Mattia Stanga: From TikTok Comedy to Fashion Icon
TikTok, Sanremo, and now, Milan Fashion Week Men's: Mattia Stanga shares his journey with TheRooster in this interview.
The joke is a serious matter. It requires sensitivity, culture, and a fresh perspective to hit the mark. Aren’t these the same three qualities essential for fashion? The answer is, of course, "yes," and Mattia Stanga is a prime example: he went from TikTok to Milan Fashion Week, without forgetting his experience as the host of Sanremo 2024's Prima Festival, cementing his status as a contemporary Italian icon. And he certainly doesn’t lack style, whether he's surprising you with a joke or sitting in the front row. Raised and shaped in a digital world, his perspective is undoubtedly fresh and keen on what’s happening as well as on the smallest details: the spark of a witty reply never escapes him, elevating him to a model of Fashion Comedy. Humor is an indispensable factor when it comes to a joke, just as it is in runway fashion. In both cases, humor adds “flavor” to a phrase or look, making them more appealing and memorable.
We meet Mattia Stanga at the end of Milan Men's Fashion Week: dressed by renowned international fashion houses, he was invited to the front row to discover the Spring Summer 2025 collections. This is where our conversation starts, discussing the trends he noticed on the runway and how creating a look is crucial to feeling comfortable. Even more so when he wants to amaze with his words.
What were your favorite trends at Milan Fashion Week for Spring Summer 2025?
First, I’d say the contrast of colors seen at Prada, like green mixed with purple. It’s a really impactful combo. I also noticed the flat sneakers, the return of some archive pieces, and the continuous references to past collections, like the metal-tipped shoes previously seen at Miu Miu. As usual, I want to wear everything, so I end up with a smartphone full of photos that inevitably become sources of inspiration for new TikToks.
I’ve just returned from Louis Vuitton's event in Paris: a unique experience with fantastic locations as always, but I was surprised by a less-logoed collection compared to usual, without losing its idea of wearable elegance.
What does it mean to you to be invited to the top fashion brand shows?
It’s an honor, and I have great respect for the front row. However, I also realize that my comedic videos about fashion have been appreciated by some brands: they’ve certainly grasped the connection between comedy and fashion, even though fashion has often been seen as a more serious and structured world.
And when I think about my content, creatively, fashion shows are a goldmine of new ideas among the ever-changing settings to create different stories. I particularly love this aspect of fashion: creating an impactful show that can stay in everyone’s mind. I think of last summer’s Dior show where the models literally emerged from the floor!
How did your passion for fashion start, and how has it influenced your social media career?
My passion for fashion began when I was little. I’ve always had a strong personal taste, so I started nurturing it as a child, expressing my personality through clothes. I’ve never cared much about what people around me thought. For instance, I wore pink, which was unfortunately considered a “girl's color,” even in elementary school simply because I liked it!
How would you describe your personal style, and how has it changed over the years?
My style is definitely “variable”: I follow trends but mix them with my identity and personality. One day I can dress very elegantly, another day preppy, and another day more baggy! It depends on how I wake up in the morning and what I want to communicate to the people I’ll meet.
What are the must-have items in your wardrobe for the next season?
I’d say shirts, colorful jackets, suede bags, and low-rise pants. And tank tops: they have always been my signature. Lastly, daringly, I’d also say hats!
How do you balance your irresistible comedy with your interest in fashion?
For me, they’re not two opposing things, on the contrary! It’s always fun and stimulating to make these two seemingly distant worlds interact. I use designer clothes in funny videos without necessarily highlighting that they are fashion pieces, thus bringing fashion closer to users who might not constantly follow trends and news. The result is completely spontaneous. On the other hand, I follow many people who talk about fashion because you can always learn from engaging with external opinions and views.
Which fashion brands inspire you the most and why?
Prada, because it’s art. Thom Browne because it’s New York, which I love, and it's super cool—I’d like to always dress that way. Loewe, because it’s novel: I love the creative director JW Anderson because every season he manages to innovate and create something different while always remaining true to himself... which is essentially what I try to do, ranging across different worlds from fashion, TV, and social media. The idea is to try different experiences and situations without ever losing my essence. Louis Vuitton and Dior from Paris also inspire me. Any emerging brands to praise? The Italian Magliano, one of my favorites.
What has been the most exciting moment of your career so far?
Definitely the Prima Festival: I’ll never forget the call from Amadeus on the day of my graduation. A unique and crucial moment in my career that almost ended tragically because the call came during the celebrations of my long-awaited graduation while I was eating a pastry that nearly choked me upon hearing Ama’s voice!
What advice would you give to young people of your generation who want to express their personality through fashion?
Never be afraid to express who you are. But remember, if there’s one important thing to have, it’s good taste! You must have a clear understanding of who you are and how you want to communicate with everyone around you. Being yourself always is the best way to connect with people.
What was the outfit you wore during Milan Fashion Week that made you feel most confident?
All of them! Because when I choose an outfit to wear, it’s important for me to feel comfortable; otherwise, I wouldn’t wear it! Sure, one thing I don’t quite get personally is having to wear winter clothes at the summer Fashion Week and summer clothes at the winter Fashion Week—(laughs)—this is perhaps the only thing I’d change!
What can we expect from your style and content in the coming months?
Ah, that’s a question I can only answer with: stay tuned!
