Michele M.

Michele is a model whose journey reflects a subtle strength, a thoughtful approach to life, and a sincere passion for personal and professional growth. With a background that weaves together important collaborations, formative experiences, and a constant search for meaning, Michele stands out not just for his aesthetic presence, but for the way he connects to each project with intention. In this interview, he opens up about his beginnings, the decisions that shaped his path, and the moments, both quiet and defining, that have contributed to the person he is today.

Michele, describe yourself to our audience in the three words that best reflect you.

The three words that best reflect me are determination, curiosity, and ambition. Determination because I never give up easily. Curiosity because I’m constantly seeking to learn, explore, and understand new things, whether it’s through people, experiences, or ideas. And ambition because I’m driven by a deep desire to grow, improve, and create something meaningful in everything I do.

You’ve had the opportunity to work with prominent brands like Benetton, Geox, and Diesel. What has been the most memorable collaboration or project that has had a significant impact on your career?

Undoubtedly, the collaboration that has left an indelible mark on my career was with Benetton. This experience went beyond just a job; it was the gateway to the world of fashion, an opportunity that profoundly shaped my journey. Despite my initial lack of experience, the Benetton team believed in me and offered me the chance to collaborate with them for several years. During this period, I had the privilege of getting to know established models, from whom I drew inspiration and learned immensely. It was a journey of professional and personal growth that illuminated a sector previously unknown to me. This experience and the knowledge gained became the springboard for my decision to move to Milan and join Elite Model Management.

We know that your first photoshoot was with the photographer Lara C. How did you find the experience?

I have a beautiful memory of Lara C. It was one of my first photoshoots, and thinking about it now, it makes me smile on how incredibly shy I was at that time. In an industry where some seem born to pose, while others learn over time through work and experiences, finding people like Lara C was crucial for my journey. Her guidance contributed to shaping my confidence, making that photoshoot not only a moment captured but also a significant chapter in my professional growth.

You’ve experienced working as a model in Milan and then chose to return to Veneto. What prompted you to make this decision?

After a year in Milan, I decided to return to Veneto for a combination of different reasons. Firstly, from a work perspective, I carefully evaluated what I was doing before moving to Milan and what transpired during the year spent there. I found that in Veneto, I had almost the same opportunities while still maintaining my main job. When I was in Milan, my goal was to exclusively live as a model, perhaps a bit hastily, considering that a year, though it may seem long, is not sufficient in this industry to build a name and get noticed. Nevertheless, my experience in Milan was crucial for me. It was a pivotal phase in my life, a period spent away from home, immersed in one of the global fashion capitals. I had intense work experiences with international entities and made numerous connections, both with fellow models and individuals involved in this industry. Even though I no longer live in Milan, my connection with the city hasn’t completely severed, as I still go there to work, maintaining a significant bond.

Being represented by Elite Model Management is a great achievement. Can you share a particularly interesting story from your time in Milan?

Being a part of Elite Model Management has truly been an honour. When I decided to explore the possibility of working in Milan, I spent a few days in the city attending castings with about a dozen agencies. Elite was the last on the list, and despite receiving positive responses from the others, I decided to give it a try. During the first interview, the men’s manager said, “There is potential to work with us, but we’d like to conduct a second casting, a photo test to understand how you move in front of the camera.” This was because I had very little photographic material available. Once the shooting was completed, I was offered the opportunity to join their agency. It was an exhilarating experience that marked the beginning of a significant chapter in my modelling career.

Many models often find themselves in unusual or amusing situations on set. Have you ever had an embarrassing or bizarre moment while working as a model?

Often, the most hilarious situations as a model unfold outside the set, during makeup sessions, breaks, and especially after the photo or filming session has concluded. One of the most memorable and funny episodes occurred during productions in Sardinia with the Iso Model Management team. While simulating some scenes, the pretext of pretending to enact a few scenes spontaneously transformed into a kind of improvised sitcom. This lighthearted and humorous moment has become an indelible memory. We frequently find ourselves laughing about those moments with the entire team, and I am convinced that with a few more scenes, we are ready to make a debut on Netflix.”

Your modelling career coincided with the inception of Iso Model Management. How has this experience been of growing together as a model and agency? Is there any particular experience you’d like to share about this shared journey?

I’ve known Alex and Ina for a lifetime, back when everything related to SHOT was just an idea. I’ve witnessed the birth of every project, from magazines to various productions, including Iso Model Management. We’ve often exchanged thoughts and advice. More than specific experiences, what I’d like to convey is the energy that has always been present in our various collaborations—the constant drive to improve, the professionalism, and the vision that has consistently accompanied us. I’m convinced that we’ll have many more stories to tell together.

Looking ahead, do you have any projects or ambitious goals that you’ve set your sights on?

I consider myself a dreamer, but I don’t think about the future too often. Life is always full of surprises, and I’m ready to experience and enjoy them as much as possible. Goals? I have a clear one in my mind. When I’m old, I want to often look back and smile, knowing that I’ve lived without regrets.