FEATURES: Style and Substance: Akmal Shaukat in Conversation with David Gandy

Words - Akmal Shaukat

Photography - Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca

Design Director - Claire Staines

Managing Director - Charlie Tee at Canvas London

Styling - Richard Pierce

Hair - Rob Scott Ade

Grooming - Richard Singer Clark

1st Photo Assistant - Jed Ivan

Shot on location at The Peninsula London

The Rakish Gent sits down with fashion icon David Gandy to uncover the philosophy behind his latest Hackett London collaboration. Hosted by Creative Director Akmal Shaukat, the conversation between the two gents explores how Gandy’s wellness-focused Wellwear seamlessly blends with Hackett’s British elegance. This collection isn’t just about style—it’s crafted for comfort, self-care, and timeless appeal for today’s modern man.

With Wellwear's philosophy so rooted in well-being, how does it feel to incorporate this into the quintessential British style Hackett embodies?

 It’s exciting to combine Wellwear’s progressive approach to menswear with Hackett’s traditional, classic take. The collaboration is an example of the opportunity in British menswear right now; both brands’ commitment to craftsmanship and quality is second to none but we approach it from different perspectives which is what makes the collection so unique. Well-being has always been a big part of my life, long before it captured the zeitgeist of recent years, so I’m delighted that we can introduce it into Hackett customer’s wardrobes through our innovative Wellwear Care technical fabric treatment which improves the wearer’s physical well-being through the moisturising and anti-inflammatory skin-caring properties of Aloe Vera extract, transforming conventional designs into innovative new garments that care for your skin while you wear them.

David Gandy wears the Oxford Pyjama Shirt and Pant, from the Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear collection. Shot by Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca 

The Cashmere-Wool Lounge Set is a beautiful choice for the season—luxurious yet understated. What inspired its creation, and how do you envision the discerning man wearing it in his downtime?

 I have wanted to offer Wellwear customers knitwear for a while as I know a lot of men look for it when navigating modern lifestyles and dress codes. The second Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear collection gave us the perfect moment to explore it so we combined my experience and taste with Hackett’s existing expertise to come up with the beautiful honeycomb textured Knitted Lounge Set. This isn’t just a design for downtime; it can be styled as a set for relaxing at home but also worn as a top under a jacket and styled with jeans for a more utilitarian look when out and about. 

 For you, David, what does ‘British craftsmanship’ mean today, especially as we see tradition evolve with modern fabric innovations?

 For me craftsmanship has always been about two things; timelessness and quality. People always associate the phrase ‘British craftsmanship’ with more niche specialisms such as Savile Row tailoring or high-end luggage, but nowadays it can be found in a simple white t-shirt and that is exactly what we have done with the Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear collaboration. We’ve taken a timeless classic and adapted it to fit the needs of the discerning modern man through exceptional quality, fit, fabric and technical innovation. To me, this is what British craftsmanship means today. 

David Gandy wears the Ultimate Pyjama Shirt and Pant, from the Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear collection. Shot by Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca 

With pieces like the Oxford Pyjamas and the new funnel neck design, this collection strikes a balance between function and elegance. What advice would you give to men aiming to achieve that blend in their own style? Navigating the line between comfort and looking sharp seems essential to your designs—how did you bring these elements together in pieces like the lounge sets and sleepwear?

 I think this is the way I have always dressed myself and it has naturally filtered down into both Wellwear, and the new collaboration collection. I have never followed trends or been led by others in terms of style; I like timeless, classic designs that can be subtly reimagined for modern day living. The Ultimate Pyjama Sets from the Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear collection are the perfect example of this. The traditional button up design is commonly found in a woven cotton fabric, but we have made them in Wellwear’s signature modal jersey fabric for next level comfort. It ensures the wearer still feels smart while offering what I truly believe is the most comfortable design on the market, and has the added benefits of the Wellwear Care treatment too. This is why we are the best at what we do – we have a minimalist, timeless aesthetic but cater for what modern men want and need today. 

David Gandy wears the Waffle Robe and Oxford Pyjama Shirt, from the Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear collection. Shot by Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca 

Your journey from supermodel to fashion entrepreneur has been incredible. How has your own style philosophy shifted since launching Wellwear, especially with well-being as a central theme?

 I don’t think it has shifted; I have always been completely comfortable in knowing what I like and what suits me and having the confidence in wearing something that others deem 'not on trend', even before I launched Wellwear. If anything, I find that my lifestyle influences the brand and collections. For example, as a hands-on father of two young daughters I know that I want and need a more utilitarian style and design. Clothes that are practical as well as stylish. Styles that can be smart and stylish for the office one minute, but also comfortable and high quality for the school run and playing with my children. I’ve always advocated style with function. With Wellwear I wanted to bring my life into clothing further with my passion for well-being. Working with the brilliant Wellwear team, together we have managed to achieve this through sourcing the softest, most comfortable, most responsible fibres and applying our ever-evolving technical treatments; Wellwear Breathe, Wellwear Care, Wellwear Restore and Wellwear Protect. We’re delighted to bring the Wellwear Care element to Hackett London customers.

