A cultured exploration into the iconic style and gentlemanly decorum of the one-and-only Mr. David Gandy
Words + Graphics ~ By Lyle Eero ~ 15 January 2016
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Chances are that you may already be familiar with the name if not the man himself, seeing as Mr. Gandy's face has become synonymously tied to the modern rebirth of both the contemporary menswear and modelling industries alike.
For the uninitiated, Gandy is renowned as being the worlds first — and arguably only — male super-model. Often credited as being the man who tore down the androgynous modelling parameters that had dominated the industry for decades, he has managed to duly function as a symbol of aspirational style to many a man whilst likewise operating as a practitioner — and visual advocate for the return — of a more sartorially refined approach to gentlemanly wardrobing.
From his superimposed physique adorning billboards worldwide and his recurring featured works within the gilded pages of revered fashion publications to his much lauded anchoring of street style blogs and style guides ad infinitum, Gandy's (bespoke) footprints and extensively cultivated influence — he also serves as an ambassador for venerable menswear brands, charitable foundations and industry leading fashion weeks alike — has undeniably permeated and touched upon every stylized corner of the planet.
As such, his exemplary staying power — in a line of work that typically has quick turnover — is stuff of living legend, his influential industry clout something to be studied and admired, and his storied accent to stardom something to be applauded.
This stylized feature is a dedication to not only celebrating the style but also the man himself.
And yet, there is just something about that style...
From his superimposed physique adorning billboards worldwide and his recurring featured works within the gilded pages of revered fashion publications to his much lauded anchoring of street style blogs and style guides ad infinitum, Gandy's (bespoke) footprints and extensively cultivated influence — he also serves as an ambassador for venerable menswear brands, charitable foundations and industry leading fashion weeks alike — has undeniably permeated and touched upon every stylized corner of the planet.
As such, his exemplary staying power — in a line of work that typically has quick turnover — is stuff of living legend, his influential industry clout something to be studied and admired, and his storied accent to stardom something to be applauded.
This stylized feature is a dedication to not only celebrating the style but also the man himself.
And yet, there is just something about that style...
THE STYLE
| Whether adorned in bespoke (tailored) formalwear or dressed down in basic luxury wardrobe staples, Mr. Gandy has a peculiar ability of making everything he touches turn into sartorial gold. Which, de facto, means that his stylish pedigree is beyond question or reasonable doubt. It's a worldly renowned and respected aesthetic that is simply ironclad in its natural refinement. And yet, if there is anything is to be said that has not been repeated verbatim, it may be that his style is somewhat duplicitous, being utterly democratic yet still charmingly effortless in essence. For you see, he looks faultless in nearly anything and everything he wears, irrespective of brand name, style, or thematic tonality. It's truly a transitive nonchalance that few others can lay claim to possessing. Point being: he simply owns his style — and his confident demeanour is a testament too just such a fact. A perennial staple on annual menswear best-dressed lists, Gandy's style has a venerated consistency and sharpness to it that should be appreciated by all. Moreover, he's ostensibly comfortable in whatever he drapes upon his body whether it be in his definitive (signature) three-piece suit, a fitted t-shirt and slim jeans, or whilst creatively mixing (with stylish aplomb I must add) the best of both worlds — formal and casual. As for a definitively annotated style breakdown of his unique style, well Gandy seemingly ascribes to what can only be considered as being a timelessly chic and classically tailored (albeit playfully formal) gentlemanly leaning wardrobing aesthetic. |
| It's a highly regarded — and equally studied — style template that, by virtue of its classically stapled parameters, transcends not only the fickle nature of seasonal trending but also the trials of time itself. How? By leaning on a basic foundation whose formative pillars cater to the enduring permanence, dependability and built-in quality of proven menswear staple essentials. Considered wears that are not merely exquisitely refined, but also tailored to perfection and constructed with only the finest of sourced materials and artisan craftsmanship in mind. Think along the lines of a capsule wardrobe full of polished three-piece suits, fitted white t-shirts, knit sweaters, heritage jackets (Barbour & Belstaff), slim denim, and luxury leisurewear (to name but a few). Nothing garish or overly ostentatious here, just refined essentialism. Consequently, his personal style, like most all other facets of his life, is a creative manifestation and coalescence of his own peculiar views on life, fashion, and social culture — an artistically charmingly and visual expression of his inner most values and musings. That said, he's a man who knows what works for (and pleases) him and dresses accordingly. And in doing so, he's managed to identify and consequently hone in on his strengths, taking full advantage and account of his unique physique to an extremely stylish effect. Simply put, his style is beyond reproach, having graciously settled upon an elevated sartorial pedestal few others can ever hope to match. All men would do well in taking (stylish) note. |
: CHANNEL YOUR INNER GANDY :
The Signature Look
| SPORT IT WELL: Cut a dashing (Gandy-inspired) figure in a resplendent three-piece grey windowpane checked suit that is highlighted by a low-cut double-breasted vest. Accentuate the refined essence of the (bespoke?) suit with a navy (banker) striped dress shirt, a pair of polished brown double-monks and a set of luxury cotton London Sock Co. (in which Gandy has a partnership) stirred mustard houndstooth socks. The only other requisite: a Gandy-esque aura of confidence and effortless grace. |
THE GENTLEMAN
