“It Makes Me Look Insane”: Dakota Johnson On The Autumn Trends She Will (And Will Not) Be Endorsing
If Valentino designer Alessandro Michele has a single muse, it’s Dakota Johnson. Since his early days at Gucci, Michele has dressed the actress for the red carpet, from the Oscars to the Met Gala. The two share an affinity for whimsical fashion – and a frequent penchant for sheer fabrics – that feels both retro and modern. It’s no surprise, then, that Michele tapped Johnson to star in his Resort 2026 campaign.
Released today, the new campaign – directed by Renell Medrano and photographed by Marili Andre – also features Tate McRae, Dev Hynes and Marisa Berenson. But it’s Johnson who is most closely associated with Michele’s brand of offbeat glamour. The triple-threat talent (actor, producer, director) and newly appointed house ambassador appears in an embellished bohemian gown and a red, off-the-shoulder chiffon dress.
“It felt like coming home a bit, because I really identify with the clothes he designs,” Johnson tells Vogue. “I feel so good in them.”
To mark the launch of the campaign – and this long-awaited Michele-Johnson reunion – Vogue caught up with Johnson on the eve of its release. Here, she discusses her friendship with Michele, what she’s shopping for this autumn (especially now that her dog has eaten all her shoes), and why you’ll never catch her method dressing.
Hi Dakota! 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?
“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. As a friend, I feel like he and I have known each other in lives before this one. We have such a magical, deep friendship and love for each other, and a mutual respect and admiration for each other’s minds that I just am so grateful for.”
Dakota Johnson and Alessandro Michele on set.
Photo: Courtesy of Valentino
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.”
