Iz sveta mode do muzičkih studija, Elena Matei je jedna od onih umetnica koje ne pristaju na ograničenja. Njena karijera je počela gotovo slučajno, ali danas je svetski prepoznatljivo lice – pojavljuje se na naslovnicama najuticajnijih magazina, sarađuje sa vodećim modnim kućama, a njene pesme pronalaze put do publike širom sveta. Iako živi između velikih gradova i reflektora, Elena u sebi nosi tihu snagu devojke iz Moldavije, koja je sanjala – i od svojih snova nikada nije odustala.
U iskrenom razgovoru za naš magazin, govori o svojim počecima, umetničkoj inspiraciji, svetu mode iza kulisa, muzici kao najličnijem izrazu i porukama koje želi da prenese mladima koji sanjaju velike snove.
Elena, započeli ste karijeru modela 2015. godine kada ste počeli da radite sa Elite Model Management, a danas ste jedna od najuspešnijih manekenki, pojavljujući se na naslovnicama najpoznatijih magazina. Kako se Vaš pogled na modu i industriju promenio tokom godina?
Nikada nisam planirala da postanem model – iskreno, to se dogodilo preko noći. Bila sam otkrivena, i odjednom sam letela na kastinge, a da zapravo nisam ni razumela šta ova industrija jeste. Na početku sam modu doživljavala kao nešto nedostižno, glamurozno i skoro nestvarno. Ali vremenom je za mene postala nešto mnogo dublje. Shvatila sam koliko priče živi u svakoj fotografiji, u svakoj odevnoj kombinaciji, u svakom trenutku pred kamerom – i u susretima sa neverovatno talentovanim ljudima na setovima. Puno sam porasla, ne samo kao model, već i kao osoba. Svako iskustvo me je nečemu naučilo, i zahvalna sam što i dalje imam priliku da se razvijam u svetu za koji nikad nisam ni zamišljala da ću biti deo. I neizmerno sam zahvalna!
Vaš put je inspirativan – ostvarili ste uspeh ne samo u svetu mode, već i u muzici. Kako ste odlučili da istražite sebe kao pevačicu? Šta vas je inspirisalo da izdate singlove poput „Fate“, „Lost In Time“ i „Here For You“?
Muzika nikada nije bila odluka – bila je deo mene koji više nisam mogla da ućutkam. Manekenstvo mi je dalo scenu, ali muzika mi je dala glas. Pesme „Fate“, „Lost In Time“ i „Here For You“ napisala sam u trenucima promene – svaka pesma nosi istinu koju nisam bila spremna da izgovorim naglas, dok nisam morala. Ne pišem iz komercijalnog mesta – pišem ono što osećam. Pišem iz iskustva, iz sećanja, iz snova, iz strasti, iz slomljenog srca. Muzika je moj najintimniji oblik pripovedanja.
Vaš izgled i stil ostavljaju snažan vizuelni utisak. Šta vam je najvažnije pri odabiru garderobe – udobnost, hrabrost ili mogućnost da izrazite sebe?
Za mene je najvažnija usklađenost. Moram da se osećam kao ja – bilo da sam tog dana odvažna, nežna ili nepredvidiva. Verujem da najsnažniji stil dolazi kada se ne trudite da impresionirate nikoga, već samo poštujete kako se osećate. Odeća ima svoju energiju – i ako tog dana ne govori istim jezikom kao vaša duša, neće delovati istinito.
Predstavljate brendove poput Guess i fotografisali su vas za knjigu „Angels“ uz legende kao što su Cindy Crawford i Gigi Hadid. Kako vidite svoje mesto u svetu mode među tako ikoničnim imenima?
Sebe vidim kao učenicu ovog sveta – stalno učim, stalno rastem. Biti u prostorima gde su stajale legende za mene je duboko ponizno iskustvo. Nikada nemam osećaj da sam „stigla“, jer svaki snimak, svaka saradnja, je novi početak. Ne pokušavam da budem kao neko drugi – ja sam ja. Trudim se da donesem nešto iskreno i živo u kadar. Tu pronalazim svoje mesto. I da – opet sam zahvalna!
Moldavija je vaš dom, iako vam je karijera globalna. Kako vas je poreklo iz Moldavije oblikovalo kao osobu i inspirisalo da postanete ono što ste danas na svetskoj sceni?
Moldavija mi je dala dubinu. Naučila me je da radim tiho, da sanjam bez garancija, i da se borim a da ne izgubim nežnost. Dolazim iz mesta gde lepota i težina žive jedno pored drugog – i ta dualnost je oblikovala sve u meni. Čak i danas, kada sam na crvenom tepihu ili pred kamerom, u meni i dalje živi ona devojčica iz Moldavije, bosa u polju, koja sanja o nečemu većem.
Ko ili šta vam je najveća motivacija u karijeri, bilo modnoj ili muzičkoj? Postoje li umetnici ili figure iz sveta mode koji vas danas inspirišu?
Moja najveća motivacija je istina. Znam da zvuči jednostavno, ali u ovom svetu to je retkost. Kada je neko stvaran – bilo da je umetnik, fotograf ili potpuni stranac – ja se osećam nadahnuto. Inspirišu me ljudi poput Fride Kalo, koja je pretvarala bol u umetnost. U modi me inspirišu kreativci koji rizikuju a da ne izgube integritet. Motiviše me i moja mlađa verzija – devojčica koja je nastavila da veruje i kad je niko još nije video.
Vaše samopouzdanje i talenat su zaista inspirativni. Koji savet biste dali mladim devojkama iz manjih zemalja poput Moldavije, koje sanjaju o velikoj budućnosti u modi ili umetnosti?
