Apple Martin may be the daughter of two of Hollywood’s most recognizable names — actress and lifestyle mogul Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin — but at just 21, she’s doing her best to carve out a path that’s entirely her own.
In a recent interview with The Daily Telegraph, the Vanderbilt University student opened up about balancing a budding career in fashion with her studies, her famous family, and her desire to lead a life that feels, in her words, “as normal as possible.”
Despite being born into one of entertainment’s most glamorous families, Apple insists she was raised with strong values and a sense of humility. “I constantly remind myself how grateful I am to have these opportunities,” she said. “I know this is not a normal way to grow up by any means. But my parents did a really good job of instilling in me that I shouldn’t be entitled to anything. I have to work.”
Currently studying law, history, and society at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee, Apple said that her college life — while different from the typical student experience — includes simple joys like late-night reality TV binges with friends and impromptu guitar sessions. “I’m trying to have a normal college experience,” she shared, emphasizing that balance is key as she begins to explore her future career.
That career might very well be in fashion. Apple was recently announced as the new brand ambassador for Self-Portrait, a major milestone that positions her as one of the industry’s most promising new faces. Standing at 5-foot-10 with her mother’s effortless sense of style, she’s already drawing comparisons to Gwyneth’s early days in Hollywood.
But Apple’s relationship with fashion isn’t just professional — it’s deeply personal. She admits to being constantly inspired by her mother’s iconic red-carpet looks from the 1990s and early 2000s. “I was always excited to see what she was going to wear to go out in, or to an event,” Apple said. “To this day, I’m constantly going on Pinterest to look at old photos of her on the red carpet from the 1990s.”
And when it comes to curating her own wardrobe, Apple has access to one of the most coveted fashion archives in the world — her mom’s closet. “She kept a lot of stuff,” Apple revealed with a laugh. “Not all of it fits me, but the stuff that does, I always steal. My god, it’s the best. I recently stole a Prada bowling bag – it’s the perfect travel bag because it can fit so much in it.”
While Apple occasionally steps into the public eye — such as when she made her societal debut at Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris last year, accompanied by both of her parents — she generally prefers to stay out of the spotlight. The young starlet seems far more interested in building a thoughtful, authentic life rather than chasing celebrity.
Her parents’ influence is undeniable, though. From Chris Martin’s artistic depth to Gwyneth Paltrow’s business savvy and poise, Apple has inherited the best of both worlds. But she’s determined to make her own mark — whether that’s in law, fashion, or somewhere entirely unexpected.
For now, Apple Martin is simply enjoying the unique balance of being a college student with global recognition. “It’s all about perspective,” she said. “I’ve learned that hard work, gratitude, and staying grounded matter more than anything. Fame fades — but integrity doesn’t.”