Get to know Gloria Matin

You will get lost in the eyes of French beauty Gloria Matin. We wanted to get to know her a little bit better and talked about her love for Paris, having a routine to keep sane and animal rights. Photographed by Michaëlis Moshe.

Shot on 35mm

You are currently based in Paris. What do you love about that city?

I am not a fan of the postcard Paris, the one that you see in the movies. I much more enjoy the places that are still a bit mixed socially, where people can still occupy the streets the way they want to. I like all the north of Paris, for instance. It’s a bit of a mess but it still belongs to those who live in it. On my weekends I love a good walk near Belleville and wandering around the streets, at random. There’s always a surprise at the corner of the street. It’s a good place to make new friends too, you sit on the grass and you talk to the people nearby, you enjoy the sun…

How do you stay sane during a lockdown?

Good question! I’d say wake up at the same time every morning no matter what, take a shower and dress like you’re going to have a normal day. It’s so important to fool your brain and body into believing that life is going on. Also, don’t always cease to immediate satisfaction, think of your well-being on the long-run. Just because I can lay around all day and stay on the couch without interruption, doesn’t mean it’s a good thing for me on the long-run. But on the other hand, if that’s what makes you feel good, do it, and don’t punish yourself! The only question to ask yourself every morning is: what would be really good for me today? Only you know what it is. Even if it’s not what other people think would be good for you.

“I am not a fan of the postcard Paris. I much more enjoy the places that are still a bit mixed socially, where people can still occupy the streets the way they want to.”

Who is currently one of your most important people in life?

I am having a nice love story at the moment. It inhabits my mind and gives me much joy.

Do you smile at strangers?

I try! But I feel stupid when they don’t give it back, though. So I pretend I wasn’t smiling.

What kind of compliments do you prefer from others and why?

I like when my strength or independence are acknowledged.

If you had one wish what would it be and why?

Well I am a firm animal rights believer, so I would love the whole world to go vegan, because it kills me thinking that everyday so many new animals are being put in pain. Go vegan dear friends, it is actually quite easy and it makes you happy! And you can still eat junk food (laughs)

We all need some good input these days, what is your happy song?

What made me happy in this stupid year of 2020 was to listen to all the old stuff that I used to dance on back when I was 13. I can’t tell which bands because there are so many and I am not proud of all of them hehe, but it’s so good to think of the good old times sometimes. Otherwise, I love a good French rap to wake me up in the morning, which is unfortunate for my neighbors.

Michaëlis Moshe also contributed to our Print Volume #36 Issue about “Happiness”