Pre svega – idite u školu! Ne preskačite to! Ne čekajte dozvolu. Svet možda neće odmah prepoznati vašu svetlost, pogotovo ako dolazite iz mesta koje nije na mapi. Ali ako znate ko ste, i krećete se sa dobrotom i jasnoćom, prava vrata će se otvoriti. Verujte svom putu. Recite „ne“ kada nešto nije u skladu s vama. I čuvajte svoju dušu – jer to je vaša prava snaga.
Za kraj, šta možemo da očekujemo u bliskoj budućnosti? Možda novi album, velike modne revije ili nešto drugo čime ćete iznenaditi fanove? Radujemo se vašim narednim koracima!
Mnogo toga se trenutno dešava tiho, iza scene – nova muzika, editorijali, i nešto neočekivano o čemu još ne mogu da govorim. Naučila sam da najznačajnije stvari prvo rastu u tišini. Ali ono što mogu da kažem jeste: ulazim u novo poglavlje. Dublje, jasnije, i još iskrenije prema sebi.
English here:
Elena, you started your career as a model in 2015, when you began working with Elite Model Management, and today you are known as one of the most successful models, appearing on the covers of top magazines. How has your perspective on fashion and the industry changed over the years?
I never planned to become a model—it honestly happened overnight. I was discovered, and suddenly I was flying to castings without really understanding what this industry even was. At the beginning, I saw fashion as something unreachable, glamorous, and almost unreal. But over the years, it became something much deeper to me. I realized how much storytelling lives inside every photo, every outfit, every moment in front of the camera—and meeting incredibly talented people on sets. I’ve grown so much not just as a model, but as a person. Each experience has taught me something new, and I’m grateful I get to keep evolving in a space I never imagined being part of. And I’m beyond thankful!
Your journey is inspiring – you’ve achieved success not only in the modeling world but also in music. How did you decide to explore yourself as a singer? What inspired you to release singles like “Fate,” “Lost In Time,” and “Here For You”?
Music was never a decision—it was a part of me I couldn’t silence anymore. Modeling gave me a stage, but music gave me a voice. I wrote “Fate,” “Lost In Time,” and “Here For You” during moments of transformation—each song holds a truth I wasn’t ready to say out loud, until I had to. I don’t write from a commercial place necessarily—I write what I feel. I write from experience, memory, dreams, passion, heartbreak. Music is my most intimate form of storytelling.
Your looks and style create a strong visual impact. When choosing an outfit, what’s the most important thing for you – comfort, boldness, or the ability to express your true self?
For me, it’s about alignment. I need to feel like myself—whether that’s bold, soft, or unpredictable that day. I believe the strongest style comes when you’re not performing for anyone, just honoring how you feel. Clothes have energy, and if they don’t speak the same language as your soul that day, they won’t land.
You represent brands like Guess and were photographed by Russell James for his book “Angels,” alongside legends such as Cindy Crawford and Gigi Hadid. How do you see your place in the fashion world among such iconic names?
I see myself as a student of this world—always learning, always evolving. To be in spaces where legends have stood is humbling. I never feel like I’ve “arrived” because every shoot, every collaboration, is a new beginning. I don’t try to match anyone—I’m me. I just try to bring something honest and alive to the frame. That’s where I find my place. And yes—I’m thankful again!
Moldova is your home, even though your career spans the globe. How has coming from Moldova shaped your personality and inspired you to become the person you are today on a global stage?
Moldova gave me depth. It taught me to work quietly, to dream without guarantees, and to fight without losing softness. I come from a place where beauty and hardship live side by side—and that duality shaped everything in me. Even today, when I’m on a red carpet or in front of a camera, there’s a part of me that’s still that little girl from Moldova, walking barefoot in fields, dreaming of something more.
Who or what is your biggest motivation, both in your modeling career and in music? Are there any figures in the world of art or fashion who inspire you today?
My biggest motivation is truth. I know that sounds simple, but in this world, it’s rare. When someone is being real—whether it’s an artist, a photographer, or a stranger—I feel inspired. I’m moved by people like Frida Kahlo, who turned pain into art. And in fashion, I’m inspired by creatives who take risks without losing integrity. I’m also motivated by my younger self—the girl who kept believing when no one saw her yet.
Your confidence and talent are truly inspiring. What advice would you give to young girls from small countries, like Moldova, who dream of a big future in the fashion industry or the arts?
Before all of this—go to school! Don’t miss it! Don’t wait for permission. The world won’t always see your light at first, especially if you come from a place that isn’t on the map. But if you know who you are, and you move with kindness and clarity, the right doors will open. Trust your path. Say no when it’s not aligned. And protect your soul—because that’s your true power.
Finally, what’s in store for the near future? Perhaps a new album, major fashion shows, or something else you are planning to surprise your fans with? We’re excited to see the next milestones in your career!
There’s a lot happening quietly behind the scenes—new music, editorial projects, and something unexpected I can’t talk about just yet. I’ve learned that the most meaningful things grow in silence first. But what I can say is: I’m entering a new chapter. One that’s deeper, more refined, and even more true to who I am.
Team:
Photography DOVE SHORE @doveshore (Rep by SEEN ARTISTS)
Stylist – Oretta Corbelli @orettac
Makeup & Hair -Karina Moore @karinamoore for Art Department using Charlotte Tilbury and R&CO
Model: Elena Matei @elena___matei
Production: Valentina Gurova @valentinagurova & Cory Tran @corycoutureproductions
