Sebastian Matarrese On Youth, Dreams And Freedom
by Chidozie Obasi

Sebastian Matarrese isn’t one to be left pigeonholed. Hailing from Italy, it’s almost unfeasible to succinctly describe the 20-year-old talent: a sportsman in his own right with a strong penchant for music (and a million-dollar smile), he calls himself “solar, gentle and easy-going.” The moment we hit play on our convo he pauses, letting the hilarity sink. And even though he’s not keen to disclose as much as I wished when I request a brief introductory line, I just sense that he’s good. His passions may be pulling from a plethora of different influences, but it’s his natural prowess and fiery spirit that ties it all together. Sebastian is open to talk through his challenges as a model, explaining: “initially it was extremely hard, I lived by this obstacle quite badly at the beginning of my journey,” he says. “For me, height was the biggest battle to cope with in this industry as I’m not the tallest, even when I played soccer; today instead I no longer worry, because I do not see it as an obstacle but as an opportunity,” he explains, in full storytelling mode. Taking him to task on the trajectory that brought to where he finds himself now, Matarrese is more than proud to reveal it all, he’s adamant to his ambition and he aims to hold onto it forever. “Let’s say that I was pushed by the people around me, then I realized that I could try and get into this world after years of attempts and closed doors in my face. But I managed to succeed.” And on the success note, you’d be fooled for thinking his talent goes way beyond looks, but nudges on the complexities of social media that, sadly, in the modeling industry play a huge part. “Nice question,” he chuckles, “I think Instagram is a sham and people are taking this thing too seriously,” he highlights, “there is an incredible general flakiness to it: users pretend and boast of richness, show off their beauty, fake deeds and on. I mean, in a few words, I think people should try to better understand the social sphere and not always associate it with real life. But what is clear is that not only his proclivity swings around fashion, but there’s sheer introspection in those lines that is catchy and seems to run on a tandem. “Undoubtedly, my identity in this particular work environment feels stimulated thanks to social media, but on the other hand the normal Sebastian does not feel so comfortable to expose his private life,” he emphasizes, bridging the gap between realness and digitalized living. “Seeing people who flaunt their wealth can harm someone’s self-esteem, but as I said before you have to keep the two worlds apart to live better,” he says. This year, Sebastian has reached his climax having built his way up with steadfast tempo. “I’ve been able to prove to things that I would not even have imagined I could do,” he admits. Those words, with a soft giggle that lasted a millisecond, felt candid. It’s emblematic that great conversations have to come to an end, but before we wrap up, I’m left assured that his talent and humility will get him a long way. “behind this world there are so many efforts and so many sacrifices,” he reflects. “Take this road only if you are 200 percent convinced; try never to emulate anyone, because originality always pays off.”

Total Look Dior





Total Look Kenzo

Total Look Fendi



Total Look Bottega Veneta



Total Look Prada


Total Look Salvatore Ferragamo
***
Talent: Sebastian Matarrese @sebastianmatarrese at Boom Models Agency @boommodels
Photographer and Creative Director: Andrea Cenetiempo @andreacenetiempo
Editor: Chidozie Obasi @chido.obasi
Stylist: Valentina Rixo @valentina.rixo
Grooming: Martina Russo @martinarussow
Editorial Assistant: Ettore Mordenti @ettorisio
Stylist Assistant: Giulia Dipa @diparulez
Brands: Dior, Prada, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Kenzo, Salvatore Ferragamo.
LI-NING SS21: “The Art Of Movement”
Kenzo Spring/Summer 2021
Our photographer Emil Huseynzade went backstage at ModaLisboa to capture the menswear looks from SANGUE NOVO, in exclusive for Fucking Young!
Zach Delf photographed by Sanem Ozman and styled by Talia Voon, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
For its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Rhude explores the idea of the Renaissance Man.
Trashy Clothing’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection is called “Bikini Diplomacy.” It begins with a feeling of déjà vu.
Sandro Vepkhvadze photographed and styled by Beka Gulva, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
Duran Lantink’s first collection for Jean Paul Gaultier is called “JUNIOR.”
With this collection, Ludovic de Saint Sernin crowns a new aristocracy. In this world, elegance is a form of liberation, sensuality is power, and the ultimate luxury is belonging.
Maison Kitsuné presents its SS26 collection, titled Voyage Vestiaire. This season marks the debut of the house’s new Creative Director, Abigail Smiley-Smith.
Lacoste’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, The Locker Room, shows us the moment when each player steps into their purpose.
Alessandro Michele unveils his Valentino SS26 collection, “Fireflies,” a sartorial manifesto inspired by Pier Paolo Pasolini’s writings on finding light and desire in the dark.
Ann Demeulemeester is known for creating a strong contrast between structure and softness, but for Spring/Summer 2026, it was the softer side that came out.
We talked with HOLD NYC about how Hustlers redefines what it means to dress and to hustle today.
BOSS, in collaboration with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, is offering a new way to experience racing.
For her first-ever trainer collaboration, London-based designer Priya Ahluwalia has partnered with PUMA to reconsider the iconic Suede.
Photographer Angelo Pennetta captured DiMarco in the streets and small shops of the 11th arrondissement.
Artist Josué Thomas presents a photographic project titled I ♥ Paris (quand ce n’est pas la fashion week). It is a meditation on the city, focusing on the life that exists beyond its most famous events.
Guided by designer Daisuke Obana’s philosophy of deconstruction and reassembly, the capsule collection filters Baracuta’s British heritage through a minimalist and detail-oriented lens.
Kyle Ponte captured by the lens of Dylan Perlot and styled by Dina Vibes, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
“Paul Smith Loves Barbour” offers twenty-three reimagined classics. It includes iconic coats, knitwear, and accessories.
The fashion label grounds presented its SS26 collection in a raw, brutalist parking garage during Paris Fashion Week. The setting set the tone for what was inside.
The act of getting dressed is a personal audition for the day ahead. We create a silhouette and try on different versions of ourselves until the look fits the part we want to play.
Luxury house TOM FORD, creatively directed by Haider Ackermann, presented its Spring/Summer 2026 collection at Paris Fashion Week.
For its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Casablanca finds its rhythm in house music.
Eli Tuia, Santan and Tyler Matthews at People Agency shot by Abhishek Gambhir and styled by Coco Poco Loco, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
Magma’s third edition is called “Archive of the Future.” It brings together twenty-five artists, writers, and composers.
For its ninth collection, Fear of God looks to baseball. This is not just a theme, but a core part of the brand’s vision.
For its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, KSENIASCHNAIDER makes its London Fashion Week debut.
Hugo Gonzalez, Sebastián Terranova, Miquel Villena and Nil Frago shot by Carlos Venegas and styled by Magda Rodriguez, in exclusive for Fucking Young! Online.
This season, Mr P. is telling a story with dogs. Their new campaign, “Man’s Best Friend,” focuses on four creative men and their pets.
Camper has reopened its main store in Barcelona. Located in the Eixample district, the space was redesigned by local designer Max Enrich.