David Gandy

David James Gandy was born in Billericay, Essex, England, to Brenda Janet (Rabey) and Christopher A. Gandy, who ran a property and freight company. He is of English, and some Scottish, descent. After winning a television modeling competition at the age of 21, David Gandy was signed to Select Model Management in London. Selected as the lead male by Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana, David starred in numerous D & G campaigns and runway shows between 2006 and 2012. He became best-known as the face of their fragrance, "Light Blue". The duo featured Gandy in two special projects: their 2008 Calendar and "David Gandy by Dolce & Gabbana," a 280-page photographic book dedicated to their six years of collaboration. Once David achieved international name recognition, he diversified into other activities such as regularly writing a blog for British Vogue and car reviews for British GQ. Twice Gandy has represented British style and the men's fashion industry as a speaker at the Oxford Union. In 2012, he was appointed to serve on the British Fashion Council's Committee for London Collections: Men. Spanish Glamour awarded David "Most Beautiful International Male" in 2008. British Fashion Council has nominated him for "Model of the Year" twice: 2010 and 2012. During the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, he was the only male to model British fashion alongside Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and other female models. In 2012 and again in 2013, Gandy was included in the Evening Standard's "1,000 Most Influential People in London." British GQ has repeatedly named him one of the "50 Best Dressed Men in Britain." David's other pursuits include racing in the Mille Miglia, creating two mobile apps (the David Gandy Men's Style Guide and the David Gandy Fitness Guide) and charity work with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home as their first celebrity Ambassador. Gandy also launched his own non-profit foundation, the "Blue Steel Appeal" to raise money for Red Nose Day/Comic Relief.