Dakota Johnson steps into spotlight as Valentino’s global muse

Actress and producer Dakota Johnson has been named global brand ambassador for Valentino, marking a stylish reunion with longtime friend and collaborator Alessandro Michele, now the creative director of the Roman fashion house.

“I’m elated to be joining the Valentino family, and beyond happy to be reunited with my dearest friend Alessandro Michele,” Johnson said in a statement. “I am honored and excited to begin this new chapter with a team of such wonderful and talented people.”

Johnson’s appointment comes just months after Michele took the creative reins at Valentino, following his celebrated tenure at Gucci. Johnson had served as a Gucci ambassador since 2017.

Known for her eclectic filmography, Johnson first appeared on screen at age 10 in Crazy in Alabama and rose to international prominence with her role as Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades franchise. In 2025, she appeared in the Cannes-premiered comedy Splitsville, and in Materialists, a romantic drama directed by Celine Song and co-starring Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal.

Johnson will headline the psychological romantic thriller Verity, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel in 2026. The film, directed by Michael Showalter, also stars Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett.

As Valentino’s newest global ambassador, Johnson joins a diverse lineup that includes musicians Clairo and Jeff Satur, actresses Sophie Thatcher and Lim Yoona, and Thai stars Freen Sarocha and Colman Domingo.