interview. Odyssia Houstis
photography. Jvdas Berra
fashion. Sebastian Magunacelaya
issue 2 – welcome to the new
The Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue ad represented a major turning point for Gandy, who was fortunate enough to be part of it. At the time, androgynous and skinny models were dominating the fashion scene, but Gandy refused to compromise his authenticity. He says, “I was told to not get bigger and not go to the gym and [that]you’re not fitting any sample sizes. And I was like, well, I’m not going to be something I’m not.” Being unwilling to conform proved to be a game-changer. Gandycredits Mario Testino and Dolce & Gabbana for his success, believing that their artistic vision and commitment to pushing boundaries have transformed the industry.
In the early stages of his career, wage disparity was common, with male models frequently making significantly less than their female peers.” I suppose it’s the curiosity,” he explains, “of why guys thought there was a glass ceiling to what they could earn or what the level they could get to.” Determined to challenge the status quo, Gandy drew inspiration from the female supermodels of the time. He observed how they built their brands and leveraged their names to enhance their careers. “It was Cindy, Kate, Naomi, Christina…you didn’t even have to say the surname” highlighting the immense impact these models had on the industry. This experience gave Gandy a new perspective on the power of personal branding.
Driven by a desire to break free from the norm and carve his own path, David Gandyventured into sustainable fashion and created his own clothing line, David GandyWellwear. Gandy’s non-conformity, coupled with his ability to take on challenges, has resulted in the creation of a brand that focuses on sustainability at accessible prices, attracting the attention of bigger brands eager to collaborate. Gandy’s vision for the future sees clothing engineered by Wellwear. The label is not just about fashion, but about a commitment to positive change in the industry. Gandy and his team prioritize sustainability over the easier route of mass production and low-cost manufacturing. Gandy firmly believes in ethical practices in garment production and told us “I just believe this is the way the fashion industry has to go forwards.”
“Wellwear’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their hybrid of smart, presentable, and comfortable clothing offering the definitive “all-day wardrobe” which was in development for years.”Gandy and his team recognized the growing demand for stylish yet comfortable clothing, and they filled the gap with their simple and sustainable approach that doesn’t overwhelm customers with excessive choices.
As the founder and creative director of his eponymous brand, David Gandy’s role has evolved to encompass supporting his team, securing collaborations, and funding, and ensuring the brand’s continued success. He recognizes that balance can be elusive when building a brand, echoing the sentiment of a successful individual he saw in a documentary who said, “There is no balance”. He said that you try your best, but to get those brands running and to make it successful you have to be dedicated.” Despite the demanding nature of his work, Gandy remains passionate about the creative process. As a “professional problem solver,” he is always looking for the next step and the best way to move his brand forward. While he would love to be more involved in the creative aspect of the business, Gandy understands the importance of focusing on growth and investment to take the brand to the next level.
Gandy’s success as a model and fashion entrepreneur has not come without its challenges, including managing a hectic schedule that now includes two young children and a menagerie of pets. He candidly admits that he owes much of his success to the amazing team that surrounds him. Gandy also recognizes the importance of separating his business and personal life. He keeps his family life private, refraining from sharing images and videos of his family on social media. He draws inspiration from those like Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz, who have mastered the art of keeping their personal lives private, making them all the more fascinating when they do appear in films or campaigns.
Gandy’s guiding principles of loyalty, authenticity, and trust in one’s instincts are valuable lessons for anyone seeking to succeed in life. He believes in the importance of saying no to opportunities that don’t align with his vision and focusing on long-term relationships and campaigns. This approach has helped him to build a strong team and cultivate a sense of positivity and honesty throughout his brand.
David Gandy’s journey is a testament to the importance of hard work, determination, and the value of staying true to oneself. As he continues to evolve and expand his creative horizons, we can only expect greater things from this multi-talented force.
photography. Jvdas Berra
fashion. Sebastian Magunacelaya
model. David Gandy
hair. Michail Tsanidis
make up. Olivia Cochrane
production. AALTO PRODUCTION
photography assistant. Mark Shields
fashion assistant. Nancy Ngobese
location. London, UK
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