MODEL GIO DARDI: INSIDE HER WORLD

From the cobblestone streets of Florence to underwater shoots in Tanzania, model Gio Dardi’s journey in the fashion world has been anything but ordinary. A model, creative, and self-proclaimed minimalist with edge, Gio brings a thoughtful energy to everything she does on and off camera. Moreover, in this exclusive conversation, she opens up about her roots, the realities of modeling, and her evolving personal style. In addition, she reflects on the power of confidence, which ultimately shapes both her work and her presence beyond the lens.

TEAM CREDITS

Photographer: Mattia Holm @mattiaholm
Creative Director: @thecannonmediagroup @ateliermgmt
Model Giorgia Dardi @giodardi
Hair: Andreas Schonagel @andreasschonagel products: @Takamichihair
Make up: Roy Liu @royliumakeup
First assistant: Vasilios Smaragdas @vasilios.smaragdas
Second assistant: Mason Drowne @masondrowne 
Fashion Team: Alice Chan @_aliss/c_, Hailey Hendershot @haileyyhendershot, Mario Rubino @mariorubinoo_, Mijeal Pinchaski @mijealpin, Sofia Zinsmeyer @sofiazinsmeyer  
Studio: Courtesy of @splashlightstudios #shotatsplashlight
Special thanks to the team @splashlightstudios

IRK: You grew up in Florence, one of the most beautiful and artistic cities in the world. How did your surroundings shape your creative outlook?

Gio Dardi: Florence really shaped my creative side. Growing up in a city full of art and history, I learned to notice the beauty in even the smallest details. For example, my grandfather was an artisan, and I used to watch him turn raw materials into hand-bound leather books. Consequently, it gave me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and creativity.

IRK: You started modeling as a child. What drew you to the camera?

Gio Dardi: I was very shy as a kid. Modeling offered a stage for me to step out of my shell; it felt like pure play. That spark taught me confidence. It wasn’t just about being seen; it was about discovering who I could be.

IRK: When did you realize modeling could be a full-time career?

Gio Dardi: During university. I began getting jobs to help pay for supplies, and eventually, those occasional shoots turned into a packed schedule. That’s when I realized I could actually build something professional from it.

IRK: How has your academic background influenced your worldview?

Studying foreign languages and literature opened me up to the world. It allowed me to live abroad, understand diversity, and connect across cultures. Literature is in my DNA, it’s my form of escapism. A few words can transport you to a different world. That idea constantly inspires me.

IRK: Most meaningful modeling experience so far?

Definitely in Tanzania, shooting for a resort in the Mafia Archipelago. The photographer asked me to dive in, and suddenly I was swimming beside a whale shark. It was silent, surreal, and powerful. That’s what makes modeling so special. It takes you places most people never get to see.

IRK: How would you describe your personal aesthetic?

Off-camera: simplicity with an edge, clean lines, bold silhouettes, lots of black, and street-style influences. On camera: I become a chameleon. My style transforms depending on the character. That freedom to shift identities keeps fashion exciting.

IRK: Your top 3 favorite designers?

Gio Dardi: Bob Mackie for his harmony between design and personality, especially with Cher. Schiaparelli for the surrealist drama. And Thierry Mugler for how he played with negative space and structure. They all celebrate the female form in powerful, sensual ways.

IRK: What’s something people often misunderstand about your industry?

Gio Dardi: People think that it’s all glamour and easy money. However, modeling takes discipline, emotional strength, and creativity. Moreover, you’re like an orchestra — your body, face, posture all need to work in sync. Ultimately, the model becomes the music that holds it all together.

IRK: Go-to lipstick?

Gio Dardi: MAC’s Velvet Teddy, or just a gloss.

IRK: Why did you choose Dubai as your base?

Gio Dardi: It wasn’t planned. My boyfriend and I ended up there during COVID, living nomadically. I had no agency or connections, but I adapted and built something from scratch. Dubai embraced me. Now, five years later, it feels like home.

IRK: How do you find balance in a fast-paced life?

Gio Dardi: Nature is key. Long walks, time with my best friend, and cooking with my mom. I keep my circle small. I also take a month off each summer to road trip through Sardinia, unplugged from everything, no makeup, no service, just being present.

IRK: What types of campaigns excite you now?

Gio Dardi: Projects that challenge traditional beauty standards. As a shorter model, I’ve heard “no” a lot. So when I get to flip the script and celebrate difference, it’s inspiring. I love campaigns that have both beauty and meaning.

IRK: Dream handbag?

Gio Dardi: The strawberry cupcake by Judith Leiber.

IRK: Fashion icon closet you’d borrow for a day?

Gio Dardi: Peggy Gou.

IRK: Something people would be surprised to learn?

Gio Dardi: That I’m quite simple. In fact, I love disconnecting every summer — road trips, rooftop tents, no glam. Moreover, it’s just nature, my boyfriend, and slowing down.

IRK: What advice would you give your younger self?

Gio Dardi: Chill out. Stop overthinking. Everything will fall into place. Your perseverance will create magic.

IRK: What UN Sustainable Development Goals speak to you?

Gio Dardi: Goal 14 – Life Below Water. Every summer, I clean garbage from the sea in Sardinia. The ocean is essential, and I feel a duty to protect it. Also, Goal 5 – Gender Equality. As a feminist and model, I want to uplift women and challenge beauty norms. Ultimately, we rise when we lift each other.