'Sch�n!' Magazine #16 issue (February 2012)
Mr. GandyOver a decade ago a chance appearance on a morning television competition stripped, a then twenty one year old, David Gandy�s bound anonymity and set him up for a life of jet-setting, trend-making, male-modelling stardom.
The Essex boy was thrown in at the deep end of a modelling whirlpool that was, at the time, characterised by wafer thin androgynes clinging onto the tail feathers of heroin chic, however, after much determination and in the face of adversity he reinstated the desire and demand for the cassically good-looking male model.
His strength of presence, chiseled physique, piercing blue eyes and smouldering demeanour has catapulted his career and gained him international successes. Given the opportunity to ask Mr. Gandy a few questions Sh�n! learnt that he is far more than just a pretty face.
In 2001 you won a modelling competition on ITV�s This Morning. Looking back, what was your reaction when you first entered the industry?
My knowledge of the modelling industry was very limited. I suppose looking back I had the same clich�d views as many people do. Even though there is no much written about fashion, the actual industry is quite guarded in many ways and is almost mysterious to many people. You then realize once in the industry it is very different to how it appears. However when I first entered I certainly saw the possibilities for me. The biggest appeal to me is that one day is never the same as the last. It has such diversity. The people, the travelig, the creatives; it all makes for an exciting, if some what unpredictable, journey.
A coffee table book, published by Dolce & Gabbana, covers your life, success and passions. How did you find the experience? Could you share some extracts for Sch�n! Magazine readers?
When Dolce & Gabbana first introduced the idea of the book I was just honoured. I view the book very differently from other people who see it, as every picture, even if it�s from the same shoot has a different story to tell. In many ways I felt people would think this book was a little �too much� and something I didn�t deserve and I was certainly conscience of this. The only scruple was that we made no money from the book and it went all to charity, which it does.
You are a contributor for style guide for men and Vogue magazine, sharing your tips on style, for this iPhone App you also interview influential people in the fashion world. How would you describe your journey from a model to an influential stylist?
People approached me about many ideas for iPhone apps, all of which I wasn�t willing to be a part of. But there were two ideas I had wanted to pursue for a while, one being the style guide and the other being a fitness nutrition guide (out later this year)
I am not an influential stylist. I would like to think I am a little influential in what I wear and hoy I style myself but I could never come up with the constant new ideas and concepts that the best stylists do. I believe fashion can be very elitist and snobby and many people on the outside who have no involvement in fashion also believe this. This is why hopefully I appeal to those people.
Previously you have starred in a moving short film �Away We Stay� with Helena Christensen. How did you find this experience? Do you see yourself doing more acting in the future?
I was cast for the short 3 days before, so very much chucked in at the deep end, but I adored the experience. I have been offered the chance of other roles but nothing that I believe would have interested me or pushed me. I do not for a minute presume that just because I am model that I can act. However if a part came up that I liked I would drop everything and dedicate myself to it.
You have showed interest in working with charities. What is your role as an Ambassador at Battersea Dogs and Cats Chariry?
As my profile has grown I believe I can prove much more of use to charities. This year I am focusing on 3. I am again working with Oxfam, for which I ran the London marathon last year, this year we are trekking in Nepal to raise money. I am also starting my own charity/foundation under the Comic Relief Charity and as you said I have become the first ever Ambassador for Battersea Cats and Dogs home.
So it would seem that David Gandy has the whole package: a philanthropic dog loving do-gooder, business headed determinist and a stylish app creating hunk. Who said that models are just normal people?Source:
schonmagazine.com
David Gandy covers one of two versions of El Libro Amarillo S/S 2012 of El Palacio de Hierro. The issue will be released next Thrusday but now the mexican brand presents the Behind the Scenes of this photo shooting.
