Johnson & skarsgård ignite valentino vendetta with unexpected chemistry
Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård are taking the fragrance world by storm, pairing up for the revived Valentino Vendetta campaign – and the results are anything but predictable.
A fashion house matchmaker and a desert rendezvous
Valentino creative director Alessandro Michele orchestrated the unlikely pairing, reportedly uniting the actors in a moving vehicle and even venturing into the desert. The campaign, shot by Inez & Vinoodh, promises a glimpse into a relationship brimming with intensity, according to both stars.
From school dances to desert drives
Skarsgard’s connection to the scent dates back to the 1980s, recalling a youthful obsession with over-application before high school dances. “I have strong memories of applying way too much of it,” he chuckled, recalling the heady experience. The new Uomo edition builds on this legacy with notes of ginger, cinnamon liquor, and patchouli – a surprisingly sophisticated evolution for a fragrance steeped in nostalgia.
A surprisingly lively set
Johnson described the shoot as “a glimpse into a relationship that seems to be quite intense and fiery,” despite the absence of dialogue in the film. The atmosphere, fueled by Skarsgard’s playful demeanor and a shared willingness to push boundaries, resulted in a decidedly anything-goes environment on set. ‘He wasn’t wearing much,’ Johnson revealed, adding with a laugh, ‘I started calling him Alexander Scarfsgård because he was always sporting this little skinny scarf.’
Driving dangerously (and hilariously)
The logistics of the shoot added to the story’s charm – and a touch of chaos. Skarsgard recounted a particularly memorable scene involving a dirt road and Johnson’s decidedly aggressive driving style. “There’s a scene in which we’re flying down a dirt road, and what you don’t see in that scene is that I’m basically peeing my very exquisite Valentino trousers because of her driving.” A truly unforgettable moment, apparently.
A fragrant fusion
The Donna edition of Vendetta, centered around the intoxicating tuberose flower, reflects Johnson’s personal preference. “My favorite thing about it is that it’s intoxicating but still soft,” she stated. While the forthcoming film remains shrouded in mystery – save for the undeniable chemistry between the two stars – it’s clear this collaboration marks a bold and unexpected chapter for both Johnson and Skarsgård, and for the enduring legacy of Valentino.