U.S. EDITIONTHEWEEKLYOBSERVER.COM

HOME  /  ENTERTAINMENT  /  DES MOINES, IOWA

TRENDING · RUMOR MILL

Iowa's Governor-Elect Was a Prada Runway Model — and He Has the Receipts

Democrat Rob Sand flipped Iowa's governorship last week. Then the internet discovered his old modeling career in Milan.

OE

BY OBSERVER ENTERTAINMENT DESK

The Weekly Observer

NOV 11, 2026 · 1 MIN READ
fXinEMAIL

Rob Sand just flipped Iowa's governorship for Democrats — and this week, the internet discovered his side hustle from two decades ago. Reports surfaced that Sand, while a student, walked runways in Milan and Paris for fashion houses including Prada, even appearing in Prada's Spring 2003 menswear show. The story resurfaced after a Vogue Instagram post asked followers if they knew about Sand's modeling past; his verified account replied simply, "Yes, I knew that." His transition team wasted no time cashing in on the moment, releasing a $32 T-shirt reading "Rob Sand My Model Governor." A spokesperson confirmed the modeling career but declined to elaborate further.

SHARE THIS STORY