Style profile: David Gandy
Male models don’t generally become household names. Their careers often reach a point where they no longer meet the criteria for runaways; therefore turning to acting, modelling for small-time brands or fading into obscurity. David Gandy is the exception to this male model trend. His rugged looks and on point style have helped him stay relevant in a time of squads and Angels leading the pack.
British-born David Gandy’s influence is nothing short of amazing. He is credited as the influence that reinstated the masculine image to modelling, moving away from the androgynous, waif-like men who resemble their female counterparts. He is to thank for the rugged, chiselled men who line the catwalk and magazine adverts, appealing to all age groups, while revolutionizing the perceptions of the ‘male model’.
In 2001, Gandy won a modelling contest, which ultimately kick-started his career. Now, he is more than just the face of Dolce & Gabbana, and has been named model of the year, ranked as the third most successful male model by Forbes and named the most beautiful international male face. Brandishing numerous covers and runways, featured in various style contender guides, and the creator of his own line of underwear, loungewear and swimwear; his appeal is widespread. He also writes for numerous high profile style guides, including British GQ and British Vogue, and is vested in sundry charity foundations, including his own “Blue Steel Appeal”.
His Instagram account allows his followers a glimpse into his envious lifestyle. He loves fast things and old cars; having received his racing licence he has participated in the “Mille Miglia” on land and power-boating racing offshore. And he makes sure to do it in style. He has perfected the art of face hair, balancing the delicate line between tidy and scruffy, managing to symbolise the rugged look.
Gandy’s sense of style is about the effect of less is more. Whether he is donning a classic three piece black suit, waistcoat, white pocket square and bowtie, he is the epitome of stylish formalwear that suits his physique and age. However, he is not afraid to embrace suits of different fabrics and patterns, choosing tweed for cooler occasions, and pinstripes for other. He also demonstrates how to wear grey, white or navy suits, showing off his individuality through shirts of different colours, like purple or blue.
He wears bowties with confidence and style. His ensemble of a grey suit jacket, black bow tie, white pocket square, white shirt and black pants is exactly how to pull off this semi-formal look. For summer days, his choice of board shorts are ideal, choosing bold colours that are the perfect length. Like Gandy, embrace colours like blue, orange, green black or navy for those hot summer days.