With a fluffed-up rockabilly quiff, a towering posture, and a rising supermodel on his arm, the next governor of Iowa once looked entirely at home under the high-intensity lights of international fashion capitals. Long before Democrat Rob Sand made political history by winning the governor’s office, he was having a very different kind of moment in the global spotlight, striking poses for legendary photographer Steven Meisel within the glossy pages of Vogue Italia.
The year was 2004, and Sand was counted among the fresh-faced group of young talents who appeared in “Be My Baby,” an iconic high-fashion editorial published in the magazine’s February issue. Photographed by Meisel and meticulously styled by Brana Wolf, the feature placed Sand alongside a cast of burgeoning fashion stars, most notably a young Caroline Trentini. Together, Sand and Trentini posed in a striking series of moody, atmospheric black-and-white portraits that captured the imagination of the industry.
The conceptual core of the editorial centered on a heavily romanticized, cinematic vision of 1950s youth culture, abounding with the aforementioned rockabilly hair, rebellious attitudes, and an abundance of worn leather. The original Italian introduction to the spread colorfully described the overarching mood as a fascinating collision of bon ton—representing good manners and
traditional propriety—and youthful transgression.
Behind the scenes, a dream team of beauty and styling talent brought the vision to life. Legendary hairstylist Garren was responsible for the towering, heavily teased and sculpted hairstyles that defined the era’s aesthetic, while Dame Pat McGrath crafted the signature smudgy, kohl-rimmed eyes that gave the models their sultry, rebellious gaze. The wardrobe was an eclectic mix of authentic archival pieces and high-end ready-to-wear, featuring Belstaff leather biker jackets, classic white Guess T-shirts and jeans, Helmut Lang tank tops and razor-sharp tailoring, Prada separates, and a standout Gucci crocodile belt. The womenswear portion of the editorial was equally compelling, showcasing diaphanous Blumarine slips, structured Prada silk and tweed ensembles, and delicate chiffon dresses designed by Rossella Tarabini for Anna Molinari.
Reflecting on the experience decades later, Sand fondly recalled the Italian shoot after Meisel revisited it on social media. "Was a fun day!" Sand wrote beneath an Instagram post shared by the photographer.
Sand’s stint in the upper echelons of the international modeling world was far from a mere college dalliance or a casual hobby. While actively studying political science at Brown University, the six-foot-three Iowan spent substantial periods of time working abroad in Milan and Paris. During these semesters and breaks, he walked the runways for major fashion houses, including Prada, the cult Japanese label Number (N)ine, and Giuliano Fujiwara. He also famously appeared in Prada’s spring 2003 menswear show, cementing his status as a legitimate presence in high fashion. In fact, his professional fashion commitments were once so demanding and serious that he actually missed the 2004 Iowa caucuses in his hometown of Decorah because he was actively working assignments in Milan.
On November 3, in a dramatic political shift for the state, Sand defeated Republican opponent Zach Lahn to become the first Democrat elected governor of Iowa in 20 years. Prior to his historic gubernatorial victory, Sand had already established a strong record in public service, having served two successful terms as the state’s auditor. Following his breakthrough win, his long-buried modeling portfolio suddenly re-emerged into the public eye, transforming into an unlikely and viral internet sensation as voters and fashion enthusiasts alike discovered his past.
True to form, Sand has enthusiastically joined in on the public joke surrounding his past life in fashion. He playfully shared one of his old Vogue Italia photographs on social media alongside a witty caption: "I’m disappointed to learn images of me modeling for Prada are circulating. Because this shot from Italian Vogue is much better."
From walking the runway for Prada to stepping into public office as the state’s chief executive, Rob Sand represents quite an unusual and striking career trajectory. With his campaign cleverly pivoting to capitalize on the internet phenomenon by selling "My Model Governor" merchandise, Sand has proven that he possesses a sharp political instinct and knows precisely how to embrace and harness a good fashion moment.
