Trainspotter Francis Bourgeois becomes the model of new Gucci and North Face campaign

Virgin Radio

18 Jan 2022, 11:07

Going loco? Social media sensation and train enthusiast Francis is moonlighting as the face of a huge fashion campaign. The locomotive guru has teamed up with Gucci and North Face to star in their new collaboration.

Highsnobiety shared the advert in which Francis can be seen as a fashion-forward platform announcer, then onboard as a ticket inspector surrounded by people dripping in Gucci x North Face jackets and jumpers.

According to Highsnobiety, the quaint star was the ideal candidate for the campaign due to his 'unbridled passion' for trains as well as his 'eccentricity, love of the outdoors, and self-embracing attitude'.

The trainspotter told the brand about his passion: "We used to live around the corner from Willesden Junction, and I'd get the train to school every day.

"I'd be transfixed by everything going on outside the window, and I loved seeing the trains come into the platform.

"From the top of the climbing frames in the playground at school, we had the best view of what is now the North London Overground line, so I remember spending all my break times there."

"One of the most gratifying things is hearing about other trainspotters and their experience in school," he told Highsnobiety.

"They've said that people would bully them for their trainspotting hobby, but now they feel more confident and people respect them for it.

"That's a really defining thing for me because I experienced the same thing. It isn't a cool hobby, so I didn't make it very public, and I think giving other people the power to feel like they can be confident with it is very special for me."

The outlet wrote on social media: "It’s full steam ahead for @gucci and @thenorthface as they take their second collaboration to the tracks with TikTok star and trainspotter @francis_bourgeois43.⁠

"With the bold collection focusing on exploration and outdoor activities, there’s no one better than Bourgeois to bring it all to life. ⁠⁠"Hit the link in bio to watch the locomotive lover in our collaborative video and find out more about the drop."

Bourgeois was recently joined by US superstar Joe Jonas and posted the video of the pair trainspotting.

Good to see his career is well on track...