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 dives 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. Navigating the international fashion circuit from a base in the Greek capital has given me a unique perspective on the industry, balancing the high-octane energy of fashion capitals like Milan and Paris with a more grounded, Mediterranean lifestyle.
How I Got Discovered
My entry into the fashion industry was entirely accidental. 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. What started as a casual afternoon accompaniment turned into a multi-year career spanning major editorial spreads and global runways.
My Wildest Model Apartment Memory
The reality of starting out in the modeling industry often involves navigating the infamous "model apartment" circuit. 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. That period tested our resilience, but it also forged bonds that lasted long after the lockdowns lifted and international travel resumed.
My First Runway
Transitioning from print to the runway is a major milestone for any model, requiring a distinct blend of posture, rhythm, and confidence under the glare of front-row spotlights. 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. Walking for such an iconic Italian house right out of the gate set a high standard for my subsequent runway appearances across Europe.
My Favorite Job
Collaborating with legendary photographers remains one of the ultimate privileges of the profession. Of course, my Steven Meisel shoot for Dolce & Gabbana stands out as a definitive career highlight. 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. Working alongside Meisel provided an invaluable education in on-set dynamics, creative direction, and timeless image-making.
I Felt Like I Made It When
Validation in the fashion industry often comes in the form of iconic covers and institutional recognition. For me, that pivotal moment arrived with my Vogue Greece cover this June, marking the first time a male model was featured solo on the cover of the edition. 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? Breaking that barrier signified a shifting paradigm within regional editions of major fashion publications, highlighting male talent not just as supporting figures, but as primary cover stars in their own right.
My Personal Style
Off-duty style has become a global obsession, offering a window into how industry insiders actually dress when the cameras stop flashing. 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
Building a signature wardrobe relies on a few standout items that anchor an otherwise eclectic rotation. 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, which provide an effortless bridge between casual daytime errands and evening events.
What I Wear to a Casting
Navigating the casting circuit requires a delicate balance of personal expression and commercial neutrality. My uniform consists of 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. Maintaining a stripped-back aesthetic allows casting directors to visualize how clothing will sit on the frame without being distracted by overly styled streetwear.
My Fashion Week Survival Tip
The grueling pace of fashion month can easily lead to burnout for models juggling multiple castings, fittings, and shows across different cities. My strategy for keeping grounded involves leaning on friends who are not models, gaming, and a lot of good food. Oh, and don’t overthink it. Disconnecting from the industry bubble helps maintain mental clarity amidst the chaos of international fashion weeks.
If I Weren’t a Model
While modeling has provided an incredible platform and global travel opportunities, my long-term creative ambitions extend far beyond the runway or the photo studio. If I weren’t a model, I’d be directing a movie. That’s the end goal anyway—to be a director. Translating visual storytelling from in front of the camera to behind the lens represents the ultimate career trajectory for my creative pursuits.
Next on my Bucket List
Even with major editorial covers and blue-chip campaigns under my belt, there are still dream collaborations left to conquer. Walking for Demna’s Gucci is at the very top of that list. That’s all over my bucket list, representing the next major milestone in an already remarkable career.