In my mind's eye, David Gandy, the iconic male supermodel, takes on a different persona – plaits and bows adorning his hair as he casually sips English breakfast tea. This mental image, contrary to the famous tiny white trunks that propelled him to global fame in the 2006 Dolce and Gabbana campaign, lingers as our conversation unfolds. The reason? Gandy's revelation about his five-year-old daughter, Matilda, who has taken a keen interest in hairstyling. Picture Gandy, the well-trained father, patiently seated as Matilda experiments with ribbons in delightful pastel hues.
Transitioning from bronzed sex symbol to doting father might seem predictable for a man who, at 43, stands as an elder statesman in the fashion industry, boasting a career spanning 22 years. Yet, Gandy's charisma and striking 6ft 2in frame continue to capture attention. Despite his dressed-down ensemble of blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and a camel jacket, his face remains a familiar emblem, almost like conversing with a walking billboard – one that happens to articulate views on disrupting the fashion industry and confronting body image pressures.
Seventeen years post that groundbreaking Dolce campaign, Gandy grapples with persisting stereotypes of the "dumb" model. Now the creative director of his own clothing brand, Wellwear, he sits down in a Mayfair members' club to discuss its latest lounge and sleepwear collaboration with the quintessentially British label, Hackett. While his accomplishments extend beyond the famed white trunks (which, incidentally, still reside at home), the struggle against the "Himbo" or "Just Ken" image persists.
Acknowledging the challenges, Gandy reflects on the clichés that haunted him throughout his career. In a world where references to Zoolander often defined perceptions, he recounts moments when others questioned his role as a creative force. "What, the guy in the white swim shorts? Why is he coming on as creative? Why is he coming up with ideas?" Yet, Gandy's journey proves that behind the iconic image lies a thoughtful and innovative mind, challenging stereotypes and reshaping the narrative within the fashion landscape.
"In order to break boundaries, you have to prove everything by experience and results. If you're a secure person, you'll be fine eventually. Don't worry about these other people; just be headstrong."
However, for David Gandy, the challenge lies in the enduring strength of the Gandy brand, a testament to his face's selling power. Despite his attempts to step behind the camera, the gravitational pull of his iconic image persists. "I'm trying to get behind rather than in front of the camera. But people keep pushing me in front of it again," he remarks. The conventional notion of modeling, as Gandy once knew it, has evolved. His role encompasses being both the creative director and model, recording voiceovers, and overseeing the sales and marketing of his clothing line, Wellwear. The day after our meeting, he willingly volunteers for his daughter's school trip to Battersea, illustrating the multifaceted nature of his life.
"People try to pigeonhole what you are. I don't really try and categorize myself as anything. One day I'm a model, the next day I'm a businessman," Gandy reflects, acknowledging the fluidity of his identity. While he occasionally reminisces about the simplicity of the days when looking pretty was his primary task, his commitment to Wellwear introduces a new intensity that he embraces.
The collaboration between Wellwear and Hackett represents a significant partnership for Gandy. Rejecting the diluted notion of collaboration prevalent in the industry, he emphasizes the depth of this venture, rooted in a longstanding relationship with Hackett. With a history that spans 22 years, Gandy appreciates Hackett's commitment to quality, making them the ideal collaborator for Wellwear's latest venture into luxe lounge and sleepwear.
A hands-on individual, Gandy's life extends beyond the glamorous facade. Apologizing for the paint under his fingernails from a recent home renovation project in Richmond Park, he shares anecdotes of hosting his parents' anniversary party, personally tending to 400 plants until 2 am. Here is a man deeply involved in every facet of his life, balancing the demands of creativity, business, and personal pursuits with a genuine passion for each endeavor.
Beyond the glamour and the lens, David Gandy is just as engaged in the profound role of a father to his daughters, Matilda and two-year-old Tabitha. Sharing the responsibilities of school runs with his partner Stephanie, a barrister, Gandy is deeply involved in their day-to-day activities, from swimming to horse-riding and beyond. The transition to fatherhood prompts reflection on the fashion industry's impact, particularly on body image pressures perpetuated by the ubiquitous portrayal of "perfect" women.
In navigating this terrain for his daughters, Gandy imparts valuable advice: "If someone is horrible to you and pressuring you or taking the mickey out of your body image – it’s to do with their own insecurities, not yours." He emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-assurance, reassuring them that a secure person will overcome such challenges. Rejecting accusations that he promotes an "unattainable" body image, Gandy stresses the hard work behind his physique, dispelling the myth that he was born with it. "Anyone can train to have a more muscular body and a fitter body, and I work at that," he asserts, debunking the notion of innate perfection.
The juxtaposition of the rugged, suave British gentleman before me with the acknowledgment that this persona is a carefully crafted creation serves as a sharp reminder. Gandy's journey from Billericay, Essex, with hardworking entrepreneur parents, wasn't an obvious path to becoming a world-famous model. Raised in a household where family dinners were sacrosanct despite their busy schedules, Gandy's trajectory into modeling was unexpected. Studying marketing at the University of Gloucestershire, he was thrust into the world of modeling when his flatmate entered him into a competition on ITV's This Morning without his knowledge. Winning a contract with Select Model Management at 21, Gandy's remarkable journey from a marketing student to a global modeling sensation is a testament to the unforeseen turns that life can take.
