Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

Continuing from where I left off with the last Conversations with Models, Francisco Lachowski had just been whisked away for some last minute touch-ups and, five minutes later, his seat was taken by Andre Ziehe.

If you don't remember Francisco's article then click here to find out more about him.  But now I want you to focus on Andre Ziehe... not a hard task I am sure as he has a body to make the most gym buff of us jealous of.

 Andre backstage at the Dolce&Gabbana SS12

The Brazalian sat down without a word, eyes closed and his arms relaxed across his lap and I was struck by how strong his presence is and the calm that he seems to exude.  Andre started talking to me after a few minutes and before I knew it we were having a deep conversation that the likes of backstage has not experienced before.

Last minute prep

The conversation begun with him asking me if I was going to interview him and I responded no, and that I was just talking to the models backstage to see what they have to say for themselves. “People ask too many questions”, he said “and I think that it does more harm than good”.

 Andre Ziehe wearing Dolce&Gabbana SS12

I was taken aback by this and wasn’t too sure if it was a hint and that I should shut up or a chance for me to push further. I took the prior option and chose to see what would happen, “Questions can make people seem ugly”, he said after a thoughtful pause and I felt that this was a good enough signal for me to be an ugly person with questions.

Back stage at the D&G show

Flashing his number to us

Andre explained that he feels that to be questioned constantly creates doubt and that people should try and relax into who they are. Deep stuff ay? I challenged this and I asked "what do you hate being asked?" and he reprimanded me and told me that hate was too strong a word. He went on to say that conversation isn’t always important and that a silence can allow unheard dialogue between people to florish and create more meaning.

Andre Ziehe wearing D&G SS12

I asked him if he felt that he had to assume a work persona or if he was true to himself and he responed “i’m always myself at work and people can take me for who I am or not”. This easy going attitude is found in many places backstage during the Dolce&Gabbana and D&G fashion shows but it is rare that conversations like this happen. He showed a sense of calm that juxtaposed the action of a fashion show frenzy. Then I felt it was time for me to get up and leave him be for  moments piece and so I moved on. For me it was a another insight in to these admired men and a another chance for these guys to say what they feel. Andre Ziehe made some interesting points during our conversation and proved himself to be a very deep thinker and one whose words should be listened to.

 

Written by Ben Taylor

TAGS: dolce&gabbana d&g dolce & gabbana d & g online luxury magazine stefano gabbana style magazine luxury online magazine domenico dolce milan menswear fashion show backstage ss12 menswear ss12 andre ziehe francisco lachowski conversations with models