Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Model, Elena Matei

Elena Matei is a fresh face in the fashion and a model to keep your eye on. Discovered in Bucharest, she’s graced the pages of international editions of magazines including Harper’s BAZAAR and Elle.

This September, she was featured in the highly anticipated Russell James’ book Angels, alongside Cindy Crawford, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, and Hailey Baldwin. We spoke with this newcomer about her career and the industry.

PC: When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in fashion?
Elena: I don’t know if there was an exact moment. It all came together naturally; nothing felt forced.

PC: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned thus far?
Elena: The biggest lesson that I’ve learned is that what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger!

PC: What are some of your career aspirations?
Elena: I can’t say! I’m very superstitious.

PC: What’s the biggest misconception about the industry?
Elena: The biggest misconception is that modeling is easy.

PC: What advice would you give to other aspiring models?
Elena: For anyone who wants to get into modeling, I would recommend finding a good and serious agency. Also, finish school! Modeling is a lottery.

PC: What is your favorite part about being in this industry?
Elena: I love how magical the creation process is. It’s art and photography. I feel incredibly lucky that I get to call this a career.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Elena: Comedy Woman! It’s a Russian show.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Elena: I have so many! Harry Potter, Death Becomes Her, Yes Man, She-Devil, and so many others.

PC: Favorite book?
Elena: Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin and The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Elena: Dreamgirls, Chicago, and City of Angels

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Elena: I love the oldies so maybe James Brown, Louis Armstrong, Ace of Base, Roxette, Luciano Pavarotti, Al Bano & Romina Power, or Ci Sara.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Elena: Comedy Woman

PC: Hidden talent?
Elena: I love to sing!

Keep up with Elena and her career by following her on Twitter and Instagram.