The days when models were expected to be a blank canvas are over. A new generation of fresh faces is embracing their personal style and expressing their individuality through fashion choices—whether it’s jeans and a tee or a statement dress. Every month, Vogue will explore the stylish wardrobes of a model of the moment to see what they wear off the runway. Think of these as 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, based in Athens, Greece, and my mother agency is D Model Agency.

How I Got Discovered…I was discovered in the summer of 2019, right after finishing school. I had just returned from a trip with my sister, and she wanted to find something fun to do as a hobby, so she went to a modeling agency. The agency told her I should come with her, and they ended up signing us both. My sister ended up hating modeling, and I’m still here, still working and building 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 follow one specific style. 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 pieces are classic but 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. ButI just go. People love authenticity, so don’t overthink it. My Fashion Week survival tip: friends (who aren’t models), gaming, and lots 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.

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Francesco Ruggiero Walking for Gucci Directing Movies

1 Who is Francesco Ruggiero
An Italian male model who has walked for major fashion houses and has publicly said he wants to walk in a Gucci show and move into directing films

2 What does he want to achieve
Two goals walk the runway for Gucci and become a movie director

3 Has he walked for Gucci yet
No walking for Gucci is a goal hes stated not something he has done

4 Why Gucci specifically
Gucci is one of fashions biggest stages and walking for it would be a career milestone for most male models

5 How does a male model get booked for a Gucci show
Through a strong agency a professional portfolio the right measurements and being selected at castings

6 What do models need to prepare for a Gucci casting
Clean digitals comp cards a fit physique and the ability to walk confidently

7 What does walking a show mean
Modeling clothes on a runway for an audience of buyers press and industry insiders

8 Why is walking for Gucci a big deal
It brings global exposure prestige and access to better bookings and campaigns

9 Can modeling and directing overlap
Yes both involve presence storytelling and working with creative teams and modeling can fund and inspire film projects

10 Whats the first step to becoming a director
Learn the basics make short films and study work you admire

11 What common problems do models face when chasing big shows
Rejection tough competition body standards and inconsistent income

12 What common problems do new directors face
Budget limits lack of experience finding a crew and getting distribution

13 What practical tips help with both goals
Treat both as crafts train consistently build a portfolio or reel network and accept feedback

14 Whats the difference between a runway model and a campaign model
Runway models walk live shows campaign models appear in ads and editorials

15 How long does it take to reach goals like these
It varies often years of