If you’re scouted by a top Modelling agency, you can break into Male modelling and have an amazing career! If you’re looking inspiration, keep reading as LUXE Models tells you the tale of David Gandy. Often called the ultimate male modelling success story, he was discovered on daytime TV!

Life-changing moment

Essex-born David never planned to become a male model. The son of working class parents, he grew up wanting to be a vetinary surgeon but didn’t have the grades. He studied marketing at the University of Gloucestershire and was set for a career in the then-emerging media industry.

The course of David Gandy’s life changed forever in 2001. According to the Guardian, David’s flatmate entered him into a model-search competition hosted by daytime TV’s Richard and Judy, without his knowledge. Apparently David’s flatmate is a great modelling scout, as he won the competition and was signed to Select Model Management in London, one of the best agencies in the business.

Break out star

After winning this competition on 27^th June 2001, David worked hard to establish himself as a male model. David soon caught the attention of major fashion labels and in his early years, modelled for the likes of H&M, Carolina Herrera, Hugo Boss and Zara. But it was iconic Italian fashion duo Dolce & Gabbana who were responsible for turning David Gandy into a household name.

Back in 2006, most male models were slim and androgynous. But Dolce & Gabbana decided to buck this trend by choosing to work with the muscular, six-foot, three-inch tall David Gandy. David has since worked on various Dolce & Gabbana campaigns and is perhaps best known as the face of their ‘Light Blue’ fragrance, which is one of the top selling male scents in the world.

Global phenomenon

By championing David, Dolce & Gabbana sparked a male modelling revolution. Iconic fashion photographer Mario Testino, who has shot David numerous times, was once quoted by Vogue Magazine saying: “[Gandy] signifies a real shift in men’s fashion. The male model world is changing.” His career has since shot into the stratosphere, allowing David to become a global phenomenon.

David made male modelling history twice in 2010. That year he became the only male model ever to be featured on BBC 1’s Friday Night With Jonathon Ross and the first and only male in the modelling industry to be nominated for the British Fashion Council’s Model of the Year Award. But David Gandy is far from a one trick pony. He now writes for publications such as The Telegraph and British Vogue, has launched a fitness app and a men’s style app and has appeared in music videos.

Look at David Gandy

So if you want a male modelling success story that shows you how to make it in this fast-paced industry, look at David Gandy. He never planned to become a male model, but with his distinct look he ended up changing the course of the industry forever, ushering in a new age. All you need is one top male modelling agency to give you that foot in the door!