The Graduate - exclusive editorial by Lee Wood with male model Giove Taioli for The Rakish Gent

Photography - Lee Wood

Giove wears clothing - MSGM, sneakers - Nike, backpack - Eastpak

Why did you decide to study Philosophy?

My interest in philosophy began towards the end of high school, at that time it was more of a personal curiosity, but after reading many different books on philosophy, I made the decision to make an application to the university. However, the true reason I decided to study philosophy is born from a deep inquisitiveness that I have for analysing human behaviour and natural phenomena.

How have your studies been disrupted by Covid-19?

It was not easy, as it probably was for everyone, especially in the beginning when there was so much uncertainty about everything. We lost real human interactions, we suddenly missed a lot but, I think we were still able to learn things and study as before and some things got even paradoxically better.

How long have you been rowing?

Actually, it’s Kayaking or canoeing if you prefer.

I have been doing kayak since I was twelve and I trained for about five years with a competitive team. Later I had to stop because I moved to Milan to starting modelling and university. Now I’m back to my previous training regime, I train every day, but currently I’m not competing.

How are you able to balance studies, sports and modelling?

It is not easy but I find that sports help me a lot to clear my mind, relax and refresh my brain to absorb new information. It is true that if you workout, you are also using a lot of time but in a way that “lost time” is not wasted because I find that I can then study much faster and better.

The lockdown period actually helped a little, due to having online lessons throughout the entire semesters, I found I could organise my days better, balancing my studies with kayaking and modelling.

Do you have any plans to study further?

Yes, I am sending applications for PhD abroad in Philosophy of Science.

Do you see your career more focused on education or modelling?

I can see it focused on both I guess, it really depends on where future events will lead me.

What are you most looking forward to about the US?

I am looking forward to go to LA soon, I know there could be many opportunities for me there so, of course, I hope for the best! I’m really curious to see the city and to explore as much of California as possible. LA is a huge market so I hope to have new experiences both in the fashion industry and beyond.