Dakota Johnson has been unveiled as the new face of Valentino’s cruise 2026 campaign, starring in a series of advertisements that feature a $9,900 red mini dress, which has also been worn by celebrities like Meghann Fahy and Miley Cyrus, making it a standout piece in current fashion trends. The campaign, released on November 6, 2025, includes both still images and a video, showcasing Johnson in a relaxed, post-evening scene that captures the essence of Alessandro Michele’s artistic vision for the brand.
In the campaign, Johnson lies on a brown carpet, wearing a red silk chiffon mini dress with cutouts on the torso and frilly off-the-shoulder straps, accessorized with a gold phone, kicked-off aqua heels, and a scattered bag to evoke a tired return from a night out. The dress, priced at $9,900, is part of Valentino’s cruise 2026 collection, which debuted in June and marks Michele’s first as creative director, emphasizing a narrative-driven approach to fashion. Shot by Marili Andre, the images and video aim to tell individual stories, with Johnson joined by other stars like Marisa Berenson, Dev Hynes, Anne Imhof, Tate McRae, and Devon Teuscher in separate hotel rooms, all set to Chopin’s “Nocturne In E Flat” and described as “fragments of the universe.”
The red dress has already gained attention beyond the campaign, with actress Meghann Fahy wearing it to Valentino’s spring 2026 runway show in Paris in early October, and Miley Cyrus featuring it in a photoshoot for the November 2025 issue of French Vogue. This multi-celebrity endorsement highlights the dress’s appeal and versatility, reinforcing its status as a sought-after item in high-fashion circles. Alessandro Michele’s direction for the campaign builds on his signature style, initially presenting the collection with models shot from above on satin bedspreads, using props like rotary phones and guitars to enhance the storytelling and create a cohesive, dreamlike aesthetic.
Despite its luxury price tag, the dress remains available for purchase, targeting affluent consumers and fashion enthusiasts who seek to emulate celebrity style, while also signaling Valentino’s strategic push under Michele’s leadership to blend accessibility with exclusivity. The campaign not only elevates Johnson’s profile as a fashion icon but also sets the stage for future trends, likely influencing red carpet and everyday fashion with its bold design and celebrity associations. As Valentino continues to innovate, this launch underscores the brand’s commitment to artistic expression and its ability to capture cultural moments through collaborative, high-impact marketing.