Valentino Beauty has unveiled Vendetta, its first major fragrance franchise launch in six years, reintroducing an iconic name from the Maison’s archives. Fronted by Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård as the brand’s new global beauty ambassadors, the campaign explores intimacy, individuality and modern romance through two complementary fragrances. Launching globally on August 24, Vendetta signals a confident new era for Valentino Beauty.

A Legendary Name Returns

Luxury fragrance often finds its greatest strength in balancing heritage with reinvention. Valentino Beauty has embraced that philosophy with the return of Vendetta, reviving one of the Maison’s most recognisable fragrance names while presenting an entirely contemporary vision for today’s global luxury consumer.

Originally introduced in 1991 under founder Valentino Garavani, Vendetta returns as Valentino Beauty’s most significant fragrance launch in six years. More than a revival, the collection represents the beginning of a new fragrance franchise designed to capture a younger generation of luxury buyers while remaining rooted in the elegance and sophistication that have long defined the Italian fashion house.

Launching first in selected Valentino boutiques and international airports before its worldwide release on August 24, Vendetta arrives with a cinematic campaign that places emotion, individuality and human connection at its centre.

Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård Lead a New Chapter

To introduce the new fragrance collection, Valentino Beauty has appointed Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård as its newest global beauty ambassadors.

The pairing brings together two performers recognised for their understated sophistication, magnetic screen presence and ability to convey emotional depth. Rather than presenting traditional notions of glamour, the campaign explores a relationship built on authenticity, vulnerability and shared confidence.

Alexander Skarsgård described joining Valentino Beauty as an exciting new chapter, highlighting the brand’s celebration of individuality, emotion and connection as qualities that immediately resonated with him.

Dakota Johnson echoed those sentiments, explaining that intimacy is rooted in honesty and genuine connection. She noted that Valentino Beauty creates products that celebrate personal identity while remaining sensual and deeply human, values that align naturally with her own perspective.

Together, they embody a modern interpretation of romance that feels effortless rather than theatrical.

An Intimate Story Captured by Inez & Vinoodh

The visual campaign has been created by celebrated photography duo Inez & Vinoodh, whose distinctive style has shaped some of fashion’s most memorable luxury campaigns.

Known for blending cinematic storytelling with striking portraiture, the Dutch American photographers present Johnson and Skarsgård as two lovers escaping the outside world together. Valentino describes the narrative as an “us against the world” journey, one that emphasises emotional closeness over spectacle.

The imagery captures moments of quiet intimacy rather than overt drama. Natural chemistry, confident elegance and understated sensuality define every frame, reflecting the campaign’s broader message that true luxury lies in authenticity and emotional connection.

Rather than relying on elaborate settings or visual excess, the campaign allows its ambassadors to communicate through subtle expressions and shared moments, reinforcing the emotional character of the fragrances themselves.

Two Fragrances, One Story

Vendetta has been conceived as a complementary fragrance duo, with separate interpretations for women and men that share a unified creative vision.

Vendetta Donna was composed by master perfumer Dominique Ropion in collaboration with perfumer Andrew Everett. The fragrance blends floral, gourmand and woody accords into a rich composition that reflects warmth, sophistication and modern femininity.

Its deep red appearance references Valentino’s signature house colour, instantly connecting the fragrance to the fashion Maison’s unmistakable visual identity.

Vendetta Uomo offers a different interpretation while maintaining the same emotional language. Created by master perfumer Marie Salamagne, the scent combines woody, spicy and gourmand notes to create a fragrance that is both refined and contemporary.

Together, the two fragrances are designed to complement one another rather than mirror each other, allowing each composition to maintain its own distinctive personality while sharing a common spirit.

Design Inspired by Couture

The fragrance bottles extend Valentino’s fashion language into the world of beauty.

Each bottle features a bold graphic “V” motif that immediately establishes its connection to the Maison. The sculptural design is elevated by pleated caps inspired by the folds and craftsmanship found in Valentino’s couture creations.

The result is packaging that feels architectural yet elegant, balancing contemporary minimalism with recognisable brand codes.

Like the fragrances themselves, the bottles have been created as companions. Individually they possess their own identity, but together they form a complete visual statement that reflects the relationship explored throughout the campaign.

This thoughtful attention to design reinforces Valentino Beauty’s commitment to creating products that are as visually desirable as they are sensorially memorable.

Heritage Meets Contemporary Luxury

Reviving the Vendetta name demonstrates Valentino Beauty’s growing confidence in drawing upon its heritage while remaining firmly focused on the future.

Luxury consumers increasingly seek authenticity and meaningful stories behind the products they purchase. By reintroducing a fragrance originally launched under Valentino Garavani himself, the Maison reconnects with an important chapter of its history while presenting it through a thoroughly modern lens.

The campaign avoids nostalgia for its own sake. Instead, it reinterprets the original spirit of Vendetta through contemporary storytelling, diverse creative talent and a more intimate understanding of modern relationships.

This balance between heritage and innovation has become one of the defining characteristics of today’s leading luxury brands.

Expanding Valentino Beauty’s Global Presence

The launch of Vendetta represents more than the arrival of a new fragrance. It signals Valentino Beauty’s ambition to strengthen its position within the increasingly competitive global prestige fragrance market.

Beginning its rollout in selected Valentino boutiques and international airport locations allows the Maison to engage both loyal clients and international luxury travellers before the fragrance becomes available worldwide.

The introduction of two internationally recognised ambassadors further broadens the collection’s appeal across multiple markets, while the cinematic campaign reinforces Valentino Beauty’s growing emphasis on emotional storytelling rather than traditional advertising.

As luxury beauty continues to evolve, fragrance remains one of the most powerful ways for fashion houses to express identity beyond the runway. Vendetta embraces that opportunity with confidence, offering a fragrance collection that feels deeply connected to Valentino’s heritage while speaking directly to a new generation of consumers.

With Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård bringing warmth, sophistication and authenticity to the campaign, Valentino Beauty has reintroduced an iconic name through a distinctly modern perspective. Vendetta is not simply the return of a celebrated fragrance. It is the beginning of a new chapter where romance, craftsmanship and individuality come together in a collection designed to leave a lasting impression.

Written By: Lydia Kelly

Published: 22nd July 2026