How do you hope this collection makes men feel—not just in terms of style but in their sense of self and confidence?

 From day 1 my aim with Wellwear was to not just make men look good, but make them feel good too – both mentally and physically. This philosophy applies to the Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear collection too. The sleep and loungewear offers the very best fabrics, fits and comfort and we want men to feel good wearing them, even if they are relaxing at home alone. It’s about confidence for themself and feeling completely comfortable in their own skin.  

 British style often merges understated elegance with functionality. What do you think it is about British menswear that appeals so universally, and how does this collection capture that essence?

 I love that there is almost a sense of occasion around getting dressed in Britain. This was very evident years ago and might not be so apparent today, but I definitely think it still exists. Within the Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear collection we’ve created designs such as the Ultimate Pyjama Set and the Oxford Pyjama Set for this exact reason; it’s about elevating the everyday and I really believe that the Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear is second to none in achieving that. 

You’ve been a prominent figure in fashion for over two decades. How does it feel to now be shaping a brand that influences not just men’s style but their comfort, self-care, and lifestyle?

 Launching Wellwear was one of the last big things I wanted to achieve in the industry; it was part of my plan for almost a decade before the vision became a reality. My wealth of experience in fashion led me to believe that clothing shouldn’t just be about looking good, it should be about feeling good too, so it was a natural evolution that I’d want to combine the two things. If you wear an outfit that you don’t feel comfortable in it directly impacts the way you behave so creating Wellwear was about ensuring we create the most comfortable everyday wardrobe on the market for men.  

David Gandy wears the Ultimate Pyjama Shirt and Pant, and the Waffle Robe, from the Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear collection. Shot by Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca 

Do you see ‘well-being’ as a new frontier for menswear, and what other aspects of self-care would you like to explore or incorporate in future collections?

 At Wellwear we are constantly trying to discover new fabrics or discovering solutions to the sustainable issue like our 'biodegradable enhanced swimming shorts'. Well-being isn’t just the focus for our customers. We see the well-being aspect as much about this as it is being responsible about where our clothes are produced, the people who make them and the environment they are made in. 

 Finally, for men looking to build a wardrobe that speaks to both classic style and personal well-being, what would you say are the essential pieces every man should invest in?

·       A great set of t-shirts; they’re the foundation of every man’s wardrobe 

·       A pair of well-fitting jeans, it’s worth the investment 

·       A relaxed chino (try Wellwear’s new Easy Chino which looks like a chino but feels like a jogger) 

·       A smart casual jumper such as a zip funnel neck sweater / sweatshirt 

·       A good piece of outerwear; think chore jacket, bomber or overcoat depending on your lifestyle

·       A luxury loungewear set for the moments at home between walking in through the door and going to bed

·       Great quality sleepwear 

David Gandy wears the Waffle Robe and Oxford Pyjama Shirt and Pant, from the Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear collection. Shot by Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca 

Who were some of your personal style icons growing up, and how have they influenced your approach to design and fashion?

 I have always admired the style of men such as Steve McQueen or Paul Newman. There was an ease to the way they dressed. It looked like not much thought had gone into it – they were effortlessly chic. 

 In your opinion, who are the best-dressed public figures today, and what sets their style apart?

 I believe what appeals to me is when I see individuality and a natural eye for style. I can really tell someone who has been styled by a whole team compared to someone who is naturally effortlessness. Ryan Gosling and Austin Butler both have an old Hollywood coolness and look good in everything, but also both have unique styles. For traditional tailoring and styling I’ve always said HRH King Charles cannot be beaten and is impeccably dressed for every occasion. 

David Gandy wears the Luxury Lounge Zip Funnel Neck, from the Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear collection. Shot by Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca 

Do you ever have days when you dress down, or is looking sharp simply second nature for you?

 A lot of people have a common misconception that I spend my life wearing three-piece suits. But in reality I am a Dad to two young daughters, I walk my dog for 4 miles every morning, I travel for work a lot and am required in meetings almost daily for the many businesses and charities I run, invest in or support. None of these occasions require me to dress sharply so in that respect I would say that my day-to-day is the opposite; I favour comfortable, functional clothing but I will always ensure it is great quality and the outfit is well pulled together. And of course, I do still enjoy any occasion to wear a suit – they just don’t come around as frequently as they used to nowadays.  

Explore further at David Gandy Wellwear.