FROM INSTAGRAM WITH LOVE. Scouted on Instagram, Matthew Noszka represents a new crop of millennial models who are as famous on the social media as on print
Jacket by Moschino
The old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” has never been more relevant than today, where any photo can be seen by thousands—if not millions—of people. Take Matthew Noszka, a world-renowned model who has become the face Ports 1961’s and Dsquared2’s spring/summer campaigns, was seen on the runways of Moschino and Philipp Plein, and appeared on a number of high-profile editorials. And that’s just what he’s accomplished in 2017!
As crazy as it might sound, all that started with a single Instagram post. And it wasn’t even staged. But that one picture was seen by Luke Simone, a representative of Wilhelmina Models (which, in turn, represents figures such as Nick Jonas and Shawn Mendes), and he saw Noszka’s potential. The rest, as they say, is history—and this particular bit of history includes a contract with Nike signed within days of Noszka’s “discovery,” an appearance at Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show and a modeling career that many can only dream of.
DA MAN: Hi, Matthew, thanks for taking the time for this interview. Let’s start off with the most important part: Can you tell us about the Instagram post that sparked your modeling career?
Matthew Noszka: I was building a deck for my mother and posed a progress photo in front of the deck. I was shirtless in just some beat up boots and jean shorts.
DA MAN: What was it that ultimately convinced you to give this modeling thing a go?
Matthew Noszka: It wasn’t really anything particular. I just had a feeling and went with it.
Outfit by 3.1 Phillip Lim
DA MAN: Things went really fast after your post got noticed, and you posted your first BTS photo just a couple of weeks later. What went through your head as you transitioned from working odd jobs to doing photo shoots for Versace in such a short span of time?
Matthew Noszka: I truly didn’t think much of it. I was more focused on getting use to the new environments and concentrating on how to excel at every opportunity that came my way.
DA MAN: Besides landing a gig for Versace, Nike and so on, you also ended up on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” not long afterwards. What was it like at the time?
Matthew Noszka: It was absolutely incredible. Ellen is such an amazing woman and someone I look up to. I admire her soul and aspire to lead my life like her in many ways.
DA MAN: In hindsight, do you think you’d have ever considered going into modeling if it weren’t for that one photo being discovered by Luke Simone?
Matthew Noszka: No, I was pursuing a professional basketball career. I had no intentions [to go into] modeling. However, acting became an interest of mine.
DA MAN: You were discovered through social media. Does your online presence still play a big role in your career today?
Matthew Noszka: Yes, social media plays a large role in my life. It’s a quick resume for clients to review and potential advertising space for many brands.
Outfit by 3.1 Phillip Lim
DA MAN: Your rise to fame has obviously inspired many aspiring models. What would be your number-one piece of advice for anybody looking to follow in your footsteps?
Matthew Noszka: Remind yourself daily of what you want to achieve and who you ultimately wish to become as a person. Talk to God and it will all fall into place. Have faith and bust your ass.
Outfit by Givenchy
DA MAN: On a related note, your rise to fame has obviously generated a lot of public attention. What is your number one method of dealing with the pressures of an increasingly public life?
Matthew Noszka: Honestly, just to live life and never take myself too serious. We are all human. If you lead your life with the best intentions for everything you do, it will all fall into place.
DA MAN: By the way, you are, currently, the only male model represented by Women/360. What’s the story behind this partnership?
Matthew Noszka: Luke Simone found me and gave me this life. The team I have at Women cannot be replaced. I feel loved and supported. Being surround by such an amazing group is what makes this all possible.
Outfit by 424
DA MAN: Do you think that there is—or that there will be—a significance to having a women’s modeling agency represent a male model?
Matthew Noszka: Anything is possible, and it’s moving and grooving right now, so I’m just taking it one day at a time.
DA MAN: You’re also on the latest campaign from DSquared2 with Gigi Hadid and photographer duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. What was it like working with them?
Matthew Noszka: Such an amazing a talented team. I am very fortunate to have met and worked with so many different people in my career and look forward to what’s in store.
Outfit by Alexander Wang, shoes by Givenchy
DA MAN: A lot has happened in the past two and a half years or so. Where do you see yourself and your modeling career another couple of years from now?
Matthew Noszka: On the big screen, baby! Movies is where my heart is. So, be on the lookout. [Smiles]
DA MAN: Can you tell us a little bit more about your passion for acting?
Matthew Noszka: I fell into it in college when I had to take an acting class as an elective. It turned out to be something I love. [There are] a lot of things in the works!
DA MAN: Do you have a favorite genre that you would like to focus on as you delve deeper into acting?
Matthew Noszka: I love romantic comedy and drama. “The Notebook” is one of my all time favorites.
DA MAN: As you’ve mentioned earlier, before you went into modelling, you were well on your way towards a professional basketball career. Do you still like to play?
Matthew Noszka: I try and get out as much as I can but not as much as I’d like.
Sweater by Martine Rose
DA MAN: Outside of work, do you have any personal milestones that you’re looking to achieve in the near future?
Matthew Noszka: So many plans and milestones in the business world. Investing in my future is something I take very seriously. I have some real-estate and business models in the works.
DA MAN: All in all, is it fun being you?
Matthew Noszka: I love my life and the people in it. Without my family and friends all this means nothing.
Jacket by Bond
T-shirt by Bond
T-shirt by Bond
Outfit by Y-3
Photography Mitchell Nguyen McCormack
Styling Lauren LaRocca and Oly Maly
Grooming Grace Phillips at State Artists Management using American English Hair and Tom Ford
Model Matthew Noszka/W360 Management
Fashion Assistant Richmond Parakhen
Videographer Brady Valashinas