Pietro Boselli, decked out in BENCH clothing, entered the holding room with a smile on his face. Still pumped up from a successful press conference and fashion show the day before, he didn’t seem to be at all bothered by the busy day ahead. With his laid-back charm, good looks, and kind demeanour, it wasn’t difficult to see why Boselli became a worldwide phenomenon practically overnight.

He started his modelling career at the young age of six when he landed a Giorgio Armani campaign. He later took a hiatus from the industry to focus on his studies. In 2010, he received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University College London (UCL) and, come 2016, completed his PhD in the same institution.

In January 2014, a student took note of his physique and subsequently found out about his modelling career. The Facebook post eventually went viral, catapulting the young teacher and then-PhD candidate into global stardom.

The world was fascinated by how he juggled being in the academe with a growing modelling career—a rarity in both industries. At only 28, he begins a new chapter in life after getting his doctorate and focuses once more on modelling. The handsome gentleman, blessed with a Greek god physique and angelic face sits down with Philippine Tatler to talk about the ins and outs of his fame and career, how he deals with stereotypes, and what keeps him motivated to achieve more.

Philippine Tatler: When did your interest in math and engineering begin?

Pietro Boselli: Around the age of 15 or 16, I realised that I was good in math. I remember this book I read titled Evolution of Physics by Albert Einstein—a provocative book that tries to infuse physics into the lives of the general public. Although I like other disciplines such as the arts and humanities, it was engineering that fascinated me. It’s a creative way of using math and physics to create new things.

PT: How about your passion for fitness?

PB: I studied swimming when I was four years old. As a teenager, I began running near the Alps, working out at home, and creating my own makeshift gym.

PT: So you’re not the typical Zoolander male model. What do you think of that stereotype and how people perceive male models?

PB: Modelling is the one profession where it’s advantageous to be a woman. If you’re endorsing a brand as a guy, you always need to be an athlete, an actor, or have something else besides modelling.

People say that, in this profession, you don’t really use your brain. We measure intelligence by one’s academic achievements, but there are other types of intelligence.

PT: What do you think about the common misconception that models are not intelligent?

PB: I’m confident enough with my intellectual ability not to be affected by that, but I can see how a lot of people are bullied. If you’re a male model and that’s your only career, people assume you lack an intellectual sphere.

PT: You’re 28 now. What else do you want to achieve?

PB: So many things. Throughout my life, I’ve always felt I’m at the beginning of something. I never felt I was at the end. Being complacent has never really been my thing. I always believe in seizing the opportunity. I don’t want to walk a single track. It would’ve been easy after studying it to jump into an engineering career. But I feel like this [modelling] is a great opportunity. It doesn’t mean that I’m giving everything up.

PT: How was the Bench Davao charity event?

PB: It was a great experience, not only did I get in touch with a unique local culture, but I was also moved by the great effort of this small community in running a school despite the challenges, and the importance attributed to giving these kids a chance for education.

Photography: BJ Pascual | Styling: Monique Madsen

Read the full story in the July 2017 edition of Philippine Tatler. Grab a copy from any leading newsstand or bookstore or download it on your digital device via Magzter, Zinio, or Pressreader.