Alessandro’s journey into the world of modelling is anything but conventional. Originally an athlete with a passion for volleyball, he dedicated his early years to sports, striving for excellence. However, fate had other plans when he was discovered through social media, leading him to Milan and the high-fashion runways. In this exclusive interview, Alessio opens up about his career, passions, and aspirations, giving us a glimpse into the man behind the model.
PHoto story by SASHA OLSEN. interview by Adrian Gomis Exposito
The images are cropped/made safe for online purposes, full images available inside Yummy Issue 10
ADRIAN GOMIS EXPOSITO. Hi Alessandro! Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from, and how did your journey into modelling begin?
ALESSANDRO POMPONI. Hi! I’m Alessandro, I’m Italian and I come from Latina, a province near Rome. Before becoming a model, I was always an athlete. I practised every sport imaginable until I was 12 years old. That’s when I randomly started playing volleyball. My parents signed me up for a team in my city, though I wasn’t very convinced at first. However, it only took one practice for me to fall in love with the sport. I trained every day and dedicated myself completely to it. At 16, I was contacted by a team in Rome to play in national categories, so I left home and moved there. I completed high school away from home, and always focused on my dream of becoming a professional player.
I eventually achieved my goal, but I also faced tough moments, including injuries that made me rethink my path. During that time, I was noticed on Instagram by agencies and scouts who reached out to me about modelling. I decided to attend some castings in Milan and was accepted immediately. It was a radical life change, but I embraced it. That’s how my modelling career started.
AGE. What was your first professional shoot like? How did it feel to step in front of the camera for the first time?
AP. My first photoshoot was a great experience. I never felt uncomfortable in front of the camera; in fact, I found it really fun.
AGE. Modelling can be a challenging industry. Have you faced any obstacles along the way? How did you overcome them?
AP. I faced several pauses in my career due to switching agencies, but I never lost my drive. The fashion world is tough, and you have to learn how to handle rejection and judgment. I’ve always tried to let things slide and not let them bring me down.
AGE. Is there a specific photoshoot, campaign, or project you’re most proud of? Why does it stand out to you?
AP. One of the most important moments for me was walking for Dolce & Gabbana. It was my debut and my first real experience in the fashion world.
AGE. Beyond modelling, what are some of your passions or hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your downtime?
AP. I’m still very sporty, and in my free time, I like to work out or take long walks. I also enjoy simple things like grabbing a coffee with friends.
AGE. Who are your biggest inspirations, either in fashion or in life?
AP. My biggest inspiration is my dad and my family, who taught me life values that I want to pass on to future generations. In fashion, I don’t follow anyone as a source of inspiration; I just try to be the best version of myself.
AGE. If you could collaborate with any designer or brand in the world, who would it be and why?
AP. The brand I dream of working with is Versace. It has always fascinated me.
AGE. What would you say is your greatest positive feature?
AP. Definitely kindness.
AGE. What would you say is your main negative feature or something you’re working on improving?
AP. I’m working on improving my patience. I often want everything immediately.
AGE. Who is the greatest love of your life?
AP. My mom.
AGE. When and where were you at your happiest?
AP. The early years when I left home as a teenager. I gained independence and started living life on my own terms.
AGE. What’s your favourite food?
AP. Steak.
AGE. How do you keep in such amazing shape? Do you have any secrets or routines you swear by?
AP. As I mentioned earlier, I was an athlete before becoming a model. My body developed through years of intense training. Now, I stay in shape by going to the gym a couple of times a week and walking a lot.
AGE. Let’s now dive deeper into your collaboration with Yummy. What does Yummy mean to you?
AP. Yummy makes me think of something good and tasty. That’s exactly what comes to mind when I hear the word "YUMMY."
AGE. Both the calendar images and Yummy 10 are stunning and artistic. How did it feel to shoot for this project with Sasha, especially knowing it required going full frontal nude for the first time?
AP. I had so much fun shooting with Sasha. He’s an amazing person, and we bonded a lot during that time. It was my first time posing nude, but I felt protected and supported. After all, I’m very comfortable being naked, so it wasn’t a problem.
AGE. Did you have any specific routine or preparation, either physical or mental, leading up to the days of shooting for Yummy?
AP. No, as I mentioned before, I’ve always been calm and relaxed.
AGE. How do you feel about nudity in general? Are you someone who feels comfortable walking around naked at home, or do you ever visit nude beaches?
AP. No, I don’t frequent nude beaches—they’re not for me.
AGE. What would you say is your favourite part of your body, and which part do you receive the most compliments on?
AP. My abs. I get a lot of compliments on them, and people often ask me how I keep them so sculpted. My answer? "I don’t know, ask my mom—she’s the one who made them this way." I train them just like any other muscle.
AGE. Are you an early bird or a night owl?
AP. It depends. I can be both, but there are times when I’m a zombie in the morning and too tired at night.
AGE. Do you sleep naked?
AP. Sometimes I do, but only if I’m in good company.
AGE. What attracts you the most in a girl?
AP. Kindness and confidence.
AGE. Where is your favourite place to be kissed?
AP. The neck. Kisses there kill me.
AGE. What’s the weirdest DM you’ve ever received?
AP. A professor once asked me to study with him and said he’d like to tutor me if I needed help.
AGE. Have you ever sent a nude photograph?
AP. Of course, but without showing my face.
AGE. If you could sleep with a celebrity, who would it be?
AP. Emily Ratajkowski.
AGE. Are you more of an introvert or extrovert?
AP. I’m more of an introvert. I take my time opening up to people.
AGE. What do you value most in a partner?
AP. Trust and honesty.
AGE. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
AP. Never judge anyone. Always be kind and polite to others.
AGE. Are there any future plans or aspirations you’re eager to achieve?
AP. I want to conquer everything and become a top model—maybe even the sexiest in the world.
AGE. Finally, what would you say is your biggest dream?
AP. My biggest dream is to become a star!
Model: Alessandro Pomponi @alessandropomponii. Photographer Sahsa Olsen @sashaxolsen.
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