Once an uncertain student without a clear plan, David was discovered in a German café, launching a career with legendary fashion houses. He candidly discusses overcoming early insecurities, the transformative power of collaborating with creative icons, and why resilience remains his most vital accessory in the public eye.
Teams credit:
Model: David Koch
Photographer: Anka Garbowska
Stylist: Wojciech Christopher Nowak
Grooming: Adrian Alvarado
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Wardrobe Credits:
Look1 : Total Look – Prada
Look2 : Jacket- Courrèges, Shirt- Maison Margiela, Jeans- Louis Vuitton
Look3: Coat- Maison Margiela, Shirt- Ayanegui, Shorts- Margiela
Look4: Jacket- Bottega Veneta, Tank – McQueen, Jeans- Gucci
Look5: Jacket and Jeans- Courrèges, Shoes- Bottega
Look6: Coat, Top and Pants- Balmain
David’s transition from a shy youth to a staple for brands like Dior and Armani is a masterclass in self-reinvention. After being discovered by chance, he navigated the high-pressure world of modelling by embracing a “classic, casual, and clean” personal style. Today, he reflects on major turning points, from Mugler runways to Diesel campaigns, and the philosophy of persistence that keeps him moving forward.
To start, we’d love to know, how has your journey with fashion and personal expression evolved, and what does style mean to you today?
At the beginning, I wasn’t confident at all. That only came during my modelling career, after about one or two years. In the early phase, I was very insecure and didn’t really understand how everything worked. I just let things happen and trusted the process. Through the first successes, and seeing that things were actually working, my confidence slowly grew.
Before modelling, you had a very different path. What were your early ambitions, and how did those shape you before entering the fashion world?
I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was discovered one day in Frankfurt, Germany, while having a coffee, and from that moment on, everything changed. After school, I had no clear plan; I could have gone into the police force or worked at the post office. Everything was possible. Looking back, the way it happened was the best outcome for me.
David, many people see style as a form of communication. How do you express yourself through what you wear?
Absolutely. When I feel good, I sometimes dress more confidently, maybe in a statement jacket or standout shoes. But overall, I prefer a classic, casual, and clean style. Most importantly, I always want to be authentic and present myself exactly as I am.
When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thought that crosses your mind about how you want to present yourself?
What really shaped me was the opportunity to work with star photographers, designers, stylists, and creative teams. That influenced me the most and helped me build confidence. In the evenings, I would sometimes tell myself: if people like this believe in you, then maybe you have something not everyone has. That helped me step out of my shy mindset.
David, you’ve worked with legendary brands like Calvin Klein, Armani, Dior and more, which collaboration pushed you outside your comfort zone the most, and why?
There were two major turning points for me. The first was walking the Mugler show in June 2011. The second was my first major campaign for Diesel, shot by Steven Klein. Those two moments had the strongest and most positive impact on my career. Of course, there were many other great shoots and experiences that pushed me forward. I’m honestly grateful for every single moment.
Looking back, what’s a defining decision or turning point in your career that you think made all the difference?
Never give up. Live, love, laugh, and always try to stay positive. Falling down isn’t the problem; what matters is getting back up after setbacks.
What personal values or philosophies do you carry with you that have helped you navigate the pressures of public life and work?
I’ve learned not to take everything too seriously and not to let rejections or disappointments hold me back. You have to keep going, stay focused, and always try to find something positive in every situation, as much as possible. That’s how I approach modelling, at least.
David, what are the biggest lessons you’ve learned about resilience and reinvention along the way?
Looking ahead, I simply want to be a character, not like everyone else. I want to inspire people and be a role model. I’m someone who never gives up, and that’s what I want to represent outwardly as well. Fighting for your dreams is always worth it.
