Zara, the flagship brand of the Inditex group, is set to launch the campaign for its highly anticipated collection in collaboration with renowned Italian designer Stefano Pilati. The campaign, which will star the designer himself alongside iconic Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen, is scheduled for release on October 3. This collection, consisting of prêt-à-porter pieces and accessories for both men and women, will be officially presented during the ongoing Paris Fashion Week.

The collection’s campaign was photographed by the acclaimed American fashion photographer Steven Meisel in New York, known for his masterful black-and-white portraiture. The striking images feature Stefano Pilati and Gisele Bündchen dressed in key pieces from the ‘Stefano Pilati x Zara’ capsule collection.

Reflecting the distinct style that has made Stefano Pilati a household name in fashion, the collection is characterised by its timeless elegance, with fluid fabrics and impeccably tailored silhouettes that exude both refinement and ease. As previously reported by FashionNetwork.com earlier this month, the collection will encompass 30 pieces, designed for both men and women, alongside a broad selection of accessories, including shoes and leather goods. 

Stefano Pilati, a Milan-born designer, has built his illustrious career through significant roles at some of the most revered fashion houses, including Yves Saint Laurent, where he served as creative director, and Ermenegildo Zegna, where he was head of design. Now, Pilati is focusing on his personal brand, Random Identities, which he founded in 2017. Known for its creative approach and gender-fluid collections, Random Identities has become a cult favorite in the industry for its avant-garde designs. In addition to his own label, Pilati has also collaborated with other luxury powerhouses in recent years, including notable partnerships with brands such as Fendi and Louis Vuitton.

This collaboration is part of Zara’s ongoing strategy to enhance its brand positioning through high-profile partnerships. Over the past few years, Zara has joined forces with a number of influential designers and collectives, including Cuban-American designer Narciso Rodríguez, Dutch creative collective Kassl Editions, and South Korean label Ader Error. The latter collaboration saw Zara take its first steps into the digital realm with an entry into the Zepeto metaverse. Most recently, Zara teamed up with British stylist Harry Lambert to create a colorful and whimsical circus-inspired collection.

Beyond Zara’s own collaborations, its sister brand, Zara Home, has also made significant strides in building its reputation through partnerships with established names. Just this month, Zara Home announced an exciting collaboration with the prestigious French publishing house Éditions Gallimard.

Founded in 1974, Zara closed 2023 with a retail network of 1,811 stores worldwide, spanning both company-owned and franchised locations. Zara forms part of the expansive Inditex portfolio, which boasts a range of other well-known fashion brands such as Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Pull&Bear, Oysho, Zara Home, and Lefties.

On the economic front, Inditex, under the leadership of Marta Ortega, continues to perform strongly. According to its most recent financial update, the group reported a revenue of €18.065 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year, representing a 7.2% increase compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. 

The Arteixo-based conglomerate is also undergoing a period of significant operational developments. Among the latest updates from the group are the addition of the directors of its Bershka and Stradivarius brands to its executive committee. Furthermore, Zara is accelerating the development of its second-hand platform, reflecting the brand’s growing commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. The company is also enhancing its digital capabilities with the introduction of Zara’s livestream shopping service