interview by JANA LETONJA

Elena Matei is a true multi-hyphenate — a supermodel, singer, and creative force redefining what it means to be a modern artist. Having graced the covers of iconic publications like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, Numéro, and L’Officiel, Elena has solidified her global presence in the fashion industry. Now, Elena is stepping into a new spotlight — music. With a powerhouse voice and an emotional depth that mirrors her artistry, she’s preparing to release her debut album following her latest single ‘Rock It’. Whether on the runway or behind the mic, Elena radiates authenticity, proving that her artistry runs far deeper than beauty — it’s her fire, her truth, and her voice that captivate the world.

hat and coat AKNVAS

You’ve built an incredible career in fashion. How has your perspective on the modeling industry evolved since you first started?

When I started, I didn’t really know what modeling was or where it could lead me. My world was always music. That’s what I imagined for my life. Modeling happened to me overnight, almost by mistake. I was discovered, everything moved fast, and suddenly I was traveling and working before I even fully understood the industry.

Over time, I realized the depth behind it. It’s not just taking pictures. It’s discipline, resilience, and a constant evolution of yourself. Modeling opened doors I never expected and brought me global success long before I had time to process it. Today, I see fashion as a beautiful part of my journey, a bridge that eventually led me back to my true passion, music.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about being a model today?

People confuse professional modeling with social-media influence. When you say you’re a model, many imagine someone taking pictures for Instagram etc., but real modeling is a completely different profession. There are girls signed to top agencies, working with designers, magazines, and photographers, building careers for years. And then there are people who call themselves models without ever going through the discipline, the castings, the pressure, or the standards of the real industry.

Professional modeling is extremely hard work. You fly constantly, you share rooms with other girls in the beginning, you build your book, and you invest time and energy long before stability comes. The final images look effortless, but behind them is sacrifice, training, and years of dedication.

top AKNVAS

You’ve often said that music has always been your true passion. When did you know it was time to share that side of yourself with the world?

It actually happened during Covid. For the first time, my life stopped. No flights, no shoots, no rushing. I was alone in a room for days, and that silence woke up my true passion again. Modeling had taken all my time. I was constantly traveling and focused on that career, so I never had space to think about music.

During the pandemic, I started recomposing, writing, and reconnecting with the part of myself I had paused for years. Even now, I balance both careers, but I understand that music needs time, patience, and emotional presence. Covid gave me that moment to finally return to my roots.

How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music before?

It’s emotional pop with a cinematic core. My voice carries an operatic range, but my storytelling is grounded in real emotions, so it becomes a mix of power and vulnerability. There’s strength, softness, and drama — everything blended into a sound that feels like a movie scene you can feel.

Do you approach performing in front of a camera differently than performing behind a microphone?

Completely. When I’m modeling, I feel totally free, the camera doesn’t take anything from me. It’s creative, expressive, and effortless for me to be photographed.

But with music, it’s much more intimate. I can sing well in the studio and even better live, but I don’t like when people or gadgets come too close when I’m singing. It feels intrusive, like it steals from the natural emotional space I need for my voice. Live performance is where I’m the most myself, raw and honest.

Modeling lets me give everything to the lens, singing requires me to protect the emotion while I’m giving it.

You’ve said your goal is to “vocalize your emotions and convey your messages to the world.” What emotion or message drives your upcoming album?

My inspiration comes from two places, my dreams and my life. Melodies or lines often come to me while I’m sleeping. I wake up and record them instantly. It’s like my subconscious is writing music for me. The rest comes from real experiences. Love, heartbreak, sarcasm, funny moments, emotional pain, clarity, everything that shapes you.

So, the message of this album is emotional honesty. It’s the blend of dreams, reality, humor, love, and transformation. I want people to feel truth in every song.

Your debut album is set to be a big moment. What can listeners expect sonically and emotionally from it?

Sonically – big vocals, cinematic production, intimate moments mixed with powerful ones, and a very international sound. Like the songs that already I have, ‘Fate’ and ‘Here for You’.

Emotionally – honesty, depth, and storytelling. It’s a journey from confusion to clarity, from heartbreak to strength, from silence to expression.

set ROWEN ROSE

How has your experience as a model influenced your music and stage presence?

Modeling taught me discipline, presence, and physical storytelling. Music taught me vulnerability and emotional expression. On stage, I combine both the confidence and control of fashion with the truth and emotion of music. It creates a very unique presence.

Balancing a thriving modeling career and a growing music career can’t be easy. How do you stay grounded through it all?

I stay grounded by staying close to my roots and to the people who truly know me. I protect my mind, my space and peace. My life moves fast, but my internal world stays quiet and calm. That’s what keeps me stable and focused.

You’ve spoken about channeling your truth and passion into your art. What does authenticity mean to you?

Authenticity means performing a version of yourself for the world. It means choosing your voice over validation, and staying aligned with your truth even when it’s not the easiest path. When your actions and your soul speak the same language, that’s authenticity.

Besides your upcoming album, what can you share with us about your upcoming plans and projects?

I’m expanding in both fashion and music. I have new editorials, covers, and exciting collaborations coming up. Musically, I’m preparing performances and visuals that will show a very new side of me. This next chapter is about growth, creativity, and elevating my voice in every direction.

blazer and trousers MIMCHICK

TEAM CREDITS:

talent ELENA MATEI
photography TYLER PATRICK KENNY
styling ELENA MATEI
hair and makeup MICHAELINE BECKER
pr LOUIE DIAZ
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN

IN CONVERSATION WITH ELENA MATEI

IN CONVERSATION WITH DAMON BAKER