David Gandy, one of fashion's most recognizable faces, has starred in campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Hugo Boss, and many others. He was the first male nominee for Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council. From 2014 to 2019, he designed a bestselling collection for Marks & Spencer, and in 2021, he launched his own brand, David Gandy Wellwear. A committed philanthropist, he supports charities like Save the Children and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, and backed the Lost Boys report on the crisis facing boys and young men in the UK. The David Gandy Wellwear summer collection is now available.
What was the last treat you bought yourself?
A very fancy electric Cobra Fortis lawnmower last summer. I now have three lawnmowers because I am slightly obsessed with my garden, especially the lawn.
Where do you buy your food from?
I mix M&S food with daily shopping at Waitrose, as the staff at my East Sheen store are amazing. Next door is Valentina Deli, which I love because I am obsessed with anything Italian when it comes to food, probably a hangover from many campaigns I shot in Italy over the years.
What’s the best present you’ve given?
You would have to ask the recipients. There is a brilliant artist named Daisy Simpson who has hand-drawn pencil portraits of my children and pets, and my family loves them. I prefer giving thoughtful, personal gifts. I love giving presents but feel awkward receiving them.
… and the best present you’ve received?
A pedal go-kart when I was six years old.
What’s your favourite online store?
I love interiors and am a big fan of Andrew Martin. I spend a lot of time on his website sourcing things for the house. The wallpaper in our daughters’ playroom is his ark animal motif, and we have many of his chairs too.
What’s your favourite bricks-and-mortar shop?
Thom Sweeney on Old Burlington Street in London. It is more than a menswear store; it is a townhouse designed as a place where clients can hang out, play pool, and have coffee, rather than just shop. It gets into the male psyche, which I love about brands—when they become more than the product itself.
What’s the gadget you use most often?
The SmartLife app on my phone, which allows me to control most things in my home while out and about.
What’s the purchase you regret the most?
Probably the Fortis lawnmower. I should have gone for one of Allett’s petrol mowers.
What’s the thing(s) you get delivered?
Since finishing our home renovation in London, my attention has turned to the garden. Flowers, plants, and topsoil are the most frequent deliveries to our front door.
Where do you buy your underwear?
Obviously I wear my own brand’s pants, but I also like Sunspel.
What would you buy with £20 – and £200?
For £20, I would buy my rescue dog Dora some of her favourite fresh lamb chews. With £200, I would treat myself to a plate of spaghetti alle vongole in Italy and use some British Airways air miles to get there.
What’s your ‘saved search’ on eBay/Vinted?
I don’t have an account for either, but on the Collecting Cars app, there is a Jaguar XKR-S that I am following closely.
What item do you buy on repeat?
Nespresso coffee pods.
How do you make your coffee at home?
With a Nespresso coffee maker.
What’s your biggest splurge?
Classic cars. I have bought and restored quite a few, my favourite being my Jaguar XK120, which I have raced in the Mille Miglia several times. My career has enabled me to splurge on this hobby.
And what everyday item do you scrimp on?
Posh bottles of hand soap that I refill with cheaper alternatives.
What’s your greatest vintage find?
When I lived in New York about 20 years ago, I loved vintage stores. One of the best pieces I ever bought was a shearling Burberry aviator jacket—I still have it today.
