The former farm girl turned elite super model and social media star on her new music and flourishing career…
Hello, Elena, congrats on your first MAXIM cover. How do you feel?
Thank you, I’ve always dreamt to be part of MAXIM and it feels great to be among such beautiful women. I loved how this photo shoot had such a relaxing atmosphere – it was intimate and effortless and with a photographer like Josh Ryan everything just flows nicely.
Well, you look fantastic. What is your best asset?
I really don’t know! Maybe my eyes?
When do you feel you’re at your sexiest?
I guess when I wear a new perfume and I’m wearing almost no make-up.
Tell us a little more about yourself and life story so far.
Well, I was born in Bessarabia, Moldova – it’s a small country with almost four million people. I had an interesting childhood full of adventures and growing up I was a complete tomboy, playing with my brothers and so on. Half the time I grew up in the city and the other half in the village where my family had a big farm – I would help them with everything. Life was beautiful and sometimes difficult, but I really miss all the holidays we use to have with my grandparents.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
That I used to graze the animals and that I can make cheese from their milk.
How did you get into modelling?
I was originally discovered in Bucharest by my former agent, but I was also discovered in America. While walking on Fifth Avenue on the first day I arrived in New York City, an agent from Elite stopped me in the street, then we went to the Elite offices, and they signed me right away. I never thought about modelling as a career, but now it’s one of the best experiences of my life and I get to travel to many countries working with best teams.
You’ve appeared on the covers of many top fashion magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Vogue and Marie Claire. What do you like and dislike about your job?
I feel so blessed having the opportunity to meet new and talented people from the industry while working on each single project I do. I like flying to different countries and learning about their culture while I’m there. I also love meeting new models from different parts of the world and hearing their stories and life goals. What I dislike is fast trends and competition.
You’ve also featured in renowned photographer Russell James’ book Angels alongside supermodels Cindy Crawford and Gigi Hadid. What’s been your career highlight so far?
I love Russell, he is such a great photographer and amazing human being! I felt incredibly lucky to be featured among such icons and this work led to many highlights of my career, like walking for Tommy Hilfiger! I have also walked each season for The Blonds [luxury apparel brand] and appeared on Daily Front Row [American fashion industry publication] cover in the US, which made me incredibly happy.
You have a huge social media fan base. How do you keep your audience coming back for more?
I’m true to myself. I don’t care what trends there are, I just post what I feel depending on my moods. I believe one of the biggest problems we have today is that people try to show what they are not. All this lavish lifestyle on Instagram, personally for me, is fake because it’s too perfect to be true. So, people, don’t believe in everything you see!
Would you ever date one of your followers?
Hahaha… no, dating one of my followers has never crossed my mind, but I will definitely tell you if it ever happens!
What do you look for in a man?
To be smart, kind, and have great values.
Describe your ideal date.
Maybe a nice picnic, with delicious food next to a fire on the beach under the moonlight with my dog.
When you’re not posing for MAXIM, working, or on social media, what else would we find you doing?
I’m going to my vocal coach each week and doing some studio sessions while working on new music. I also love to cook!
What have you learnt about men over the years?
In general, that love, over time, is changing.
What’s one thing men should always know about women?
That we are made to love not to be understood.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t get hurt by people who you don’t know.
What’s next for you?
We are almost ready to release my first music album! I’ve been working on this album for over a year and half on this album with super talented and cool people in Los Angeles and we’ve almost finish! The album has different styles like ballads, pop, country, dance, etc… and I hope to release it in the next couple of months. Stay tuned!
STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Elena Matei
BORN: August 7
HOMETOWN: Moldova
CURRENTLY LIVES: New York USA
FIVE WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Determined, loyal, honest, emphatic, humorous.”
LIFE MOTTO: “If not now, then when?!”
INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK: @elena___matei (3 x underscore)
Photographed by JOSH RYAN
Interview by SANTI PINTADO
Make-up by JOYCE BONELLI
Location JAMES GOLDSTEIN
For the full article grab the December 2023 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
