Valentino

May 2026

For the Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pre-Fall 2026 ad campaign, the creative team leans into a sophisticated dialogue between the ephemeral nature of high fashion and the permanence of classical Roman history. Under the vision of creative director Alessandro Michele, alongside the creative direction of Ezra Petronio and Lana Petrusevych, the luxury fashion house delivers an evocative visual narrative that bridges the gap between contemporary craftsmanship and heritage architecture. Photographer Johnny Dufort captures this duality by centering the iconic Rockstud footwear against the weathered, textured limestone and ornate marble of historic fountains. The project utilizes natural light to heighten the tactile contrast between plush, oversized fur coats and the sleek, patent finish of the metallic-studded pumps. With styling by Suzanne Koller, the ensemble work reflects an editorial sensibility that prioritizes texture and silhouette, while hair by Esther Langham and makeup by Daniel Sällström maintain an effortless yet polished aesthetic. Featuring model Libby Taverner, the campaign operates as both a commercial showcase and a piece of visual art, grounding the product in a tangible, storied environment. By eschewing over-production in favor of the clarity provided by natural light, the campaign successfully elevates the Rockstud line, allowing the interplay of light, shadow, and architectural scale to define the season’s mood with remarkable narrative cohesion and poise.

Editorial, Commercial, Commercial

Natural light, Natural light

Luxury Fashion Houses, Luxury Fashion Houses, Fashion, Fashion