Long before Democrat Rob Sand made political history by winning the race for governor of Iowa, he was having a very different kind of moment in the spotlight, posing for legendary photographer Steven Meisel in the pages of Vogue Italia.
The year was 2004, and Sand was among the fresh faces who appeared in “Be My Baby,” a striking fashion editorial in the magazine’s February issue. Captured through the lens of Meisel and styled with meticulous edge by Brana Wolf, the feature placed Sand alongside a cast of rising fashion stars of the era, including a young Caroline Trentini, with whom he posed in a series of moody, atmospheric black-and-white portraits that captured the imagination of the fashion world.
The conceptual framework of the shoot centered on a romanticized, cinematic vision of 1950s youth culture, abounding with fluffed-up rockabilly hair, towering quiffs, and plenty of worn-in leather. The original Italian introduction in the magazine described the overarching mood as a fascinating collision of bon ton—representing good manners and traditional propriety—and youthful transgression. Every element of the production was curated to reflect this aesthetic tension.
Famed hairstylist Garren was responsible for the towering and teased hairstyles that defined the characters, while the legendary Dame Pat McGrath crafted smudgy, kohl-rimmed eyes that gave the cast an intensely brooding gaze. The wardrobe was an eclectic mix of authentic archival pieces and contemporary designer wear. The male cast members wore Belstaff leather biker jackets, classic white Guess T-shirts and jeans, Helmut Lang tank tops and tailored garments, sharp Prada separates, and statement-making Gucci crocodile belts. Meanwhile, the womenswear featured diaphanous Blumarine slips, structured Prada silk and tweed pieces, and delicate chiffon dresses designed by Rossella Tarabini for Anna Molinari.
Reflecting on the experience years later, Sand proved he looked back on the assignment with good humor, writing “Was a fun day!” beneath an Instagram post by Meisel that revisited the historic shoot.
Sand’s modeling career was no mere casual college dalliance or fleeting hobby. While studying political science at Brown University, the six-foot-three Iowan spent time working internationally in Milan and Paris, walking the runways for high-profile luxury houses including Prada, the cult Japanese label Number (N)ine, and Giuliano Fujiwara. He also famously appeared in Prada’s spring 2003 menswear show, cementing his status as a legitimate presence in the high-fashion circuit. In fact, his international fashion commitments were once so serious and demanding that he missed a major political milestone back home—the 2004 Iowa caucuses in his hometown of Decorah—because he was actively working assignments in Milan.
That unconventional background took center stage following a monumental political breakthrough. On November 3, Sand decisively defeated Republican challenger Zach Lahn to become the first Democrat elected governor of Iowa in 20 years, transitioning to the state’s highest executive office following two successful terms as state auditor.
Following his historic victory, Sand’s newly resurfaced modeling portfolio quickly became an unlikely internet sensation, circulating widely across social media platforms as voters and fashion enthusiasts alike marveled at the stark contrast between his past life in high fashion and his career in public service. Sand himself enthusiastically joined in on the joke, embracing the viral attention by sharing one of his old Vogue Italia photographs alongside a witty caption: “I’m disappointed to learn images of me modeling for Prada are circulating. Because this shot from Italian Vogue is much better.”
From walking the runway for Prada to managing the responsibilities of public office, Sand’s career trajectory stands as one of the most unique in modern American politics. With his campaign playfully capitalizing on the moment by selling official “My Model Governor” merchandise, Rob Sand has proven that he not only knows how to navigate the worlds of high-stakes politics and high fashion, but also understands how to harness a viral cultural moment with self-deprecating charm.