Four new dads speak out about the joys of parenthood – and celebrate Father’s Day in style

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Shirt £250, stellamccartney.com, t-shirt £6, marksandspencer.com, trousers £465, Dries Van Noten mrporter.com, pumps £200, hope-sthlm.com, dress £35, arket.com All Stars £29, Converse schuh.com. Model: Andrew at The Squad Photograph: Alex Bramall/The Observer

Andrew MacGregor, 36, sustainable artist, and Imaya, two

How do you start the day with Imaya? In the morning, after breakfast, we always put the radio on and have a dance.



How did you choose Imaya’s name? Her aunt came up with it, and my aunt came up with mine. It seems to be a running theme. In Nigeria, Imaya means beautiful.

How has fatherhood changed? I think today we are much more hands-on. I don’t think my dad’s generation was expected to be as involved in daily life.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jason wears T-shirt £255, Dries Van Noten mrporter.com, trousers £119, albamclothing.com, sandals £60, birkenstock.com. Romari wears top £60, and T-shirt £55, both Caramel harrods.com. Kobe wears jacket £234, and printed shirt £103, both marni.com, Byrne fleece trousers £66, stellamccartney.com, trainers Kobe’s own. Models: Kobe and Romari at Kids London

Jason Elliot, 49, security officer, Kobe, four, and Romari, six months

What has been your proudest moment of being a dad? Their mum went through struggles while she was pregnant, so seeing them both born healthy – and cutting the umbilical cord was a special moment.

Where would you like to take the kids? I’d love to go to the Caribbean with them; to take them on holiday to a nice beach with good food.

How different is being a father today? Fatherhood itself hasn’t changed, the essence of the role is timeless. But the way we interact with our children has changed. We connect with them on a whole different level.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Damien wears shirt £760, Brioni, matchesfashion.com, T-shirt £5.99, hm.com, trousers £35, topman.com, sandals £39.99, zara.com. Damien’s son wears T-shirt £80, marni.com, trousers £80, Caramel selfridges.com. Model: Damien Francis at Premier Photograph: Alex Bramall/The Observer

Damien Francis, 39, ex-footballer turned model, and Damien, three

What made you choose the name Damien for your son? He’s my only son. I like my name so I wanted to give it to him.

What do you like about being a father? I like watching Damien become the person he is – and the person he is going to be.

Do you feel it’s important to raise emotionally aware boys? The emotional side of a boy is often overlooked. My son is a ball of energy from the moment he opens his eyes. But he also has a very loving side. You have to try to balance both aspects.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest T-shirt £320, and jeans £280, both JW Anderson matchesfashion.com, trainers £85, grenson.com, babygro £5.99, hm.com.

Model: Vitan at Models 1, Interviews: Bemi Shaw.

Hair and skincare: Rose Angus at S Management using Liz Earle and Kevin Murphy. Fashion assistant: Penny Chan Photograph: Alex Bramall/The Observer

Vitan Boyadzhiev, model and vintage car enthusiast, 26, and Mia, four months

What would be your perfect Father’s Day? It would be the three of us and our dog in my pink truck driving around and having fun.

What’s the best thing about becoming a dad? Having a routine. Before, I didn’t have one. I was modelling and travelling. Now it’s the total opposite. I like getting up at night and feeding her and then getting up in the morning and doing it all again.

What’s the most important thing you can teach Mia? That I will do my best for her and be there for her no matter what. I feel that a lot of people do not realise that being there is so important.

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