Matias answers Marcel Proust's questions and reveals all the facets of his extraordinary personality.
Brunello Cucinelli
Male quality that you value the most?
For me, integrity is the quality that matters most in a man. I grew up with my parents constantly reminding me about honesty, accountability, and sticking to your principles. They always said that integrity makes someone trustworthy, strong, and confident in a way that lasts. A lot of people confuse integrity with being perfect—but it’s the opposite. Real integrity shows up in how you handle your flaws and mistakes, not in pretending you don’t have any.
Versace
Female quality that you value the most?
For me, the most valuable quality in a woman is empathy—the ability to really understand someone else’s perspective and emotions. I’ve always believed empathy is what makes relationships meaningful. No one ever achieves anything completely on their own; we all face struggles and challenges. When empathy is present, it creates space for deeper connection and authenticity. If more of us practiced it, I think we’d not only understand each other better but also appreciate each other more.
Your favourite thing to do?
My favourite thing to do is really simple—just spending time with the people I love most. One of my favourite memories was Christmas back in 2013, when both sides of my family came down to Miami. We rented an Airbnb and spent days just playing board games, swimming, and cooking meals together. What stuck with me wasn’t the food or the gifts—it was the way everyone was fully present. No one was caught up in the past or worried about the future. The whole house just felt alive with happiness. By the end, it almost felt like I had been on a meditation retreat. That feeling stayed with me for months, and it reminded me how powerful it is to slow down and be in the moment with the people who matter most.
Dries Van Noten
Your main positive feature?
Easy-going and adaptable. I can roll with new situations, work with all kinds of people, and stay grounded no matter what comes my way.
Bottega
Your main negative feature?
My main negative feature is not saying “no.” I’ve always been a bit of a people pleaser, which means I often stretch myself in too many directions. It comes from wanting to show up for everyone, but I’m learning that setting boundaries is just as important as being dependable.
What makes you happy?
Spending time with loved ones. Eating healthy and staying active. Learning/travelling the world.
What do you consider the greatest woe?
I’d say my greatest woe is worrying about the future. I’ve always been a planner by nature, which has its positives, but it also means I sometimes stress over things that are completely out of my control. It’s a constant reminder for me to focus on the present instead of getting caught up in what hasn’t even happened yet.
Versace
Your favourite colour and flower?
My favourite colour and flower would have to be the Red/Black Baccara rose. At first glance it almost looks black, but when it blooms you see this deep burgundy shade. To me, it represents mystery, elegance, and rebirth.
That idea of rebirth feels especially meaningful right now. I just graduated from FIU and recently wrapped a season in Milan that included walking the Armani runway. Now I’m relocating from Miami to New York City—a new chapter, full of unknowns but also opportunity. Living on my own is testing everything I’ve learned from my parents and everything I dream for myself. Every day, my focus is just to grow, evolve, and become a better version of me.
Dries Van Noten
If you were not yourself, who would you like to be?
If I weren’t myself, I think I’d want to come back as a Buddhist monk. It might sound unexpected, but I’ve always found it inspiring when someone devotes their entire life to self-mastery and spiritual growth. Training the mind is one of the hardest, yet most rewarding, things a person can do—and monks dedicate themselves fully to that journey. After all, the way we think shapes the reality we experience.
Spirituality and mindfulness have always been part of my life, thanks to my mom. From a young age she taught me the importance of looking inward, of understanding how my thoughts and emotions influence the world around me. That perspective has always grounded me, and it’s something I carry with me every day.
Which talent would you like to gain?
Extemporaneous speaking. I am a planner by nature, so I find public speaking quite challenging. Saying the wrong thing is a big fear of mine therefore I envy those who can do it with little to no preparation.
Bottega
Where would you like to live?
That’s an easy one—Madrid. At heart, I’ve always felt like a global traveller. I grew up speaking three languages—English, Italian, and Spanish—thanks to my Italian father and Uruguayan mother, so European culture has always been a big part of me.
