It is usually commonplace to mention David Gandy at this time of year for the primary reason of London Fashion Week. While David’s name will always be synonymous with fashion weeks, this September the astute model, businessman, husband and father will be notably mentioned for his new venture, David Gandy Wellwear – his very own clothing line due for launch in October 2021.
Wellwear will focus on the athleisure – a sector of the that is certainly on the up as market forecasters expect growth to reach £6.7billion in the UK over the next five years (Savills Retail Research). The collection features hoodies, shorts, t-shirts, jogging bottoms, sleepwear, loungewear and other pieces that live and breathe the comfortable and functional persona of everyday wearability. The colour palette is a mixture of monochrome, navy, grey and khaki.
Gandy is no stranger to athleisure given his collections with Marks & Spencer over the years. The collection is also environmentally friendly – manufactured in Portugal with fabrics including Pima cotton, lyocell and modal. Treated fabrics are moisture-wicking to help to regulate body temperature and also feature anti-odor and antibacterial properties. These features, according to Gandy, don’t require washing after each wear thus highlighting the sustainability dues of his new collection. If that wasn’t enough, some of the items in the collection are also infused with aloe vera extract – known for its wound healing, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
Speaking about the new collection, Gandy commented “Most people probably associate me with tailoring but being a naturally shy person, I often wear it like a suit of armor when I know I’m going to be in the public eye or at high profile events. I’m at my happiest and most comfortable in the everyday; becoming a dad and raising my little girl, walking for miles with my dog, traveling for work or spending time with friends and family”.
Making the link to wellbeing, Gandy has also decided to work with two charities – Style for Soldiers, the organization created in response to injuries to members of the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably – the confidential and anonymous helpline to people struggling or in crisis.
The October live launch will debut with 20 pieces and a plan to add more styles and colours as the months progress. Prices will range from £28 for t-shirts up to £80 for items like the sweat bomber.
