Gone are the days when models were expected to be a blank canvas. A new generation of fresh faces is embracing their personal style and expressing their individuality through their fashion choices—be it jeans and a tee or a statement dress. Every month, Vogue will dive into the stylish wardrobes of a model of the moment to see what they’re wearing off the runways. Consider these the perfect references to pin to your seasonal mood board—because is there anything cooler than model-off-duty style?
About Me…
My name is Francesco Ruggiero, I’m 26 years old, am based in Athens, Greece, and my mother agency is D Model Agency.
How I Got Discovered …
I got discovered in the summer of 2019, right after I had finished school. I had just come back from a trip with my sister, and she wanted to figure out something fun to do as a hobby, so she went to a modeling agency. The agency told her that I should go with her, and they ended up taking us both. My sister ended up hating modeling, and I’m still here, still working and making a career out of it.
My Wildest Model Apartment Memory …
I usually avoid model apartments because I really don’t like living with people I don’t know, but during COVID, in Milan, I had no choice. I ended up sharing a cheap apartment with two friends, with barely any food or money, and at one point all three of us were sleeping in one double bed. It was honestly so much fun, which is probably why I know, for a fact, I would never do it again.
My First Runway …
I’m not entirely sure what my first show was, to be honest, but I’m pretty confident it was a Giorgio Armani show. I remember wearing a very neat, cool silk tuxedo, which Armani is really well known for.
Panos Davios/Vogue Greece
My Favorite Job …
Of course, my Steven Meisel shoot for Dolce & Gabbana. There aren’t many people—especially male models—who have shot with Steven, and, for me, to be able to do that after so many years of his legacy was completely unexpected. I thought it might never happen because, you know, as time passes, opportunities like that can become more and more difficult.
I Felt Like I Made It When …
My Vogue Greece cover this June, the first time a male model was featured on the cover. It was pretty surreal. The only other men who had been on the cover were famous actors, so I could say I made it, right?
My Personal Style …
I don’t have one specific style that I follow. I just think menswear is pretty lacking compared to womenswear. You need more time, more exposure, and more effort to find pieces that really represent you as a male model.
I like to stay in that zone where the pieces are classic, but they have a twist or a small quirk to them. For example, one of my favorite pairs of pants ever is the Eckhaus Latta Bent Pant. There was one version that came out for only one season with a zipper that goes all the way from the front to the back, and you can actually open them. It’s almost like a party trick. Or I’ll wear a keychain as a necklace, or a tie with a cat on it.
I really like color, and I really like quirky new brands. Right now, Mfpen has to be my favorite, and I’m always on the lookout for new ones. I also really love women’s bags. I think one of my next purchases is going to be a very big Bottega bag.
So I like to experiment. I’m open to a lot of different things, and I think I’m a bit of a chameleon when it comes to clothing.
My Three Top Wardrobe Pieces …
First, an Our Legacy keychain that I actually use as a necklace. I don’t even think it’s meant to be a necklace, but that’s how I wear it. The second is an ERL belt with a sun as the buckle, and it really looks like the sun from One Piece. I’m not going to go too much into that, but, you know, some people might know what I’m talking about. And the last are leather loafers.
What I Wear to a Casting …
A simple white T-shirt or tank top, a pair of jeans—either pants or shorts. I really don’t follow any specific trends; I think the industry makes you feel intimidated if you go to a casting with a shirt or a weird shoe. But I just go. People love authenticity and don't overthink it.
My Fashion Week Survival Tip …
Friends (who are not models), gaming, and a lot of good food. Oh, and don’t overthink it.
If I Weren’t a Model …
I’d be directing a movie. That’s the end goal anyway—to be a director.
Next on my Bucket List …
Demna’s Gucci. That’s all over my bucket list.