Johnson & skarsgård ignite valentino vendetta with unexpected chemistry
Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård are proving a surprisingly potent pairing, igniting the revived Valentino Vendetta fragrance line with an unexpected and undeniably fiery collaboration.
A fashion house matchmaker and a desert rendezvous
Valentino’s creative director, Alessandro Michele, orchestrated the unlikely union, reportedly starting with a carefully curated meeting – and perhaps a jaunt across the Mojave. The campaign, shot by Inez & Vinoodh, promises a glimpse into a relationship brimming with intensity, a notion solidified by both stars.
Scarfsgård: a nineties memory
Skarsgård’s connection to the brand stretches back an astonishing 35 years, to a youthful obsession with the original scent. “I have strong memories of applying way too much of it before every school dance,” he chuckled, recalling a haze of patchouli and ginger. “It’s a surprisingly personal story.”
Beyond the desert drive
The set, reportedly filmed in the countryside, fostered a distinctly uninhibited atmosphere. Johnson described a dynamic fueled by effortless chemistry, noting that dialogue was absent yet the energy remained palpable. “He was just so calm and down for anything,” she said.
A calculated chaos
Between scenes, Skarsgård indulged in playful antics, famously adopting the moniker “Alexander Scarfsgård” due to his habit of sporting a tiny scarf beneath his shirt. The resulting campaign imagery, a provocative blend of sharp tailoring and a palpable tension, captures this delightful chaos perfectly. The film, shrouded in mystery, is slated for release this summer.
Driving like a formula one pilot
Adding another layer of intrigue, Skarsgård recounted a particularly memorable – and slightly alarming – moment during filming. “Dakota drives like a Formula One driver,” he confessed with a wry smile. “There’s a scene where we’re flying down a dirt road, and what you don’t see is that I was basically peeing my exquisite Valentino trousers. Hopefully, that makes it into the extended cut.”
A scented story
Johnson’s preference for tuberose, described as “intoxicating but still soft,” contrasts with Skarsgard's preference for the more grounded notes of ginger, cinnamon liquor, and patchouli in the new Uomo edition. It's a testament to the diverse yet complementary sensibilities driving this unique partnership. The fragrances themselves represent a bold return for the iconic line.
Lasting impressions
Despite the initial surprise of this collaboration, both Johnson and Skarsgård expressed a desire for it to be the beginning of a long-term creative venture. However, Skarsgard has one specific plea: “Maybe no cars next time.”