Eye Gandy

Three words to describe your personal style? Contemporary but traditional and discreet.

Who are your style icons? James Dean, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman. I look to history for inspiration.

Did your mum dress you well? Not at all. She dressed me in some awful stuff – think tracksuit bottoms three inches too short. Mum has always said I was very specific about what I wanted to wear, so she mostly just let me at it.

What's your beauty regime? I use Dr Lancer moisturiser and rose oil when my skin gets dehydrated. I also trim my beard. That's pretty much it.

What one beauty product should men have? A good-quality moisturiser.

What one style tip would you give to the men of Ireland? Be an individual. Find the unique style that suits you and that you feel comfortable in.

Do you ever feel pressure to maintain your physique? I feel pressure but it's from myself. I feel better having a muscular physique and after going to the gym. It's just a natural thing for me.

The rise of the more masculine man or the machosexual has been attributed to you. What does that phrase mean to you? I think it describes men who are comfortable being men. People like Steve McQueen and Paul Newman, who had style, but were more interested in restoring old cars than getting their hair dyed.

You are known for wearing suits. How does one become a modern gentleman like you? I just feel the most comfortable in a suit. I don't think it matters so much what you wear, though, it's more about how you treat people; your family, friends and strangers alike. Being a gentleman is about having an opinion and standing by your beliefs.

What do you think it is about you that people find attractive? You'd have to ask them!

You are best known for the Dolce & Gabbana ad in which you appear in quite small white pants. Do you ever feel uncomfortable on shoots like that? You learn to be comfortable. I've never been great at being the centre of attention but when you're in the modelling industry, sometimes there is just a necessity to strip off. It's part of it; if you don't like it you shouldn't be in the business.

Tell us more about the Dolce & Gabbana shoot. I didn't know what was going to happen. I hadn't seen any creative, I hadn't seen any mood boards, I just had these small white trunks thrust upon me and that was it.

Describe the perfect pair of pants for a man. Comfortable with a good fit and made of good material. You should never really realise you have a pair of pants or boxer shorts on, they should be that comfortable.

David Beckham did the white pants thing after you, do you think he should have kept his trousers on? No, I don't think many women would have been happy if he had!

If/when you settle, where will that be? It would be nice to have a few locations: sun, ski and somewhere in the UK.

Have you ever been to Ireland? Many times, for work and for pleasure. I actually have a stag do in Dublin next month.

Any plans to get married and have kids? I don't see marriage as a necessity, but children are a definite – I absolutely adore kids. When it happens it happens; it's very hard to have a relationship when you're never there at the end of the day.

Describe your perfect woman. Humble, fun and with a great sense of humour. Someone who you feel like a team with, like it's you and that person against the rest of the world.

What's next for David Gandy? A holiday would be nice.