ELSE Woman //Mary Rozzi
Introducing ELSE Woman, a new series where we get to know creative, empowered women that embody ELSE’s iconic modern spirit and style.
ELSE Woman //Mary Rozzi
Introducing ELSE Woman, a new series where we get to know creative, empowered women that embody ELSE’s iconic modern spirit and style.
Mary Rozzi has been busy:
The Los Angeles-based fashion photographer and filmmaker is not only the creative lens for ELSE, she’s traveled the world for fashion campaigns with subjects in front of the camera ranging from Karlie Kloss to Lil Nas X, Meryl Streep, Viola Davis and countless others. Mary’s portraiture is known for its intuitive, bold understanding of body and form, as well as its powerful connection with her subjects. For our first installment of The ELSE Woman, Mary shares how her style is informed by her photography, her travel, and her new desert home—and reveals why ELSE is so special to her.
Mary Rozzi has been busy:
The Los Angeles-based fashion photographer and filmmaker is not only the creative lens for ELSE, she’s traveled the world for fashion campaigns with subjects in front of the camera ranging from Karlie Kloss to Lil Nas X, Meryl Streep, Viola Davis and countless others. Mary’s portraiture is known for its intuitive, bold understanding of body and form, as well as its powerful connection with her subjects. For our first installment of The ELSE Woman, Mary shares how her style is informed by her photography, her travel, and her new desert home—and reveals why ELSE is so special to her.
How does your work as a photographer influence your style?
“My work as a photographer significantly influences my style. Lately, I’ve gravitated toward a more utilitarian and timeless wardrobe, favoring sustainable, natural fabrics that I can wear repeatedly. My taste is refined, and I have a keen eye for quality. I appreciate high-quality pieces that can transition seamlessly from a photo shoot to a night out, justifying a higher price tag. I treat my wardrobe with respect, cherishing each piece for how it represents me both during a session and afterward. As an active photographer, often found sitting on the ground or in motion, I value style that complements my dynamic lifestyle—whether I’m rolling around on set or relaxing at a pub after work.”
How does your work as a photographer influence your style?
“My work as a photographer significantly influences my style. Lately, I’ve gravitated toward a more utilitarian and timeless wardrobe, favoring sustainable, natural fabrics that I can wear repeatedly. My taste is refined, and I have a keen eye for quality. I appreciate high-quality pieces that can transition seamlessly from a photo shoot to a night out, justifying a higher price tag. I treat my wardrobe with respect, cherishing each piece for how it represents me both during a session and afterward. As an active photographer, often found sitting on the ground or in motion, I value style that complements my dynamic lifestyle—whether I’m rolling around on set or relaxing at a pub after work.”
You are often traveling. What are your packing tips and essentials to bring with you?
“As someone frequently on the move, I always keep a bag packed with essentials, including my passport and travel-sized beauty necessities. I also ensure my carry-on includes a couple of extra pairs of panties and an additional outfit, just in case my luggage is lost.”
You are often traveling. What are your packing tips and essentials to bring with you?
“As someone frequently on the move, I always keep a bag packed with essentials, including my passport and travel-sized beauty necessities. I also ensure my carry-on includes a couple of extra pairs of panties and an additional outfit, just in case my luggage is lost.”
A self portrait shot by Mary backstage with supermodel Karlie Kloss.
A self portrait shot by Mary backstage with supermodel Karlie Kloss.
What is your favorite place to travel to, and why?
"Paris is a place that holds a special place in my heart, having lived there for 12 years. It’s where I feel most at home, with its exceptional food, vibrant social scene and an overall sense of joie de vivre. Recently, I’ve been to Japan—it’s my new favorite destination, one I’m eager to explore further. Food and culture is a driving force behind my travels, and I’m looking forward to an upcoming trip to Jordan for a social justice mission with a group of artists. As I prepare for this journey, I’m considering not only the practicalities of packing but also ensuring my attire respects the local culture. My camera will likely be in my hand the entire trip, and I’m excited to discover the people and their culture."
What is your favorite place to travel to, and why?
"Paris is a place that holds a special place in my heart, having lived there for 12 years. It’s where I feel most at home, with its exceptional food, vibrant social scene and an overall sense of joie de vivre. Recently, I’ve been to Japan—it’s my new favorite destination, one I’m eager to explore further. Food and culture is a driving force behind my travels, and I’m looking forward to an upcoming trip to Jordan for a social justice mission with a group of artists. As I prepare for this journey, I’m considering not only the practicalities of packing but also ensuring my attire respects the local culture. My camera will likely be in my hand the entire trip, and I’m excited to discover the people and their culture."
You’ve moved from LA to the California desert. How has that impacted your style?
“The move has been transformative. I’ve adopted a “desert uniform” that I wear almost every day, reflecting the simplicity and practicality required by my unique environment.”
What do you look for in lingerie for yourself?
“Comfort is paramount. A well-fitting bra and panties made from high-quality fabrics are essential, especially considering how frequently these garments are washed. They should breathe well and respect our most intimate areas, ensuring both comfort and durability.”
You’ve moved from LA to the California desert. How has that impacted your style?
“The move has been transformative. I’ve adopted a “desert uniform” that I wear almost every day, reflecting the simplicity and practicality required by my unique environment.”
What do you look for in lingerie for yourself?
“Comfort is paramount. A well-fitting bra and panties made from high-quality fabrics are essential, especially considering how frequently these garments are washed. They should breathe well and respect our most intimate areas, ensuring both comfort and durability.”
What makes ELSE special to you?
“Having photographed for nearly every major lingerie campaign, I can confidently say that ELSE stands out for its unparalleled beauty, comfort, and sensuality. The craftsmanship is of the highest caliber, and the brand’s commitment to quality is deeply personal to me. ELSE's ethos—being family-run and handmade in their atelier in Istanbul—makes the brand even more special. Their genuine care and dedication are evident in every piece they create. I feel a profound sense of honor in representing the brand, striving to tell their story through my photography. My goal is to capture and convey the essence of their work, not only through my lens but also through the experiences and expressions of the women I photograph.”
– Mary Rozzi
Discover more at www.maryrozzi.com.
What makes ELSE special to you?
“Having photographed for nearly every major lingerie campaign, I can confidently say that ELSE stands out for its unparalleled beauty, comfort, and sensuality. The craftsmanship is of the highest caliber, and the brand’s commitment to quality is deeply personal to me. ELSE's ethos—being family-run and handmade in their atelier in Istanbul—makes the brand even more special. Their genuine care and dedication are evident in every piece they create. I feel a profound sense of honor in representing the brand, striving to tell their story through my photography. My goal is to capture and convey the essence of their work, not only through my lens but also through the experiences and expressions of the women I photograph.”
– Mary Rozzi
Discover more at www.maryrozzi.com.