Valentino

Nov 2025

The Valentino Garavani Cruise 2026 ad campaign serves as a masterclass in maximalist storytelling, seamlessly blending high-fashion editorial rigor with a lived-in, cinematic sensibility. Under the vision of creative director Alessandro Michele and art director Christopher Simmonds, the campaign transcends the typical lookbook format, leaning into an eclectic, vintage-inspired atmosphere that feels both curated and intimately chaotic. Photographer Marili Andre captures the collection through a lens of refined nostalgia, utilizing sharp studio strobe lighting to emphasize the dense materiality of the garments—from intricate lace and satin bows to leopard-print tailoring and heavily embellished sequins. By pairing vibrant, contrasting color palettes against soft pastel interiors, the project creates a sophisticated tension between the subjects and their surroundings. The campaign features a diverse cast of talents including Dakota Johnson and Marisa Berenson, who inhabit these lush, set-designed environments with a sense of reflective poise. Set designer Victoria Salomoni grounds the images in tactile, storied spaces filled with historical portraits and ornate furnishings, while meticulous styling by Jonathan Kaye ties the disparate elements of feathers, faux fur, and signature leather goods into a cohesive narrative. This editorial campaign effectively balances commercial product focus with an artistic, lifestyle-driven execution, utilizing studio strobe techniques and natural light to elevate the collection into a modern, opulent fantasy.

Editorial, Vertical

Studio strobe

Luxury Fashion Houses, Fashion