We met with the British model to talk about his latest campaign for Dolce & Gabbana, his modeling career, his body and his future expectations.
Considered one of the most handsome men in the world, David Gandy visits Madrid to present his latest campaign of Dolce & Gabbana's famous fragrance, Light Blue.
Accustomed to androgynous body types, not muscular ones, David has managed to not only carve a niche into the industry, but has also changed the trend on the catwalk. He also writes articles on fashion, loves to decorate and is a good businessman. His advice on how to be the perfect gentleman: " Always think of others."
The latest Dolce & Gabbana campaign is spectacular...
The truth is the finished product has been very good; the idea was a hit and it was a really experience. Yes, for great outdoor results you have to into account the factors and for us the weather was a bit of a problem. The weather became a bit complicated a few times but everything turned out well.
What does Dolce & Gabbana mean to you?
For starters, I would not be here if it weren't for D&G and their Light Blue fragrance. I can't explain it but it means the world to me. We have been working together for seven years straight, and I've known Domenico and Stefano since 2002, we understand each other very well. They are a myth and I'm delighted to be part of this project.
What do you like more the catwalk or posing?
I can't decide, they are two similar things yet very different. The catwalk is very quick and fleeting while on a photo shoot there are more opportunities to embody a role or a character. Your smiles, your gestures....it varies from one photo to another so maybe yes, I'll stay with the campaigns.
Are there any campaigns that have been particularly difficult for you?
The truth is,no. As models we are accustomed to having our picture taken, even though a session can be very long and exhausting. For example, on the D&G ones we sometimes start at 4pm and finish at 8am the next day. The whole team requires a lot, you have to work hard to get the best results.
Later he tells us that he was once on a single shoot for 16 hours, there are those who don't believe him.
You take really good care of your body, what is your exercise routine?
Above all I watch what I eat. I always try and eat fresh and organic foods and not eat fast food. In regard to my physique, you have to work hard, the more you spend time in the gym the better the results. There is no other method than that of consistency and tenacity.
How long ago did you start taking care of your physique?
I was always aware that I had to care of myself, my parents instilled it on me. As I got older and because of professional commitments as a model I couldn't play sports as much as I did as when I was younger; it was in that moment that I took nutrition and exercise more seriously. This would be about ten years ago more or less.
Did you like that changes that came with being a model?
This industry is very chaotic. It changes your life either way, you're constantly traveling, you meet new people every day, you have an agent...I fly more than ninety times a year, every year it's different and every season is different. Me, personally, I don't like routines, so that's why I like my job so much. If I'm doing the dame thing for a few days I go go crazy, some people prefer routines and what it entails, in my case what I love is that I'm in Madrid right now, next week perhaps I'm in New York or maybe London...
What is the worst part?
It how depends on how one sees things. I feel very lucky and I don't see anything negative about it. Yes, it's true that walking down the street people may recognize you but that's all. But thanks to this I've been able to create my own mobil apps, meet amazing people and help people through my foundation. This would not be possible if it weren't for my job.
It been said that thanks to you the there was a change to what was the stereotypical male body, what sets you apart from other models?
First I will tell you that it was not me alone. It was the industry in a whole. Adding to it was Domenico and Stefano, the Light Blue perfume, the incredible photos of Mario Testino...there were many factors. We were all committed to changing the stereotype of the male model and today there is a trend in fashion that balances the skinny men with others of a different body type.
I suppose you have many followers, Can you tell us a funny story or something funny that has happened to you?
The truth is that I have many funny stories. But something that impressed and flattered me was a woman, who is a fan of my work, last year she tattooed my signature on her arm!! Incredible but true!
Finally, where do you see yourself in ten years?
I am unable to answer that. I don't even know where I'll be in six months. We all have a plan, of course, but nothing is certain and that's the beauty of it. Perhaps I'll change my profession, maybe I'll have a family...it is more likely that I will not be in front of the camera, maybe behind it. I really the directing and creativity aspect and I think we have to leave an opening for new models to experience what I have (so that in turn I can experience new things).
Source: Grazia.es