My parents started taking me on trips when I was young, and one visit to Madrid left a mark that never really faded. Even though it was a short trip, I was struck by the city’s history, culture, and architecture. There’s a pulse to Madrid that feels alive, a mix of passion and spontaneity that’s contagious. Late-night walks, flamenco rhythms, music in the streets, and a nightlife that feels endless—it’s the kind of place where living in the moment isn’t just encouraged, it’s part of the culture. I can see myself fully at home there, embracing that energy every day.
Dries Van Noten
Your favourite writers?
Self-improvement has always been my thing, so I tend to gravitate toward writers who challenge me to think deeper about how I live and work. The classics like Sun Tzu’s The Art of War sharpened my understanding of strategy—how to prepare, adapt, and face challenges head-on. Machiavelli’s The Prince pushed me to consider what true leadership and respect really mean, especially in industries where both can be fleeting.
On the contemporary side, Ryan Holiday’s Courage Is Calling has been a huge influence. His perspective on Stoicism reminds me that fear and uncertainty are unavoidable, whether it’s stepping onto a runway in Milan or navigating the unknowns of a new city. What matters is how you respond—with courage, discipline, and purpose.
Together, these writers have shaped the way I approach modelling and life in general: balancing strategy with resilience, leadership with humility, and always striving to grow into the best version of myself.
Dries Van Noten
Your favourite music artists?
My favourite artists include Nicole Moudaber, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Michael Jackson.
My taste in music mirrors the qualities I strive to embody in my work as a model. Nicole Moudaber’s deep, hypnotic sound resonates with me because it captures presence and flow—the same energy I aim to bring on set, fully immersed in the moment and commanding without needing to force it.
The Red-Hot Chili Peppers connect with my appreciation for authenticity and raw emotion. Their blend of vulnerability and rebellion reminds me that modelling isn’t just about polished images—it’s about bringing real human depth to the lens, showing strength while staying relatable.
Michael Jackson represents the gold standard of creativity and innovation. His fearlessness in breaking boundaries inspires me to approach modelling not just as a job but as an art form, finding new ways to express character, movement, and story.
Together, these artists remind me to be bold, authentic, and innovative—qualities I carry with me into every project, both on and off the runway.
Which vices are you most condescending about?
I’m always striving to be the best version of myself, so the vices I’m least tolerant of are dishonesty, selfishness, and laziness. On their own they can hold you back, but together they’re truly destructive. They erode integrity, limit empathy, isolate you from others, and ultimately waste your potential.
What do you hate the most?
Greed.
What is your main flaw?
My biggest flaw? I overthink everything. I plan, re-plan, and then stress about whether my plan was too ambitious. Modelling taught me that shoots can start late, the lighting can be off, someone can spill coffee on your outfit—and sometimes you get a call at 10:30 p.m. booking a job for the next morning. I’m learning that while I can’t control the chaos, I can control how I show up… preferably looking cool while silently panicking inside.
Dries Van Noten
Who are your favourite fictional characters?
Peter Pan’s sense of adventure and childlike wonder remind me to approach life with curiosity and to never lose touch with playfulness. He also managed to build his own community known as the “lost boys” which emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people that share your same spirit and vision.
Cheshire the cat from Alice in Wonderland. He is viewed as a malicious character, but he helps Alice navigate the absurdity and contradictions of wonderland. Despite his mischievousness, he teaches me something deeper: that life can be absurd and unpredictable, yet with perspective and humour, you can navigate even the strangest paths. His ability to smile in the face of fear reminds me to laugh through adversity and emerge stronger, both physically and spiritually.
Donkey from Shrek. Voiced by the one and only Eddy Murphy, shows the power of joy, loyalty, and light-heartedness. Even in the toughest situations, his humour and unwavering friendship uplift those around him. I aspire to bring that same energy into my relationships and work, remaining loyal, positive, and uplifting no matter the circumstance. 
Versace
A whim that you sometimes indulge in is what?
A whim I sometimes indulge in is taking my dad’s motorcycle when he isn’t around. He loves his bikes, but since he works a lot, I often find myself with some alone time and a little temptation. There’s something about the mix of adrenaline—from knowing he hasn’t exactly given me permission—and the raw power of 1,200 cubic centimetres beneath me that pushes me to take the throttle and just go. In those moments, it feels like the road belongs entirely to me.
