There are few things that David Gandy doesn’t know about travel. The fashion model’s career has taken him from London and Rome to the Sahara Desert and back again, and over the years, he has learned a trick or two about how to travel efficiently. We caught up with David between shoots to chat about his favourite destinations, top packing tips and what he loved most about shooting his latest Dolce & Gabbana scent on the Italian island of Capri.
You travel a lot for work – what is your go-to plane outfit?
“I never travel without my go-to Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses and one of their lightweight blazers. I have always loved looking at archive imagery from the 1950s and seeing how people used to dress up for travel; it was a proper occasion and something I wish everyone still did nowadays. Once on the plane, I’ll change from my jacket and trousers into a David Gandy Wellwear Luxury Lounge Set. The material is made using the most sustainable natural fibres and, with this lounge set, the fabric is imbued with the moisturising and anti-inflammatory skin-caring properties of Aloe Vera extract, which is really important to make sure you look and feel good after a long flight.”
What is the one thing you always pack when travelling?
“A book. I’ve spent a huge part of my life travelling, so I am very familiar with sitting in airports for hours on end and not finding particularly inspiring book selections. I love history, so my book of choice will most likely be something within that genre and always non-fiction.”
What is your travel skincare routine?
“If I’m flying short-haul, then I’ll make sure I’ve moisturised well before I leave for the airport – I am a very efficient packer, and I like to travel with as little as possible if it is a short trip. Even one extra skincare product can weigh me down! But if it’s long-haul, then I know it’s important to combat the effects of air conditioning on planes, so I’ll moisturise during take-off. An hour before landing I’ll use 111 Skin’s Celestial Black Diamond Eye Masks, which are miraculous at de-puffing and waking up tired eyes.”
What’s your bucket list holiday destination?
“I would love to visit New Zealand; it’s a place I still haven’t been to. I can’t wait until my daughters are older so we can go on safari and travel all over Africa. Even though I’ve been on these trips, it will be incredible to experience it through their eyes.”
What is the one clothing item you always take on holiday?
“A pair of swim shorts. It sounds obvious, but nowadays, the opportunity to go swimming can present itself as often on a British staycation in winter as it can on a summer beach holiday in Europe. You never want to be the person borrowing an ill-fitting pair from someone else – that can lead to all manner of embarrassing situations!”
You’ve just touched down on your dream holiday destination – what drink are you ordering?
“My drink of choice is usually a gin and tonic, but on holiday, I’m not sure anything can beat a perfectly mixed Negroni.”
What’s the one thing you always forget to pack?
“I have to say that I rarely forget anything. Travelling so much for 25 years, I’m usually very efficient and travel very lightly.”
- Wellness & SpasIs after-dark wellness the new trend to boost your sex life?
- Places to StayThe best new hotels in Europe: 2024 Hot List
Where is the most beautiful location you’ve ever done a shoot?
“I’ve been fortunate to shoot in some pretty amazing locations throughout my career, but one that has always stuck in my memory was shooting in the Sahara Desert. Africa is the place I choose to go on holiday as I love adventure; I’m at my happiest when I’m in nature or exploring remote parts of the world. It’s hard to explain the beauty of the desert, which is mainly just sand, but it feels like total escapism. It’s hot during the day and freezing at night, but the changing light and the colours on the sand and shadows are incredible.”
Tell us about your new scent. How does wearing the scent affect you?
“The thing I love most about a scent is how emotive it is. For me, Light Blue is the ultimate transportive fragrance; the moment I put it on, I feel like I am sitting in the sun by the sea in Italy, with a plate of spaghetti with clams and a glass of chilled Gavi. Whether I wear it throughout the day or spritz it when I’m heading to an event in the evening, it never fails to lift my spirits. It gives me a warm sense of nostalgia for when I smelled the original fragrance when shooting the campaign for the first time over 15 years ago, which, for me, is the mark of a true fragrance. It has to move you beyond the immediate smell.”
What did you think about the location of the fragrance shoot?
“Capri is one of my favourite places in the world. Whenever I go there, it is like coming home – not only because I get to spend time with my Dolce & Gabbana family, but because of the scenery, the cuisine, the people – I don’t think it’s a place I could ever tire of. This time, I took my family with me, which made it all the more special; I love that Dolce & Gabbana understand the importance of family. Taking my two young daughters to the place that changed my life with the first Light Blue campaign was a full circle moment.”
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Summer Vibes Pour Homme Eau de Toilette (75ml) is available to buy at Harrods; harrods.com