The Daddy

We haven’t had a bloke on the cover of Sorbet since last Winter, and in the spirit of tradition, we started those balls rolling. Richard Mille recently launched its new superstore for pre-loved Richard Mille masterpieces, so we wanted to help them celebrate. Of course, they have a roster of masculine ambassadors, particularly in the world of sports, but how about a male supermodel? How about thee male supermodel, David Gandy? Someone at the table murmured, “daddy,” and as it happens, David is indeed a father of two. Of course, as all great editorial conversations should, the talk turned to cultural touchstones. What isit about daddies? What does “daddy” even mean today?

When that viral “Daddy, chill!” meme circumnavigated the globe, why did it resonate so deeply? I believe at approximately 40, people started to occasionally call me daddy. But it was “oh hey, daddy,” perhaps with a suggestive wink, and not “oh hey, father of children”; I didn’t hate it. More recently, the “zaddy” has taken hold of the cultural consciousness. The zaddy, it would seem, is not just the attractive mature man, but an attractive mature man with more style, more substance. I have yet to be called “zaddy,” but I remain optimistic. Our cover star, David Gandy, has no doubt been dubbed as such, and so, in this issue, we explore the “zaddy” phenomenon, examining how figures like Pedro Pascal and Jeff Goldblum redefine masculinity, blending classic allure with modern edge. The term itself – rooted in affection but reimagined in today’s cultural lexicon – reflects a broader dialogue about evolving gender roles and societal expectations. Of course, in this festive period, fathers-proper are fondly thought of, perhaps wearing red hats and storebought beards; this issue unpacks all the many dimensions of daddyhood. We pay tribute to cinematic dads who’ve shaped our ideals – from the nurturing warmth of Uncle Phil to the complicated but iconic Darth Vader; true, he wasn’t a shining example of fatherhood, but he is iconic, so he’s in here too.

Of course, we ponder that age-old question, “Who’s your daddy?” immortalized by country singer Toby Keith, and by the Zombies in their 1968 single, ‘Time of the Season’. The “Who’s your daddy?” phenomenon in music and memes, and the power dynamics wrapped in the term’s sensual undertones are addressed closely, as they ought to be, and essays explore Freud’s theories, because of course they do, and our fashion spreads amplify this theme, showcasing boldness and bravery that challenge stereotypes and celebrate individuality. This issue is all about daddies in the traditional sense, and every other sense; it’s about celebrating the bold, the refined, the nurturing, and the audacious. From stay-at-home dads defying norms, to the rise of the zaddy archetype as a beacon of contemporary masculinity – we honor every shade of daddyhood. We even explore culinary delights, including a whisky-infused sorbet recipe – a nod to the rich, smooth flavor that mirrors the theme of this issue.

Indeed, as we were compiling this issue, culture stalwarts MIA and Major Lazer (aka Diplo and friends) released a song called ‘Where’s The Daddy?’ If there were ever a more affirming aligning of the (pop) stars, it eludes us. So to all the dads, and the daddies, and the zaddies, this one is for you.