Pietro Boselli

Pietro Boselli was already an experienced model when a photograph from his mathematics classroom made him an internet sensation in 2015. The Italian had begun working for Armani as a child, years before his academic career at University College London supplied the unexpected setting for his wider fame.

Born in Negrar, Italy, Pietro appeared in his first Armani campaign in 1995. Modeling continued alongside his education, but an interest in mathematics and physics led him to study mechanical engineering at UCL. He earned a first-class degree and went on to doctoral research involving computational fluid dynamics and steam turbines, teaching mathematics during his postgraduate years.

Speaking to W in 2016, Pietro recalled meeting Giorgio Armani at a childhood fitting, before he understood the designer’s importance. His commitment to education proved equally instinctive. “At 18 I was doing fashion shows and I had a career ahead of me, but I didn’t even question continuing my studies.”

The classroom photograph brought those parallel professions into public view. His muscular physique and engineering credentials became an irresistible media story, giving an established modeling career a much larger audience. Armani remained an important connection. In 2016, Pietro appeared in EA7’s Olympic campaign, promoting the label’s clothing for Italy’s team ahead of the Rio Games.

Fitness also became a business and a subject he could explain through science. By early 2018, he had launched Petra, a sportswear venture connecting his experience of modeling and training with his engineering background. His own films and educational projects extended that approach into exercise anatomy and scientific ideas. Across these pursuits, Pietro has developed a public identity in which physical training and intellectual curiosity each have a practical outlet.