Normally I am not a fan of the actor-driven fashion campaigns. The same goes for actor-driven fashion magazine covers. However, when it’s done right – as this season’s print campaign for Prada illustrates – it’s lovely. I like that Mr. Maguire has no previous/overt connection with Prada, so the association is unexpected. He has a beautiful, androgynous quality which suits the aesthetic of the fall/winter collection. Moreover, the campaign is clean and sharp; he doesn’t look like he’s “acting-modeling.”
Other previous campaigns I’ve liked include Tilda Swinton for Pringle, Charlotte Gainsbourg for Balenciaga (oh, so impossibly chic), and, Sofia Coppola’s dainty film for Miss Dior Cherie (complete with a rather dirty Brigitte Bardot song).
I’d like to see Ryan Gosling for John Varvatos, John Slattery for Brioni or Ralph Lauren, and Charlotte Rampling for just about anything.
Leonine Films 