In his modelling heyday David Gandy established himself as a household name. Now, he’s turning his hand to design and launching his own label, David Gandy Wellwear. First on his agenda? Leisurewear.
“It’s about style, quality and fit,” Gandy tells Vogue. “People have lost touch with their emotional connection to clothing, so I wanted to bring that back into fashion. We’re designing with everyone in mind – it’s not just about what I’d wear personally, nor is it specifically for men or women.”
Featuring an array of tactile pieces, the collection includes essentials, from T-shirts, sweatshirts and jogging bottoms, to bombers, gilets and a bathrobe reimagined in sweat-resistant jersey. Optimum comfort was the main priority, but it’s the use of innovative fabrications that makes the range truly unique. “We’ve worked with some of the latest affordable tech fabrics – certain pieces are anti-bacterial, anti-odour and regulate temperature, as well as comprising Aloe Vera extracts which are moisturising, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing,” explains Gandy. “It’s about bringing the wearer confidence and comfort. Also, everything is made to last a long time.”
When it comes to the business of retail, this new collection isn’t Gandy’s first rodeo. Since 2014, the model has launched a handful of collaborations with M&S that have spanned underwear, swimwear and loungewear. “It was a great chance to learn about design, marketing and working with factories,” says Gandy of the experience. “M&S has such a focus on quality, which has really stuck with me.”
Was the new collection inspired by the loungewear spike of the pandemic? “Not at all,” says Gandy. “The concept has been in my head for a long time, but I wanted the integrity of learning the business first, instead of just saying I have a fashion brand that came out of nowhere.”
With years under his belt as a top male model, Gandy has learned a thing or two about pulling together a campaign. “Casting was massively important and the people we chose instantly became ambassadors,” says Gandy of his brand’s models. “As I’ve experienced bad castings in the past, I made sure I took the time to get to know everyone, so the process was a lot longer than we had planned it to be, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
What’s next for David Gandy Wellwear? “We’d like to branch out into other areas of clothing, but it’s all still to be confirmed,” muses Gandy. But with his track record of success in fashion, whatever he puts his name to is bound to do exceedingly well.
