Italian luxury menswear label, Ermenegildo Zegna has been dressing men since 1910 and has been pivotal in defining the menswear conversation. The latest Ermenegildo Zegna Spring Summer 2021 campaign is no exception.

In September 2019, Ermenegildo Zegna took one step further to encourage conversation on #WHATMAKESAMAN. It was a controversial move because there was simply no one true definition. But herein lies the beauty — one’s self-definition is the utmost epitome of being his own man. This guiding question has since been woven into the fabric of everything at Ermenegildo Zegna — to foster a global community to share a common objective of exploring the complexities and intricacies of modern masculinity, encouraging dialogue as a way to effect progress. 

Staying the course in 2020, the Ermenegildo Zegna #WHATMAKESAMAN campaign continued the conversation through the lens of sustainability. Capturing the zeitgeist of the moment, artistic director Alessandro Sartori designed the 2020 collections with upcycled materials from previous collections. Sporting the #UseTheExisting label, Sartori is hoping to realise the dream of zero waste with the redefining of upcycled fabrics, much like the evolving ideas about masculinity of #WHATMAKESAMAN.

For the Ermenegildo Zegna Spring Summer 2021 campaign, #WHATMAKESAMAN further evolves to include a new perspective — loved ones considering the contemporary ideals that matter when it comes to the men in their lives. 

The visuals of the Ermenegildo Zegna Spring Summer 2021 campaign see intimate portraits between model, singer and songwriter Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis and his mother, five time César Award-winning actress Isabelle Adjani (FYI: his father is also Academy Award-winner actor Daniel Day-Lewis).

Shot against a natural backdrop inspired by Oasi Zegna (the birthday of the Italian Maison where founder Ermenegildo Zegna began planting more than 500,000 trees stretching 100km²), the pair sports the Ermenegildo Zegna Spring Summer 2021 collection in fluid silhouettes and earthy colours that reflect the landscape.

Apart from the wardrobe from the Ermenegildo Zegna Spring Summer 2021 runway presentation, Day-Lewis and Adjani are also photographed in reimagined wardrobe classics that use the #UseTheExisting fabrics — Modern Tailoring looks extended to include bombers and overshirts for a reinterpretation of the monochromatic suit and Luxury Leisurewear looks comprised of hybrid garments in casual silhouettes that are fluid, comfortable and adaptable.

The combined perspective of mother and son, Adjani and Day-Lewis expresses how important it is to grow up with positive principles passed down by the ones closest to us. Adjani shares, “Sometimes my son sounds like he has an old soul. Behind the boy that’s sometimes rebellious and really stubborn, there is so much wisdom and beautiful philosophy about love and kindness and generosity.”

Bringing women into the next chapter of #WHATMAKESAMAN is also witnessed in the following Ermenegildo Zegna Fall Winter 2021 collection. Men’s Folio will also be participating in the conversation for the upcoming March 2021 issue, so look out for it!

Once you’re done shedding a tear thanks to the story of the Ermenegildo Zegna Spring Summer 2021 campaign, call your mom to tell her you love her or click here to catch up with our February 2021 issue.