You’ve seen the image. A sun-drenched boat in Capri, white swim briefs, and a man who looks like he was carved out of Mediterranean marble. That specific aesthetic—the male model for Dolce and Gabbana—has basically defined luxury masculinity for the last two decades. But if you think it’s just about having a six-pack and an Italian last name, you’re missing the actual strategy behind the brand.
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana don't just hire models. They cast archetypes. Whether it’s the rugged "Light Blue" vibe or the sharp, "Sicilia-fit" tailoring of the 2025/26 collections, the D&G man is a very specific blend of old-school machismo and modern sensitivity. Honestly, it’s a vibe that’s hard to replicate, and it's changed more than you might realize.
The David Gandy Effect: Where It All Changed
Before 2006, the industry was obsessed with the "waif" look. Lean, skinny, almost boyish. Then came David Gandy.
When he hopped into that white dinghy for the first Light Blue campaign, he wasn't what agencies were looking for. He was muscular. He had a jawline that could cut glass. He looked like a man, not a teenager. It’s kinda wild to think that one campaign essentially pivoted the entire trajectory of male modeling.
Gandy has been working with the brand for nearly 20 years now. That kind of longevity is unheard of. In a recent interview, he mentioned how he started as just another guy at the Milan show before getting "the call." Now, he’s basically the human embodiment of the brand's DNA. It’s not just about being pretty; it’s about a certain presence that feels timeless.
What the 2025 and 2026 Seasons Tell Us
Fast forward to right now. The Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan just wrapped, and the aesthetic is evolving again. We’re seeing a shift toward what the brand calls "Paparazzi" style. It’s less about the posed, rigid studio shots and more about "effortless charm."
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Think oversized cuts, pleated trousers, and heavy flannels. The modern male model for Dolce and Gabbana isn't always the classic Mediterranean brooding type. Look at the front row and the runway lately:
- Theo James: The White Lotus star is the new face of Light Blue, bringing a more "refined charm" compared to Gandy’s raw athleticism.
- Evan Mock: Pastel-pink hair, skater energy, but still rocking a double-breasted suit.
- Jung Hae-in: Representing the massive influence of K-culture, showing that the "Sicilian" look is more of a mindset than a geography.
- Lucien Laviscount: Bringing a relaxed, "summer in the Med" vibe with raffia loafers and cream T-shirts.
This mix tells us that the brand is moving toward "inclusive masculinity." They still want the height—usually 186cm to 190cm for the runway—but the personality is becoming the priority.
The Reality of Getting Cast
If you’re wondering what it actually takes to be a male model for Dolce and Gabbana, it’s not just a lucky Instagram tag. Domenico Giandinoto, a longtime casting director for the brand, looks for a specific "Sicilian spirit."
You don't have to be Italian. You just have to look like you belong in a small village in the hills of Sicily or on a private yacht in Taormina. It’s a paradox: you need to look expensive but also like you’ve worked a day in your life.
The requirements are still pretty strict for the runway:
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- Height: 6’1” to 6’3” is the sweet spot.
- The "Book": Your portfolio shouldn't be filled with generic selfies. They want to see "Polaroids"—completely natural shots without makeup or styling.
- The Walk: It’s not the robotic "zombie" walk you see at some avant-garde shows. The D&G walk is a strut. It’s confident. It’s almost a little cocky.
It’s Not Just About the Clothes
There’s this misconception that these guys just show up, put on a suit, and leave. Honestly, the lifestyle is part of the job. David Gandy once joked about having a "cologne applier" on set, but the reality is way more grueling.
He described one shoot where he was basically chucked into a swimming pool for a whole day, turned upside down repeatedly, just to get the right underwater shot. It's physical labor disguised as glamour.
The models who last are the ones who treat their bodies like a business. We’re talking no processed foods, a dedicated skincare routine (serum, moisturizer, sunscreen—keep it simple), and staying "fit for small talk." If you can’t charm the designers backstage, you probably won't get booked for the next season.
How to Lean Into the D&G Look
You don't need a contract to pull off this aesthetic. The "Sicilian" style is basically a masterclass in proportions.
Start with a white tank top—an iconic D&G staple. Pair it with high-waisted, pleated trousers. The trick is the contrast. You want something rugged (the tank) mixed with something sophisticated (the tailoring).
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If you’re looking at the Fall/Winter 2025 trends, look for "lived-in" leather and denim. The brand is obsessed with things that look like they have a story. Brooches are also making a huge comeback. Not the dainty kind, but heavy, antique-gold pieces inspired by the 1940s. Stick one on a blazer lapel, and you’re halfway there.
Moving Beyond the Runway
What’s interesting about the 2026 landscape is how these models are transitioning into "brand ambassadors." It’s no longer enough to be a face.
Take Mariano di Vaio, the face of K by Dolce & Gabbana. He started as a dishwasher in London, became a blogger, and eventually the face of a global fragrance. He’s successful because he shares his "sincere" life with his followers. People don't just want a model; they want a story they can relate to.
So, the "Ultimate D&G Man" for the mid-2020s? He’s someone who can wear a sheer silk polo shirt one minute and a utility cargo pant the next. He’s global, he’s confident, and he’s probably wearing a very specific, perfectly applied amount of Light Blue.
To actually move toward this level of professional modeling, you need to stop focusing on "perfect" photos and start focusing on your "digitals." High-fashion agencies in Milan, like Success Models or Brave, want to see the real you—unfiltered and raw. Build a portfolio that shows you can handle the "effortless charm" of a Mediterranean summer, and keep your skincare routine consistent. The industry is moving fast, but the classic, masculine silhouette isn't going anywhere.