While the commencement of David Gandy's career may appear serendipitous, the subsequent two decades were marked by meticulous calculation and strategic moves – attributes integral to becoming the world's first male supermodel. In essence, Gandy embodies the archetype of a self-made brand, and, as he asserts, a self-made man. The Dolce Adonis with rock-hard abs wasn't always the prevailing image; Gandy candidly shares his evolution through various body types and sizes, dispelling the misconception that he was inherently sculpted.
"Everyone thinks that I was like this from about 10 years of age, but I went through different body types and different body sizes. I had what we now call 'puppy fat,'" he reflects. His journey involved navigating the fluctuations of adolescence, from a chubby phase to a growth spurt that left him slightly on the skinny side at 17. This prompted him to embark on a journey of self-improvement, building himself up to a more muscular physique.
Acknowledging his firsthand experience with body image challenges, Gandy responds thoughtfully when questioned about the impact of hyper-muscular bodies proliferating on social media and reality shows like Love Island. In contrast to the belief that such images impose undue pressure, he notes the pressing issue of obesity in the nation, suggesting that the emphasis should be on promoting overall health. While he advocates for exercise, dedication, and gym culture, he emphasizes the importance of moderation, cautioning against obsession.
When it comes to his daughters potentially entering the modeling industry, Gandy expresses an openness to the idea but recognizes the transformed landscape of the industry. The traditional trajectory of a model catapulted from obscurity to stardom overnight has evolved into a landscape dictated by social media metrics. "It's about social numbers. It's about engagement. It's about a name," he observes, underscoring the shifting dynamics that have reshaped the modeling industry since his initial foray.
In an era where making it as a supermodel meant being recognized by just one name in the Eighties and Nineties, Gandy drew inspiration from the top-tier women who had established themselves as iconic figures. Reflecting on the influence of supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell, he notes, "It's a brand. And it was built as a business. And that's what I did; I just followed their platform." The power of a singular name, synonymous with success, had profound implications, shaping Gandy's approach to his own career.
With a history as a "disruptor" in the industry, challenging norms and pushing against the limits imposed by the glass ceiling in modeling, Gandy refrains from critiquing the new wave of influencer-models, acknowledging their astuteness and cleverness. While some have earned their following through hard work, reminiscent of the traditional scouting process, others, like the Kardashians and Hadids, inherited fame. Although Gandy remains neutral, there's a discernible nostalgia for the bygone era when creativity was not as disposable, and anticipation built around magazine releases or billboard unveilings.
Discussing the impact of social media on today's youth, Gandy acknowledges it as a significant concern, even if he doesn't entirely agree that it imposes undue pressure on achieving a perfect body. When it comes to his own daughters, he firmly expresses his intention to delay their entry into the social media realm, asserting, "I'm going to try to keep them off for as long as possible." With a touch of humor, he playfully suggests the acceptable age for them to join these platforms, stating, "Twenty-eight is fine!" This stance underscores Gandy's commitment to shield his daughters from the potential pitfalls of early exposure to the world of social media.
Beyond concerns about body image, David Gandy identifies the societal pressure to defy the aging process as a more significant issue. Expressing his resistance to succumbing to Botox thus far, he suggests that men should embrace skincare routines similarly to women to rejuvenate their appearance. While contemplating potential ventures, including a grooming line for men or even a florist with a coffee shop or a boutique hotel, Gandy's thoughts quickly return to his most cherished role – being a father.
Acknowledging the transformative shift from a seemingly selfish lifestyle centered on personal achievements to a dedicated father, Gandy emphasizes his commitment to guiding and sharing experiences with his daughters. His aspirations involve taking them on travels, viewing the world through their eyes, and prioritizing their well-being. Juggling Wellwear meetings, undisclosed secret projects, and planning an epic birthday party for Matilda, Gandy navigates his multifaceted responsibilities with dedication.
Amidst the bustling activities, Gandy's latest collaboration between Wellwear and Hackett takes center stage, focusing on creating luxe lounge and sleepwear that embodies "quality" and "longevity." As he wears the Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear collection, priced from £50, his journey as a family man, model, and entrepreneur unfolds, showcasing a remarkable evolution beyond the days of merely donning a pair of white trunks – a symbol of a bygone era that now seems like a leisurely stroll in the park or a swim in the Mediterranean.
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In conclusion, David Gandy's narrative unfolds as a multifaceted journey encompassing the realms of modeling, entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, fatherhood. From the early days of striving to establish himself in the competitive world of supermodels to navigating the evolving landscape of the fashion industry, Gandy has embraced change and emerged as a self-made brand. As he reflects on the influences of iconic supermodels, contemplates new ventures, and emphasizes the significance of family, the narrative encapsulates the essence of a man who has transcended the stereotypes of his industry.
Gandy's commitment to resisting societal pressures and promoting authenticity shines through, whether discussing body image, the pursuit of eternal youth, or his dedication to guiding his daughters. The collaboration between Wellwear and Hackett stands as a testament to his ongoing evolution, focusing on crafting quality and longevity in the realm of luxe lounge and sleepwear. In the whirlwind of meetings, undisclosed projects, and family celebrations, Gandy navigates the diverse facets of his life with dedication and a touch of nostalgia for the simplicity of earlier days. The journey continues for David Gandy, where each endeavor is marked by a blend of experience, passion, and the enduring commitment to being more than just a pretty face.