Shooting my global Guess campaign was a major milestone,” she shares. “It not only elevated my profile but also opened doors beyond traditional modelling, leading to exciting opportunities in TV and other creative fields.”
One of those opportunities was Greece’s Next Top Model (GNTM), where Mary served as a model instructor and mentor. Mary was living and working in Los Angeles when she was scouted by producers, and although she spoke minimal Greek at the time, she relocated to Greece in 2022 and made her debut as the show’s model instructor. Instantly winning over both contestants and co-hosts with her warmth and professionalism, Mary quickly became a viewer favourite. Her impact was undeniable—her season delivered the show’s highest ratings, and she impressed the network enough to be offered a permanent role.
“I absolutely loved being a coach on GNTM,” she reflects. “It was amazing to share my experience and help the girls find their footing. Starting out in modelling can be overwhelming.”
“Persistence is key. Believe in yourself, stay clear on your goals and your vision, and keep showing up—even when it’s hard.”
As her profile grew, so did her presence in Greek media. She now makes regular appearances on morning television programs and the popular car show Traction, Greece’s answer to Top Gear.
Despite her glittering résumé, Mary is the first to dispel the illusion that modelling is all glamour and ease. “It really isn’t as glamorous as it is portrayed to be and it is most definitely hard work,” she says. “There is also an element of loneliness as you are constantly travelling for work on your own.”
Deeply proud of her multicultural heritage, Mary believes that it is the strength of her roots that keeps her centred amid the constant movement.
“My family keeps me grounded. They’re such a big part of my life, and I’m incredibly lucky to have such a loving, supportive, and stable family. Having that foundation gives me the confidence and balance I need to chase my goals.”
That same sense of grounded-ness extends beyond family to education. Mary holds a degree in accounting from a Melbourne university—an achievement that reflects her depth, discipline, and foresight beyond the runway.
“Getting my degree was always really important to me—it gave me a business mindset, which has been so useful in the modelling world,” she explains. “I’ve always believed it’s important to have more to offer than just your appearance. The more skills you have, the more you bring to the table. And that’s especially important today, when modelling is about so much more than just looking good.”
And her advice to aspiring young models?
“If you can earn a degree, it definitely adds value to everything else you’re doing. Education gives you options, confidence, and perspective. Learn as much as you can—knowledge really is power.”
Mary is also thinking about what comes next. “I’d love to explore more opportunities in TV, both in Greece and Australia,” she confides. “I’ve also started working on a few personal projects that I’m super excited about, but I’m keeping those under wraps for now… You’ll just have to stay tuned!”
It’s rare to encounter someone who has not only traversed the runways of Paris, LA, and Milan, but who also brings thoughtfulness, class, grit, and gratitude to every step she takes. In Mary Vitinaros, the world sees a supermodel. In this exclusive interview, we see so much more.
Follow Mary on Instagram @maryvitinaros.
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