Although he starred in two films that debuted at Cannes in early August — 2003’s Salamina Soldiers and Harmony Korine’s 2007 Mister Lonely — the first time Diego Luna walked a film festival red carpet was when he made his feature directorial debut in 2010. Abel.
It was a family affair as Luna attended with his close friend Gael Garcia Bernal, who produced the film, and his father. Many years later, Luna still remembers every detail of the show and how he dedicated the show to his father. Luna returned to the Croisette again this year and her family ties became strong again. He’s here to present his latest directorial effort, ashHe will be attending with his son, and will be making promotional tours wearing looks from the Zegna brand.
Luna has a history with the Italian luxury house dating back nearly 20 years when he starred in a Zegna campaign. But instead of moving on from her early fashion partnerships, Luna has gone full-throttle toward wearing impeccably tailored suits and tuxedos for major red carpet appearances, like the recent Golden Globes.
Before walking the red carpet at the palace to attend the opening ceremony of the film festival, Hollywood Reporter He spent a few pleasant minutes with Zegna in a suite at the Hotel Martinez to talk about how he adjusted his style strategy when making his film debut as a director rather than an actor, what he loves about Zegna and his favorite Cannes memories.
I’ve been to Cannes many times before. It must be very different to be here now with a film you directed and with your son?
Yes. In 2010, I came out with the first feature film I directed[[Abel]And my father came with me. I still remember the whole show and how important it was to share it with him, so much so that I dedicated it to him. It’s nice to think about how much time has passed and now I’m here with my son. Many things happened to me at this festival.
I noticed you were also here to celebrate the 70th and 75th anniversaries of the festival. What do you remember about those landmarks?
It was great. The festival I enjoyed the most was when I was a member of the jury for Un Certain Regard. It was wonderful – like a dream. You can’t get used to something like this because they treat you amazingly well. You can watch many films and sit with other artists who are great to listen to and share thoughts and reflections with. It’s 10 days of movies with great food and the best company possible. You come out of an experience like this a different person, enriched in every possible way.
We’re here to talk to Xenia. You have a deep history with the brand.
We go back.
I found a Zegna campaign from 2007 that I starred in.
Yes, I campaigned for two years, or something close to that. There were lots of photographs everywhere. I loved it because at the time it was very new to me. I had to wear clothes and suits that were specially designed for me, so that everything fit like a glove. It was so wonderful. I even had to go to Italy more often and meet with Xenia. My picture was everywhere, and my friends would make fun of me when they saw my face at the bus stop or on the subway. My friends sent me a lot of pictures of them standing in front of me. It was amazing. I’ve worn those suits for a decade of my life.
You started wearing Zegna in your 20s and still work with the brand today. This is a rare thing when it comes to fashion partnerships, to have such a longevity.
Yes, because it’s good. The clothes fit me amazingly and everything is so nice so it’s easy for me.
What is it about Zegna that suits you?
It feels so simple. But at the same time, I know how much work goes into the clothes they make. When you wear Zegna, it feels so easy and as if it was made for your body because it fits you so well. It doesn’t feel forced or like it’s controlling you. You don’t have to think too much about it because it is very comfortable and well made.
This must be very important when you are preparing for the red carpet or a big event, such as presenting your film at Cannes?
Yes, correct. For example, this tuxedo I’m wearing right now [for opening ceremony]The design features wide-legged trousers with a high waist. It’s more present than what I usually wear. For my premiere on Wednesday, I will be wearing something more classic because it is my film and I will not be acting in it. I must behave and dress appropriately to take group photos with the team. I don’t want to be the person who wears something too crazy. The beauty of it is that Zegna has both and everything looks amazing.
So, isn’t that the brown suit you wore to the Golden Globes?
No, definitely not. [Laughs]
This is a stylistic rule that I don’t think many people realize. Why is it important for you as a director not to outshine your actors?
It’s about sharing the moment with the whole team and making sure we all fit in and look like one team. There is a time and place for everything, but this is a very special moment because it is largely about four years of hard work done collaboratively. It should be about the whole team, not one individual.
When it comes to Zegna’s casual looks, what do you gravitate towards?
I love that Zegna helps me because they offer something for every part of the trip. They have clothes for morning events, easy interviews, press events, and then very elegant events. It can be simple. It can be very monochromatic. I can be a bit boring and they have room for people like me.
