When you think of someone posing on the set of a photoshoot, we're betting you're imagining them sitting or standing still, limbs carefully arranged. But when the late photographer Philippe Halsman (1906-79) made the unconventional request of asking celebrities to jump in the air for him, he reversed this concept, resulting in some of the most iconic images in the history of photography. As Halsman explained, “People always strive to maintain control when they’re in front of the camera. But when I asked them to jump, things went in an unexpected direction. Jumping made them reveal their true selves.”
In our exclusive shoot with Real Madrid star David Alaba and Zegna, we pay homage to Halsman with Alaba's own ‘jump’ moment. Dressed in four looks from the iconic Italian brand's new Oasi Cashmere collection and paired with the brand’s innovative Triple Stitch™ sneakers, the ‘jump’ represents more than first meets the eye. This single movement also represents Zegna's leap towards a more sustainable future.
Superior quality
Zegna pieces are renowned for their wearability, comfort and lightness. Crafted with natural fibres, they're characterised by clean designs, soft lines, and an oversized aesthetic. Casual yet elegant, the brand's range of blazers, bomber jackets and trousers reflects the modern man's desire for versatility, comfort and style.
Pictured below, Alaba wears a bright yellow jumper in lightweight cashmere, evoking the warmth of the summer sun, teamed with an rust-coloured cashmere tracksuit. Easy to wear and to mix and match, these comfortable pieces can be taken from business to casual; day to night. With 113 years of Italian tailoring expertise behind its belt, with Zegna, you can rest assured that all items are produced using the highest quality materials.
Triple Stitch™ sneakers in denim with contrasting elastic, by Zegna. Overshirt in wool and silk with matching trousers, also by Zegna.
Designed under the creative guidance of Zegna’s artistic director Alessandro Sartori, the Triple Stitch™ sneaker adds a contemporary touch to any look. Inspired by the laidback, effortless aesthetic of espadrilles, the trainers incorporate natural materials, from the finest cotton denim to hand-crafted leather. Bridging modern design with traditional craftsmanship, the three crossed elastics pay homage to the hand-sewn saddle stitch, a distinctive feature of the brand’s signature tailored jackets. This exemplifies Zegna’s commitment to a more sustainable future, where traceability plays a vital role.
Crafted for tomorrow
The inspiration behind Zegna’s new collection stems from the motto ‘crafted for tomorrow’, which reflects the brand’s ongoing dedication to the vision of founder Ermenegildo Zegna, who believed that the quality he sought in his products couldn't be separated from a positive relationship with nature and people. Over a century later, the Zegna group continues to honour this philanthropic spirit in numerous ways. Oasi Zegna, a free-access nature park spanning 100km² across the Biellese Alps in northern Italy, was established by the Zegna group in 1993, and aims to preserve the natural richness of the landscape and enhance the surrounding countryside and community by protecting the harmonious relationship between humans and nature for the benefit of future generations.
Today, this same commitment is visible in Zegna’s goal of making its entire supply chain traceable by 2024. The fibres used in the fabrics of the Oasi Cashmere collection are responsibly sourced from a supply chain spanning the vast plains of Mongolia to Zegna’s workshops in Piedmont, Italy. Skilled artisans transform these fibres into timeless pieces that reflect Ermenegildo Zegna’s belief in true sustainability and innovation, achieved through the respectful acquisition, weaving and treatment of raw materials in accordance with the land and its traditions. This virtuous circle establishes a connection between people and the land — an important leap forward towards the future and beyond.
