Sergio with one of his famous protege: The manager with one of his top talent, Joao, who modeled for that sexy CK fragrance campaign.

Sergio Mattos has seen it all-from the time he opened Elite in Brazil to his present position as Mega Models International Manager.

Sergio Mattos has managed and represented some of the world's most successful models- from Gisele Bundchen to Ana Beatriz Barros to Caroline Ribeiro, to Paolo Zulu, Eduardo Braun and Diogo Provin to a new and exciting batch of models ready to conquer the international scene.

What makes Sergio Mattos the talent that he is? What are his secrets in staying at the top of his field? Who is Sergio Mattos- the person, the artist, the manager? Modelwatch is proud to launch our exclusive Interview with Mr. Mattos himself...

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Jed: Please tell us, what are the qualities you look for in a model? Particularly male models?

Sergio: I always look for something new- a different set of eyes, a special smile, something inside. It maybe the way a person talk and walk...Of course, they need to be in good shape and there is a feeling of being new...fresh!

One of Elite's most sought-after: Perhaps Sergio Mattos' most important discovery- now with Elite NYC, Eduardo Braun.

Jed: How young should one start to model? How important is a model's age? If someone is already 25 years old, is it too late for him to become a model?

Sergio: The best age for a star is 16 years old for the girls and 17 for the boys. But sometimes, there are exception to the rule, as in the case of Paulo Zulu, already 28 years old when I discovered him. In just 2 months, he was in Paris and doing the shows and shooting for top editorials!

Jed: Tell us more about your job as the International Manager for the agency Mega Models?

How different is working today for the modeling industry compared to when you work for Elite in the 1980s?

Sergio: When I first started with Elite, everything was new, including myself! I have no bookers to teach me and I discovered how to go about my work all by myself. Of course, John Casablancas was my teacher! I went to International contests, where I learned a lot about what kind of gilrs will become supermodels! I asked John Casablanacs so many questions and it was him who help me understand what I should look for in a model.

Now that I am with Mega Models, I have more experience and I do a lot of direct bookings with some very special clients.

Sergio: The Brazilians are from a diverse, mixed races- Black, Indian, Italian, Portuguese, German...That makes the Brazilian unique and different. There is that special way of smile, of talking, walking, dancing...

Jed: Tell us in your own point of view and experience, the differences and unique qualities of these fashion capitals? How important are these cities to a male model's career?

Sergio: Milan is good for editorials and shows, while Paris is great for doing fashion campaigns. New York is where everything happens! Tokyo is not as good as it was in the 1980s, but still a great way for models to earn money! London is for a special breed of models.