PEAKLIFE

Ermenegildo Zegna reveals campaign starring Robert De Niro and McCaul Lombardi.

Ever since Gildo Zegna took over as CEO of Ermenegildo Zegna, there have been numerous major changes at this fashion brand. Not only has he shifted the focus of tailoring clothing to sports, but he also expanded the Ermenegildo Zegna to new market.

Entitling to a new brand statement – Defining Moments – marks the first expression of the new emotionally connected voice in which Ermenegildo Zegna will henceforth talk with its community around the globe.

The campaign starring Robert De Niro and McCaul Lombardi is to express the values by the actions. Robert De Niro’s face, voice, and inimitable creative mannerisms have made him one of the greatest actors of our times. He needs no introduction – although you might have noticed he’s no fashion ad regular. McCaul Lombardi, however, you possibly have not yet heard of: for this young, inquisitive and intelligent actor is at the start of a career whose breakout part in American Honey in 2016 has won him sudden Hollywood traction. Although born of two different generations, both men have an affinity that transcends age. They share a vocation, a heritage – both are Italian-American – as well as a natural elegance of style and boldness of character.

Together with Alessandro Sartori, Artistic Director for Ermenegildo Zegna, and the film-maker Francesco Carrozzini these two actors met in Los Angeles towards the end of 2016. What followed was a four-way, free form dialogue; the designer, the filmmaker and the stars of Defining Moments all brought their expertise and opinions to bear in search of the most beautiful conclusion possible.

Carrozzini’s short movies star De Niro and Lombardi interacting both with each other and the Zegna garments that they have chosen to wear. Whether on the road, on the shoot, or at in moments of repose in between, the two actors – one richly experienced, the other still with so much experience to come – share their Defining Moments. De Niro discusses his mentors, his philosophy of risk-taking, what draws him to a role – as well as what makes him shy away from them – and the city that owns his heart. Lombardi, naturally, is respectful of the master – visibly awe-struck to be in his company – but also keen to share his insights and experience, some of which De Niro recognizes in himself.

The discovery of affinity and mutual learning through conversation that is free, real and passionate lies at the heart of the new Ermenegildo Zegna strategy. Carrozzini’s movies will be released digitally on our social and digital channels in tandem with the release of traditional editorial campaigns starring De Niro, Lombardi, and the Spring Summer 2017 Ermenegildo Zegna collection.

Ermenegildo Zegna plans this to be the start of many more conversations held under the Defining Moments banner. They would plan a forum for the nourishment of enquiring minds by hosting a series of informal eclectic events at which some of the greatest, passionate, stylish, authentic and successful men in their fields will be invited. Deepening the dialogue with the customers, by offering a richer choice of bespoke experience of the brand and products – and to share what defines Zegna.