The most overrated virtue?
The most overrated virtue? Being “nice.” It’s often confused with avoiding conflict or just agreeing to everything, which can make you passive or a people pleaser. Constantly saying yes or avoiding the truth undermines integrity. For me, it’s never about being liked—it’s far more important to be just, honest, and principled, even when it’s difficult.
In which cases do you tell lies?
I only tell lies to protect those I love. For me, honesty is everything, but sometimes a small untruth can shield someone from unnecessary pain.
A phrase that you use way too much?
There is no right or wrong. Simply actions and consequences.
The greatest love of your life?
The greatest love of my life? Tough call. On one hand, Megan Fox in the first Transformers movie. On the other hand,… the orange chicken and mac ‘n’ cheese combo from Whole Foods’ hot bar. Some people chase heartbreaks; I chase flavour.
When and where were you at your happiest?
Right now, at this moment. The move to NYC is exciting. The potential to pave my own path in a city full of opportunity.
Versace
What is your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement so far? Gaining independence from my parents. Being an only child, it’s always been the three of us, so stepping out on my own has been a big shift—for all of us. It hasn’t been easy, but moving out has given me the chance to grow, challenge myself, and carve my own path. Also, I discovered that adulting is just Googling how to do everything your parents used to do for you—a funny but true test of independence while keeping the values they gave me.
The greatest value that you possess?
Integrity. It guides my decisions, shapes how I treat others, and keeps me grounded in every situation.
If you could come back to Earth in the form of any person or object, what or who would that be?
The eagle has always symbolized freedom, strength, and courage. As an apex predator of the sky, it moves without fear and sees the world from a higher perspective. That sense of freedom and clarity is something I’d love to embody: the ability to rise above, stay sharp, and move through life with both power and grace. Plus… who wouldn’t want to fly.
Your favourite dish and beverage?
“Pasta alle vongole.” My dad’s been a chef for over 30 years, and he’s absolutely perfected the dish. I’ve accepted that I’ll never be able to recreate it the way he does, and honestly, that makes it even better. Every time I get a plate, it feels like I’m tasting something legendary. It reminds me to slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the fact that sometimes greatness is best left in the hands of the master.
What do you detest?
Mosquitoes. Living in Florida and having what my mom says is “sweet blood” is a recipe for disaster. I can be surrounded by 15 people, and the mosquitoes will target me. RIP my ankles.
Dries Van Noten
If you could change the past, what would you change?
Honestly, nothing. The past has shaped me into who I am today, and without it, I wouldn’t recognize myself. Every high and low has shown me my strengths, revealed my weaknesses, and pushed me to grow.
Which of the living people do you respect the most?
My mother. She is always right.
What do you regret the most?
«I don’t live with regrets—only the lessons from actions and consequences, and my goal is to always do better.»
Your favourite saying?
My favourite saying is simple: Live without fear. To me, it’s a reminder to take risks, embrace the unknown, and not let fear get in the way of growth or new experiences.
Your favourite word?
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. It’s fun and reminds me not to take life too seriously—sometimes joy is just in the way you say something.
Your least favourite word?
Salmon. Salmon. It’s like sushi’s boring cousin.
The ability you would like to have most of all?
Ability to teleport. Would save me money on flights and help me avoid the brutal back pain airplane seats cause.
What is your attitude towards money?
Money comes and goes. You can always get it back.
What do you value the most about your friends?
Trustworthiness paired with authenticity. I value friends that make me feel safe, seen, and push me to grow.
When you stand in front of God, what will you tell Him?
I lived with honesty, tried to love boldly, and learned from every mistake.
Photographer: Lalo Torres - IG @lalotorre
Model: Matias Piana - IG @ matias.piana
Grooming: Valissa Yoe - IG @valissayoe
Video: Juan Moreno Bianchi – IG @juanmorenobianchi
Retoucher: Nicolas Beltramino – IG @nina.workingfromhome
Місце: Young Mansion, Hollywood FL.