Elias Becker has grown up between worlds and continents. From a childhood spent in Miami to university in London and New York, it’s likely he knows his way around most major cities. It’s no surprise, then, that we find ourselves in Monte Carlo with Becker and Replay to attend the Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament.
Becker explains that he and his girlfriend, Yasmin, flew over from New York to Milan to model for Replay’s latest tennis-inspired collection, the Monte Carlo Country Club collection. Attending the tennis tournament, subsequently, was the cherry on top of the Replay experience. In many ways, the NYU graduate is the perfect face for the campaign—a model who has grown up in the world of tennis but is eager to explore the various avenues of being a multidisciplinary creative. The Miami/Munich native studied film at NYU and graduated to build his own shoe-wear brand, Juntos, while simultaneously pursuing filmmaking. On the weekends, he holds residencies at some of New York’s trendiest downtown clubs.
Schön! caught up with Becker right before the games started, to chat about New York City, Tennis, and why Replay continues to be one of his favourite brands to wear and work with.
Hey Elias! Nice to see you in Monte Carlo. How were your travels from New York? And what’s it like living in the Big Apple?
The travels were great. I’ve been living in New York for about four or five years now, since university. I actually transferred during COVID—I started at UAL in London, but during the pandemic, I decided to follow a lifelong dream and moved to New York to attend NYU. It ended up being a perfect fit, and I’ve built a great life there.
Do you see yourself staying in New York long term?
Right now, it’s amazing. Everything feels really well set up—between my girlfriend and my circle of friends, it just works. She went to Columbia and now works in fashion. Funny enough, she graduated before me, even though I’m older, because I took a gap year and graduated in 2024.
So cute that you’re both here for the Replay event! How does it feel being back?
This place is full of memories. I used to come here as a kid during tennis tournaments with my family. I hadn’t been back in a while—COVID and university kept me away. It’s great to return to a city that feels like a dream. There’s history, there’s glamour—it creates this special state just walking through the streets.
Is this your first year working with Replay?
Yes, it is. The project kicked off in March when we shot the campaign in Monaco and Milan. It was such a beautiful experience. We worked with photographer Andreas Ortner, who was incredibly welcoming, especially since it was my girlfriend’s first campaign. I’ve been on shoots where the team feels closed off, but with Replay, everyone was so encouraging. It really felt like a dream, especially those three days in Milan.
The campaign turned out beautifully. How did they find a tennis court in Milan that matched Monte Carlo?
There’s this great sports center on the outskirts of Milan with both clay and hard courts. It was perfect because the clay matched Monte Carlo’s. I love clay—it’s so satisfying watching players slide on it, and the way the colours contrast—orange clay, purple and white outfits. You can always tell how intense a match was by the state of the players’ clothes. Nadal’s white shirt would turn orange by the end of a match.
You really see all the intricacies in tennis! So what’s it like representing Replay?
It’s an honour. Replay is such a timeless brand. It really defines what classic style should be—kind of like a 90s Pinterest board. I’ve always admired how the brand stands out by staying true to itself. It doesn’t try too hard, and that effortless authenticity is what makes it special. Their Italian roots bring consistency and style that adapt to the times without losing identity.
How did the collaboration start?
They reached out to me, and I was thrilled. I’ve always admired the brand, so I was happy they saw me as a good fit for the campaign. Funny enough, I was in Milan when they contacted me. I connected them with my team, and it quickly evolved into a real partnership. With tennis, I usually avoid too many brand tie-ins because of my family’s background, but Replay felt different. They care about meaningful collaborations. Everyone—from Vanessa to Patrick—has been amazing. I’m looking forward to meeting more of the team at the games.
How creatively involved were you in the collection?
I didn’t design any of the pieces, but I’m proud to wear them. I do hope to work more on design in the future—I actually launched my own shoe company, so design is a big passion. Replay gave me creative freedom, especially with the visuals. Since I have a film background, they let me help co-direct the campaign video, which was really fulfilling.
I noticed you do film, DJ, and have your own brand. How do all these creative pursuits intersect?
Film is definitely number one. My shoe brand comes next. DJing is more of an outlet—it’s about having fun and setting a vibe. Music allows me to control a mood or state of being. I usually separate my week by project. Monday to Wednesday is film-focused—I won’t even check emails about fashion or music. I realized I need to give each creative pursuit its proper time and space. DJing is mostly weekends, so I can keep everything balanced.
Where do you usually play in New York?
Honestly, I’ve played at almost every club in the city. It’s a way for me to connect with people, bring my friends together, and build community. I just bring my USB and headphones, and the night unfolds from there. You never know where it’ll take you—sometimes there’s an after-party or another set. New York keeps you moving.
What kind of music do you play?
Mainly house—house disco, deep house, even a little Afro house. I love fusing genres. I’m into hip hop, soul, and R&B, and I try to bring those influences into my sets. It’s all about blending and creating connections through sound.
You’re so immersed in the NYC scene! You’ve also lived in other cities like Miami and Munich, right? What’s your favourite?
I was born in Munich but moved when I was one, so I wouldn’t say I lived there. Miami is home—it always will be. New York is my new home. London also had a big impact on me; I studied there for two years before transferring to NYU. Those are the two cities that have shaped me most.
Any cities you want to spend more time in?
Definitely. Paris is high on my list. And Tokyo—I love Japan. Korea too. I want to spend a few years in Tokyo if I can. But Europe will always feel like home, since my family’s here.
So your family’s in Europe now?
Yeah, my mom, dad, and brother all spend time here. I still have family in the U.S. who visit, but I’m mostly on my own in New York. I’ve kind of created my own little haven there.
Would you call yourself a New Yorker?
No, I don’t think I’d go that far. I still feel like an expat. And honestly, in New York, if you say you’re a New Yorker, you probably aren’t one! That title is earned over time.
I guess after 10 years, maybe you earn it?
Exactly. Time gives you that status. Just going for university and working for a couple of years doesn’t quite count—yet.
Any recommendations for us while we’re in Monte Carlo?
Yes! I was walking near the beach and found a great little health bar—can’t remember the name, but it had amazing green juices and chia puddings. That’s what I’m always looking for in a city: a good juice spot. Monte Carlo makes that a bit tough!
See the Replay collection now at replayjeans.com.