| It's been said that with David what you see is what you get. He believes, just as his idol Paul Newman did, that speaking what's on ones mind — in not only defending your beliefs when they are attacked, but to also fully disclosing them (sans a PR filter) and serving daily as an advocate who espouses a passionate voice of reason in support of them — is one of the most redeemable and notable features a man can possess. Beyond such forthcomingly admirable personal traits, you can see further principle characteristic traces of Newman in Gandy as well. Everything from his approach to styling and love of motor sports/racing to his boundless charitable disposition and philotranphic nature can also be found in Gandy, a man who — like we who pay heed to his own prominent influence — had an iconic muse of his very own in which to take style and cultured ques from. Honesty, integrity, and above all individualism, these are the impressionable tenets and lifestyle doctrines in which have driven Gandy's creative pursuits, partnerships and ultimately his life and professional successes. His staunch devotion to staying true to himself — and loyal to those who have helped him in the process — has turned an entire industry on its head whilst allowing him to carve out a legacy that he should be proud of. And in doing so he's managed to demonstrate that one can indeed be a man of integrity and success, one who excels while likewise staunchly adhering to the morals and beliefs that make him who he is — essentially demonstrating that practicing what you preach is indeed a principal worth adopting by all. In alluding to and briefly touching upon his illustrious modelling career, the hallmark (thus far) is undoubtably the landing — and since spearheading — of the D&G Light Blue fragrance campaign back in 2006. It made him an overnight celebrity and an industry breaking trailblazer who, as direct consequence of landing the gig, helped redefine the physical parameters of what was previously an androgynous exclusive industry. He single-handily ushered in the more masculine male modelling standard (with the visionary support of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana) that persists to his day. |
| Accomplished model and budding businessman aside, Gandy is often applauded for his frank, no-nonsense demeanour and an outspoken philotranphic nature that is championed by a stern faith devoted to giving back to those in need and less fortunate. And it is in such matters that he admirably leads by example, walking the talk, so to speak; he is not part of the cadre of celebrities who simply signs checks or pose for a few promo/campaign photos but is rather an invested volunteer who donates not only his money but also his own time (and sometimes his home) when the opportunity presents itself. On the whole, Gandy has shifted the lines of many personal style and industry boundaries (and standards) while making both seismic waves and broadening his ever growing professional portfolio within the fashion industry as well as outside of it — be it branded style/fitness mobile apps, written editorial and review features for GQ, Telegraph Man and Vogue, awards and representative ambassador appointments (LC:M), or ongoing creative fashion designer collaboration (Marks & Spencer) — on his way to becoming a gentleman truly fit for the iconic label. By all accounts, he is a man of true substance and relentless style who is not afraid to express his opinions and to stand up for (and defend) what he passionately believes in and wears — which is a charming rarity not often found in today's diplomatic, silver-spoon feed PR friendly celebrity world. That said, taking inspiration from just such an esteemed gentleman -— by channeling your innermost Gandy (or is that dandy) as it were — will never steer you wrong, and not only in regards to matters of style, but also in life itself. |
FINAL WORD
Essex (England) should be proud of its very own, an affable gentleman who has seemingly conquered the professional menswear and modelling worlds while capturing the stylish imaginations of every man from the average joe to the outlandish peacock in the process.
With that said, the superlatives that one could definitively attribute to Gandy are near endless: style icon, dedicated philanthropist, virtuous gentleman, worldly reknowned male super-model and fashion pioneer, racing and adrenaline junky, and seasoned menswear fashion designer (his personally designed Marks and Spencer collection is a hot ticket).
Suffice it to say, Mr. Gandy is most certainly a well-rounded and cultured individual, a man with unshakable personal principles, integrity, and loyalty.
As such, calling Gandy a mere icon of style alone would be somewhat of a disservice to all in which he represents.
In its place?
(Stylized) role model would be a more apt moniker, seeing as his redeemable characteristic qualities outstrip those directly correlated and tied to his personal style or dashing looks alone.
With that said, the superlatives that one could definitively attribute to Gandy are near endless: style icon, dedicated philanthropist, virtuous gentleman, worldly reknowned male super-model and fashion pioneer, racing and adrenaline junky, and seasoned menswear fashion designer (his personally designed Marks and Spencer collection is a hot ticket).
Suffice it to say, Mr. Gandy is most certainly a well-rounded and cultured individual, a man with unshakable personal principles, integrity, and loyalty.
As such, calling Gandy a mere icon of style alone would be somewhat of a disservice to all in which he represents.
In its place?
(Stylized) role model would be a more apt moniker, seeing as his redeemable characteristic qualities outstrip those directly correlated and tied to his personal style or dashing looks alone.
Nevertheless, and at the end of the day, most will inevitably return to opting to solely referencing his dashing aesthetics to best describe him: handsome, masculine, resplendently stylish....all of which are wholly suitable, albeit shortsighted.
But for (diplomatic) closures sake, today we will just stick with timeless style icon (or if you are of the same opinion of yours truly: gentlemanly role model).
Why?
Because Mr. Gandy is simply an authentic modern gent through-and-through. A man who is humbly modest yet confidently unpretentious, a charismatically ambitious and affable individual whose stylish merits have been set in stone (and well documented), his views and opinions well voiced, and his genteel character much applauded.
A true modern gentleman in every sense of the word.
So, cheers to the contemporary rarity that David Gandy so elegantly represents!
But for (diplomatic) closures sake, today we will just stick with timeless style icon (or if you are of the same opinion of yours truly: gentlemanly role model).
Why?
Because Mr. Gandy is simply an authentic modern gent through-and-through. A man who is humbly modest yet confidently unpretentious, a charismatically ambitious and affable individual whose stylish merits have been set in stone (and well documented), his views and opinions well voiced, and his genteel character much applauded.
A true modern gentleman in every sense of the word.
So, cheers to the contemporary rarity that David Gandy so elegantly represents!
THOUGHTS + OPINIONS
Who stands as being an aspirational style icon in your personal book? And, are there any gentleman that you would like a style dossier on?
Comment below to spark a constructive conversation or to chime in with your opinions on said matters…
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