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Key Takeaways
- Dakota Johnson and Alessandro Michele share a deep friendship and creative connection, dating back to Michele’s time at Gucci.
- Johnson feels most comfortable in Valentino’s designs, identifying with Michele’s unique aesthetic.
- She values Michele’s knowledge of art, history, film, and fashion, which he infuses into his collections.
- Shooting the Valentino Resort 2026 campaign at Cinecittà in Rome was a memorable and soulful experience for Johnson.
- Johnson has gained a greater appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind couture gowns and red-carpet dresses through her work with Michele.
- She believes that fashion can communicate a message and reflect one’s current state or beliefs but does not like method dressing.
Dakota Johnson’s enduring creative partnership with Alessandro Michele, now the designer at Valentino, continues with her starring role in the Resort 2026 campaign. Their connection began during Michele’s tenure at Gucci, where he frequently dressed Johnson for high-profile red-carpet events. Their shared appreciation for whimsical and often sheer designs that bridge the gap between retro and modern aesthetics solidifies their mutual admiration and collaboration.
Johnson’s role in the new Valentino campaign, directed by Renell Medrano and photographed by Marili Andre, underscores her close association with Michele’s distinctive brand of glamour. Joining her are Tate McRae, Dev Hynes, and Marisa Berenson, but it’s Johnson, an actor, producer, and director, who has been named house ambassador, who stands out as the embodiment of Michele’s vision in garments such as an embellished bohemian gown and a red, off-the-shoulder chiffon dress.
According to Johnson, working with Michele and wearing his designs feels like "coming home." She deeply identifies with the clothes he creates and feels incredibly comfortable and confident in them. This sense of belonging and alignment highlights the authenticity of their creative synergy.
Johnson expressed a deep appreciation for Michele’s knowledge of art, history, film, and fashion. She noted that every collection he designs is infused with these elements, making his work both timeless and contemporary. Beyond his design talent, Johnson values their friendship. She spoke of feeling as if they have known each other in past lives, sharing a magical, profound bond, and mutual respect for each other’s minds.
Reflecting on the campaign shoot at Cinecittà, just outside of Rome, Johnson emphasized the historical and awe-inspiring setting. Despite admitting her general discomfort with modeling, she found the experience with Michele and his team to be exceptional. She described the collaboration as soulful, a stark contrast to the often superficial nature of the industry. She praised the new collection for its impeccable quality, comfortable fit, and overall beauty. According to Johnson, so many pieces were loved that the team had trouble narrowing down the outfit selection.
Through her collaboration with Alessandro Michele, Dakota Johnson has gained a profound understanding of the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating couture gowns and red-carpet dresses. She appreciates the detailed process and the skilled artists involved in bringing these creations to life. Michele has also taught her that fashion can be a powerful means of communication, allowing her to convey messages about the films she’s promoting, her feelings, or her interests at a particular time.
Despite her appreciation for fashion’s communicative potential, Johnson clarified that she does not engage in method dressing or wearing gowns that directly represent the films she’s in. She acknowledged that clothing can communicate one’s values and stance, but she prefers to maintain a distinct separation between her personal style and the characters she portrays.