After two decades of helping build other people’s brands, British model David Gandy has launched his own line of premium loungewear.
David Gandy Wellwear is a world first concept bringing apparel and wellbeing together in a lifestyle brand that fuses fashion, function and feeling. Inspired by the supermodel’s 20 years of industry experience and based on the scientific benefits of wearing soft, comfortable clothing, the 20-piece debut collection offers a definitive range of essentials that puts the emotional wellbeing of its customer at its very heart.
“Clothing can have a big impact on our confidence, so I wanted to create a range that helps people feel relaxed and secure – one that allows people to feel as comfortable as they do in their own skin” says Gandy, who’s already worn more clothes than most people wear in an entire lifetime.
“I sometimes feel that as human beings we have lost our emotional connection with clothing, so I wanted to put the feeling back into fashion. Clothing shouldn’t just make you look good – it should make you feel good too”.
To achieve this David Gandy Wellwear takes a multi-sensory approach to design, evoking a sense of wellbeing through exceptional comfort, style, fit and quality. With studies showing that simply touching smooth fabrics can create a sense of psychological wellbeing and reduce negative emotions, Wellwear’s use of tactile fabrics is key. The best natural fibres, including Pima cotton, lyocell and modal, have been chosen to guarantee ultimate softness when connecting with your own and others’ skin.
Fabric constructions have been selected for their natural functionality, such as body temperature regulation and moisture wicking, to create an additional layer of comfort. Wellwear also pushes the boundaries on affordable fabric innovation by applying technical treatments to garments to physically enhance the wearer’s wellbeing. These include anti-odour and anti-bacterial properties which reduce the need to wash clothes after every wear, increasing longevity of the garment and in turn having a positive wider environmental impact, and the use of Aloe Vera plant extract which has wound healing, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties.
The accessibly priced range consists of nine core categories and features a black, white, navy, grey marl and khaki colour palette that’s both easy to wear and easy to style, “I wanted to take the stress out of dressing at every level, making it easy and approachable,” says Gandy.
The essence of Wellwear lies in a belief in what’s been dubbed ‘emotionally durable’ fashion; every piece of the collection is designed to be both physically and emotionally lasting, making the wearer feel good every time they slip into a t-shirt, sweatshirt or pair of beautifully finished joggers.
As Gandy explains: “Most people probably associate me with tailoring but being a naturally shy person, I often wear it like a suit of armour when I know I’m going to be in the public eye or at high profile events. The side they probably don’t see – the majority of my time – is when 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, travelling for work or simply kicking back with friends and family.
“Those situations require a different kind of wardrobe: one that’s still stylish and well-fitted but most importantly one that’s practical and comfortable against my skin. I opt for clothes that not only reflect the sense of security and happiness I feel, but which physically reinforce those positive feelings and mindset through how they feel, enhancing my wellbeing in the process. Essentially, I want clothes that feel as good against my skin as I feel in it.”
With home working and flexible hours set to continue, travel finally back in play and wellbeing top of mind for everyone after a challenging 18 months, the comfort, simplicity and reassuring ‘warm hug’ offered by David Gandy Wellwear couldn’t be more timely.
All imagery used in this article credit: Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca.
