David Gandy: «The job of a father? You learn in the field “

Goals, in no particular order. He has been defined several times (and years later) as the “most beautiful man in the world”; was the flagship model of Dolce & Gabbana, launched by a very famous perfume ad with a view of Capri; its assets are estimated at around 12 million pounds; her blue eyes are a perfect shade of blue; as a child he dreamed of becoming a racing driver. But there is one thing about the British model David Gandy, 41, had never done: participate in a shoot directed by an eight-year-old boy, surrounded by a production team of the same age.

This unprecedented first time he owes it to the set of the new campaign Vodafone Neo, the smartwatch for children with Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters. “I love working with children and animals because I know that the opposite of what it should be always happens with them “, he says in an afternoon Zoom from his London home,” Originally only the photographer was supposed to be a child, but I suggested that the entire troupe also be made up of children. It’s beautiful allow children to be imaginative and creative ». The same idea shared by Pamela Brown, Chief Marketing Officer, Vodafone Smart Tech: «For parents and family members it is important to give children the freedom to explore the world. We wanted to create a fun and carefree campaign ».

Of children, technology and the right balance, Gandy is already beginning to question himself. He wants to be prepared: Matilda, the first and (so far) only daughter, is two years old. «I’m a new dad but yesam already very aware of the role that technology must play and how children make one. Neo seems to me a good springboard for introducing the little ones to technology. It gives parents peace of mind as you can control them. And it’s also very funny, because you can choose your Disney character. I think technology is a good aid for children’s learning, but you have to find the right balance. We must also play, draw ».

What have you learned since being a father?
«I only realize now how much time I had before having a child! I used to think I was busy, but now I don’t really have time to do anything. Though awe are a father. You can read all the books in the world for preparations, but it is a “job” you learn in the field. And I’m learning along the way, sometimes you do it right, sometimes you get it wrong, and that’s okay. I love children, I have six nephews and for them I am “the foolish uncle”, and it is the same for Matilda. I’m not the strictest, I’m the fun one! Matilda is my little best friend, we walk the dog, we have a lot of fun together ».

Back as a child, what was your favorite game?
“I was a very lively and reckless child, and I still am! It’s not really a game, but I liked toy cars and go kart. I had a lot of fun driving, and today it still is ».

What is the right fit between time with children and everything else?
«It is difficult and different all over the world. The pandemic has “given” us a year to spend much more time with our children. A wonderful thing for me because I did not have this possibility before. Our daughter goes to the nursery, so we don’t have the pressure of dad, we’re lucky (ride, ed). I learned a lot from my parents, they worked every hour of the day but every night we all sat together for dinner. And then with my father we played sports together for two hours. These principles today I apply them to the world where I am a parent: we always have dinner together. Before the pandemic I would never have been so much at home because I often travel, but now I want to concentrate all my work in London ».

The quality a man should have? And that of a father?
“Kindness, above all else. As a father, however, I feel I have to protect my family, even from the spotlight. And then I find honesty fundamental. I am learning in the field, but I hope to do so. My partner should be asked Stephanie!».

Vodafone credit: David Gandy has collaborated with Vodafone to launch Neo, the smart kids watch, the latest product in the Designed & Connected by Vodafone range.