Last night, a short and steamy fashion film starring British male model David Gandy screened in New York. Presented by British luxury footwear label Bionda Castana and suggestively titled David Gandy’s Goodnight, the video is nearly four minutes of heaven in which we see the muscular, rugged model on the prowl for women (or their shoes?) and dressed to kill in a Dolce & Gabbana tux — or topless, as he makes love to six different women. Scandalous. The Cut spoke to Gandy about his interest in acting, the process of shooting bedroom scenes, and what he first notices in women. (Hint: Little things, like toe cleavages.) Read the interview below, or just ogle at his beauty (and acting skills) in the film above. Hands down, he’s the hottest shoe thief the world has ever seen.
How did you get into character?
I imagined the character very much to be the “Light Blue guy” but how he would be in the evening, styled and sophisticated. I tried to portray a confidence, a self-belief and assertiveness that once he’d seen the shoes [it] would help him get the girl with just a walk and a look. At the same time I wanted to leave the knowing part for the end so that the character changes a little bit with the story.
In the video, you clearly have a love for shoes. In real life, do you tend to notice shoes on a woman? What do you notice first about a woman?
The first thing I notice about a woman is her eyes and her hair. I think you can look into someone’s eyes and tell so much. Of course, I always notice women’s shoes. I think all men subconsciously do. It is so important. Women can become instantly confident and dominant by adding height, and the designers behind Bionda Castana have taught me a huge amount about a woman’s emotional relationship and connection with her shoes. It’s amazing! Sophia Neophitou taught me about toe cleavages, too — I suppose that also suggests why they are appealing to a man.
You’re romancing multiple women in this shoot — was there a scene in particular that was most difficult to shoot?
Obviously the bedroom scenes were. I was only on set for eight hours, so I didn’t have a chance to get to know the girls. The actual bedroom scenes were not difficult, as we both know that we needed to convey a passionate scene. The harder scenes were before that when we had to project an eagerness, a lightheartedness, and to switch this on and get it right in a very short space of time — within minutes of meeting each other. There really wasn’t time for mistakes.
Are you wearing your own clothes in this film? How have you cultivated your own personal style?
I’m wearing one of my favourite Dolce & Gabbana tuxedos. I think my own style has come from studying what has inspired me from what I consider the true style icons — Paul Newman, Cary Grant, James Dean. That said, I’ve worked with great creatives such as Dolce & Gabbana and have learned what works and what doesn’t. You also learn not to be afraid of being an individual and to wear what suits you. My style is based around a lot of very traditional sartorial and British tailoring. When I’m not in suits, I’m still in knits made from British wools or tailored trousers from British tweeds or linens. I’ve also learned the importance of accessories. I have a large watch collection now and will match the color watch straps to my shoes or ties or pocket squares. Little things like that, I believe, make a difference, and that’s where I try to differentiate myself from others.
Are you thinking of heading more into film in the future?
Yes, I do enjoy acting. It does still scare me and is alien to me in many ways, as I’ve never been a confident, center-of-attention person. However, the thought of playing different roles and characters and training and preparing for that aspect is something that excites me.
The prospect of more Gandy excites the rest of us, too.
