If Valentino designer Alessandro Michele has one identifiable A-list muse, it’s Dakota Johnson. Ever since his early days at Gucci, Michele has ardently dressed Johnson for the red carpet, across many Oscars and Met Galas. The two share an affinity for whimsical fashions (and a more than sporadic presence of sheer fabrics) that are retro-yet-modern. It makes sense, then, that Michele would tap Johnson to be one of the stars of his Valentino resort 2026 campaign.
Released today, the new campaign—directed by Renell Medrano and photographed by Marili Andre—also stars other celebrities such as Tate McRae, Dev Hynes, Marisa Berenson, and more. But it’s Johnson who is the most synonymous with Michele’s quirky glamour. The triple-threat star (actor-producer-director) and new house ambassador sports an embellished, bohemian sheer frock, and a red chiffon, off-the-shoulder number.
“It felt like coming home a bit, because I really identify with the clothes that he makes,” Johnson tells Vogue. “I feel so good in them.”
In honour of the new campaign and this Michele-Johnson reunion, Vogue caught a few minutes with Johnson on the eve of its release. Here, the star discusses her friendship with Michele, what she is shopping for this fall (especially since her dog ate all her shoes), and why you won’t ever catch her method dressing.
Vogue: You have such a longstanding friendship with Alessandro. I’d love to hear about what your favourite things are about him—both as a designer, and as a friend?
Dakota Johnson: As a designer, he has such singular taste. He has a robust knowledge of art, history, film, and fashion throughout the ages. Every single collection is infused with art and history—yet at the same time, it’s modern and fresh.
What was it like on-set shooting the campaign, and working together again?
I will be honest and tell you that I really don’t like modelling stuff. I don’t like photoshoots—I don’t feel comfortable. But when I’m working with him and his team, I could stay there for days on end. We shot it at Cinecittà—just outside of Rome—which was just incredible and so historical. [Working with him] feels so soulful in an industry that can, most of the time, feel quite vapid.
What did you think of his new clothes? How do they fit into your personal style?
The quality of the Valentino clothes is incredible. They’re unbelievably made. Every stitch is perfect, and they move so beautifully. The shoes are so comfortable and gorgeous. Everything just magically fit. We couldn’t decide which outfit I should wear, because there were five that we loved.
I’m thinking of your many winning red carpet moments together over the years. How he has helped shape your style in that regard?
I have grown to understand the artistry and craftsmanship behind making couture gowns and red carpet dresses. It’s such an incredibly detailed process, and it takes so many skilled artists to make these dresses. He’s also helped me to understand that you can deliver a message with a fabric. It can be an incredible way to communicate a movie I’m promoting, or how I’m feeling or what I’m interested in at the time.
Are you someone who gets really into method dressing?
I really don’t vibe with wearing gowns that represent the movie I made. That’s not my energy. I do think that the way you dress can communicate to the world what kind of place you’re in and what you stand for.
Since this campaign is coming out in fall, I want to know what your wardrobe looks like at the moment.
I’m really into corduroy right now. I’m really into layering a lace camisole over jeans or cords, and then adding a good flat or a mule. And a nice sweater or a cardigan, because in L.A. it’s so touch-and-go with the temperature.
Are you someone who follows trends or ignores them? Is there anything you would never do?
I don’t really know about what the trends are right now. I don’t think I would do a huge shoulder. I have a small body and a small head, and it just makes me look so insane.
Are you a particular collector of anything when it comes to fashion?
Jewelry. I love vintage tees: I found a great Simon & Garfunkel T-shirt recently. And shoes. Recently, my dog ate all of my shoes, so I had to do a big haul.
Oh gosh! Did you lose anything good?
You have no idea. I couldn’t look at her. She’s in her naughty teen years.
I wanted to ask you about your book club, Tea Time. What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read was Miranda July’s most recent book, All Fours. That was a wild time. Right now, we are choosing our books for the book club for the coming months and beginning of next year. It is so much fun. We get to read manuscripts beforehand, and we have some incredible books coming up. It’s going to be amazing—I can’t say what they are, but it’s very special.
And lastly, we have to ask about your upcoming film Verity. You probably can’t say much yet, but what can you tease us with?
Honestly, I have no idea. I haven’t seen one second of it. I had a funny time making it. That’s a non-answer…I can’t say anything!
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was first published on Vogue.com.
