Dakota Johnson takes centre stage in ‘Nocturne’, the first Valentino campaign under Alessandro Michele — a poetic exploration of rest and intimacy.
Valentino unveils ‘Nocturne’, its new advertising campaign for the Cruise 2026 collection, with Dakota Johnson as the leading figure. It marks the first collaboration between the actress and the Roman fashion house since Alessandro Michele took over as Creative Director, signalling the beginning of a new chapter for both the brand and their creative partnership.
Captured by Marili Andre, the star of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ appears suspended between wakefulness and sleep — what Michele describes as “an intermediate time where consciousness surrenders and reality becomes soft.” Set within a hotel — “that liminal space where intimacy and anonymity coexist” — the campaign explores the quiet beauty of the moments before rest, when the mind detaches from the noise of the day.
Alongside Johnson appear icons such as Marisa Berenson, singer and dancer Tate McRae, British producer Dev Hynes, German artist Anne Imhof and American ballerina Devon Teuscher, sharing intimate scenes in luxurious interiors: lying on a bed, playing guitar, or simply resting under soft light.
“Nothing brings me more joy than collaborating with people I love, admire and respect. I’m so happy to join the Valentino family. Alessandro is one of the most inspiring people I know, and I’m honoured to work with him again,” said Dakota Johnson.
With ‘Nocturne’, Valentino cements its new aesthetic under Michele’s direction — poetic, introspective, and profoundly human. A visual ode to the night as a sanctuary of beauty and contemplation.
