CARLA MARTINEZ

Andrew Rankin
May 1
4 min read

Blending Sound, Style and Substance.

It’s not every day that a DJ and model blends high fashion with underground soundscapes as effortlessly as Carla Martinez. From Dior's runways to Triple J's airwaves, her creative journey is a fusion of rhythm and elegance, intuition and experimentation. We caught up with Carla to delve into her multifaceted world, where sound, style and instinct converge.

“I’ve always felt a strong connection to music,” Carla shares. “I didn’t grow up around it, and I’m not classically trained, but I’ve always had music playing. Learning to DJ started as a way to curate mixes for myself at home—just for fun at first—but it quickly turned into a passion.”

Words by Carolina Anzalone.

Photography by Stephanie Cammarano. Styling by Hayley Hing. Hair by Bradwyn Jones at Assembly. Beauty by Julie Provis at Hart & Co. Photographer assisted by Copper Taylor Bogaars and digital tech Alessandro Biasotto. Stylist assisted by Gabrielle Russell. Carla Martinez appears courtesy of Kult.

Her relationship with fashion began even earlier. At just 14, Carla entered the fashion industry through modelling. While it wasn’t love at first sight, she eventually found herself drawn to the creative energy behind the camera. “Over time, I grew to love the creative side of it. Music came later, but it feels like a natural progression—especially now that I get to bring both worlds together by creating mixes for fashion brands.”

This synthesis of fashion and sound is where Carla thrives. Her sets are an eclectic blend—equal parts atmospheric texture and club-driven energy, shaped by the people, space, and mood of each venue. “The energy of the venue really shapes how I build a set,” she explains. “If it’s a dark, intimate space, I might lean into moodier sounds. In bigger, high-energy spaces, I’ll push a heavier, more driving sound.”

Far from being a passive selector, Carla pays close attention to her musical surroundings. “It’s important to respect the flow of the night while still bringing my vibe,” she notes. “I want to complement what’s happening without blending in too much.”

Raised in Australia, she cites her heritage as a formative influence on her DJing style. “Australian crowds are rowdy in the best way. They really love music. Playing to that energy helps me grow and refine my sound with every set.”

Top by Madeleine Triggs. Pants by Gail Sorronda.

Her curiosity is equally boundless. From vintage American electro to Musique Concrète, Carla’s sonic influences are broad and bold. “I never wanted to limit myself to one style or sound,” she says. “Pulling from a wide range of influences keeps things exciting, and it gives me space to grow without feeling boxed in.”

One standout moment in her journey came via national radio. “Triple J was special. It was my first time on the radio, and I grew up tuning in—so it felt surreal to be featured on a station that shaped so much of my early music taste.”

Carla’s performance for Steel City Dance Discs on Rinse FM marked another turning point, streamed across the UK and EU. “It was wild, especially so early in my journey. It gave me space to curate a mix with a different tone than what I usually play in Australia.”

Bridging music and fashion is where Carla’s experience truly shines. Having DJed for brands such as Dior and Armani Privé, she’s developed a sharp ear for luxury environments. “I try to understand what the collection is about—how it looks, the mood, the space—and how they want people to experience it. It’s a collaborative process, and very different from DJing at clubs.”

Her modelling background has no doubt equipped her with poise on stage. “Being on set with large teams taught me how to hold myself and stay present, even with a lot of eyes on me,” she reflects. “That experience made the transition into DJing way smoother.”

For the Dior x Stone Island collaboration—an iconic fusion of style and subculture—Carla crafted a soundscape that mirrored both brands’ distinct identities. “I went for sounds that felt gritty but refined—rhythmic and percussive, but not overpowering.”

Despite juggling modelling, music, and brand collaborations, Carla sees these elements as one seamless creative flow. “They’re just different ways I express myself creatively. I don’t really separate them too much—they all feed into each other.”

As for the role of DJs today, Carla sees connection as key. “When you’re up there and see everyone vibing together, it’s very cute,” she smiles. “There’s something important about that shared energy and sense of community, even if it’s just for the night.”

Looking ahead, Carla teases upcoming performances in her homeland. “I’m really excited to be playing the Warehouse Project shows in Sydney and Melbourne at the end of the month—especially in two dream venues.”

From underground club cuts to high-fashion soundscapes, Carla Martinez is crafting her own creative language—fluid, fearless, and unapologetically her.