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David GandyModel
Date of Birth: 19.02.1980
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- David Gandy: From Humble Beginnings to Male Model Icon
- Modeling Career
- Global Recognition
- Relationship History
- Modeling Skills
- Dolce & Gabbana Campaigns
- Fashion Collaborations and Recognition
- Continued Dolce & Gabbana Partnership
- Other Ventures
- Journalism and Business
- Racing and Awards
- Philanthropic Activities
David Gandy: From Humble Beginnings to Male Model Icon
Birth and Early LifeBorn February 19, 1980, in Billericay, Essex, England, David Gandy grew up in a working-class family. Despite initially aspiring to become a veterinarian, his academic performance fell short of the necessary standards.
Modeling Career
After winning a television modeling contest, Gandy embarked on a successful modeling career. He rose to prominence as the leading male model for Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana, starring in campaigns, editorials, and commercials for several years. In an industry often dominated by lanky figures, his muscular physique challenged some designers to shift towards more masculine standards.
Global Recognition
As Gandy's popularity and recognition grew, he graced magazine covers, participated in countless photoshoots, gave interviews, and received industry awards. He launched a blog for British Vogue, created a mobile phone app, and engaged in various philanthropic endeavors.
Relationship History
Gandy has had several publicized relationships. He was engaged to British model Chloe Pridham in 2008, but they parted ways in 2010. Subsequent romances include journalist Laura Whitmore, singer Molly King, and actress Samantha Barks. Since 2014, he has been in a relationship with criminal and family lawyer Stephanie Mendoros, with whom he has a daughter, Matilda, born in 2018.
Modeling Skills
In his early career, Gandy modeled for various brands including Shiatzy Chen, 7 for all Mankind, Zara, Gant U.S.A., Hugo Boss, Russell & Bromley, H&M, Carolina Herrera, and Massimo Dutti. In 2006, he became the face of Dolce & Gabbana. For years, he played leading roles in their campaigns and runway shows, working alongside supermodels such as Gemma Ward, Scarlett Johansson, and Naomi Campbell, and male models like Noah Mills, Tony Ward, and Adam Senn.
Dolce & Gabbana Campaigns
Gandy became the most talked-about male model in 2007 thanks to Dolce & Gabbana's "Light Blue" fragrance campaign, in which he starred alongside Marija Vujovic. The advertisement garnered 11 million online views and a 50-foot billboard in Times Square. He went on to model for his own calendar in 2008, photographed by Mariano Vivanco. In 2010, Gandy modeled for a second "Light Blue" fragrance alongside Anna Jagodzinska, and appeared in a short film titled "Away We Stay" for W Hotels with Helena Christensen.
Fashion Collaborations and Recognition
In 2011, Dolce & Gabbana published a 280-page book, "David Gandy by Dolce & Gabbana," featuring photographs from their long-standing collaboration. That same year, Gandy graced four magazine covers and participated in five fashion photoshoots. In 2012, he appeared on sixteen magazine covers and walked in eighteen fashion shows, modeling for brands including Banana Republic, Lucky Brand Jeans, El Palacio de Hierro, and Marks & Spencer. He also became an ambassador for Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
Continued Dolce & Gabbana Partnership
In 2013, Dolce & Gabbana released a third version of their "Light Blue" fragrance featuring Gandy. Once again shot by Mario Testino on the island of Capri, the advertisement featured Italian model Bianca Balti. British footwear brand Bionda Castana released a short film starring Gandy titled "David Gandy's Goodnight," in which he seduces several women who later discover he has stolen their shoes.
Other Ventures
In May 2010, Gandy spoke at the University of Oxford Union as part of a panel that included photographer Tony McGee, Victoria & Albert Museum senior curator Claire Wilcox, fashion consultant Frances Card, and British Vogue editor Dolly Jones. He launched a mobile phone app titled "David Gandy Men's Style Guide," featuring style and grooming advice for men. The app eventually ranked in the top three in the retail market.
Journalism and Business
Since February 2011, Gandy has written a blog for British Vogue, sharing his insights on his career, fashion and style, cars, antiques, and life in London. He has also served as the official Automotive columnist for British GQ. In October 2011, London's Evening Standard newspaper invited Gandy to guest-edit their men's issue. His physique inspired the fitness industry to feature Gandy in interviews, exercise videos, and his own fitness app, which was released in December 2012.
Racing and Awards
After obtaining his racing license in 2012, Gandy was invited to compete as a driver in the 2013 Mille Miglia ("1000 Miles") race in Italy. The annual three-day event covers nearly 200 Italian towns from Brescia to Rome and back, recreating the original races that took place in Italy between 1927 and 1957. He and his co-driver, Yasmin Le Bon, drove a 1950 Jaguar XK120 as part of "Team Jaguar." Early in the race, Gandy and Le Bon's car was hit by another competitor, causing them to fly off the road into a ditch, damaging the wing and side of the classic vehicle. They re-joined the race, eventually finishing 158th out of 415 cars.
Philanthropic Activities
Gandy has participated in several charitable events and initiatives. He walked in the "Fashion for Relief" fashion show in February 2010, an event organized by Naomi Campbell to raise funds for victims of the Haiti earthquake. In April 2011, Gandy ran the London Marathon as part of "Oxglam," a team that also included model Agyness Deyn and fashion designer Henry Holland, to raise funds for Oxfam. In May 2011, he modeled a T-shirt designed by fashion designer Katherine Hamnett, with proceeds benefiting the Environmental Justice Foundation's "Save the Sea" fund.
