Zara, Inditex’s main brand, is preparing to launch a campaign for its highly anticipated collection in partnership with renowned Italian designer Stefano Pilati. The ad, which will feature the designer himself alongside famed Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen, is set to debut on October 3. This collection, which includes prêt-à-porter garments and accessories for men and women, will be officially unveiled at the ongoing Paris Fashion Week.
The ad for the collection was shot in New York by renowned American fashion photographer Steven Meisel, who is recognised for his brilliant black-and-white portraiture. The arresting photographs show Stefano Pilati and Gisele Bündchen wearing key pieces from the ‘Stefano Pilati x Zara’ capsule collection.
Reflecting the unmistakable style that has made Stefano Pilati a household name in fashion, the collection is distinguished by its timeless elegance, with fluid fabrics and expertly fitted designs that emanate both refinement and ease. As FashionNetwork.com revealed earlier this month, the collection will include 30 items made for both men and women, as well as a wide range of accessories such as shoes and leather products.
Stefano Pilati, a Milan-born designer, has developed his remarkable career by holding key positions at some of the most prestigious fashion firms, including Yves Saint Laurent, where he was creative director, and Ermenegildo Zegna, where he was head designer. Pilati is currently focussing on his personal brand, Random Identities, which he created in 2017. Random Identities, known for its creative approach and gender-fluid collections, has become an industry cult favourite due to its avant-garde designs. In addition to his own label, Pilati has worked with other luxury powerhouses in recent years, including major collaborations with Fendi and Louis Vuitton.
This collaboration is part of Zara’s ongoing goal to strengthen its brand position through high-profile collaborations. Zara has collaborated with prominent designers like Narciso Rodríguez, Kassl Editions, and Ader Error in recent years. The latter cooperation saw Zara make its first foray into the digital arena by joining the Zepeto metaverse. Zara has collaborated with British stylist Harry Lambert to produce a colourful and whimsical circus-inspired collection.
Aside from Zara’s own collaborations, its sister brand, Zara Home, has made tremendous progress in growing its profile through partnerships with recognised names. Zara Home just launched an interesting collaboration with the respected French publishing house Éditions Gallimard.
Zara was founded in 1974 and closed in 2023 with a retail network of 1,811 stores globally, including company-owned and franchised sites. Zara is part of Inditex’s extensive portfolio, which also includes well-known fashion brands such as Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Pull&Bear, Oysho, Zara Home, and Lefties.
On the economic front, Inditex, led by Marta Ortega, is still performing well. According to its most recent financial statement, the firm reported revenue of €18.065 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year, a 7.2% rise over the same time in the previous fiscal year.
The Arteixo-based corporation is also going through a period of considerable operational changes. The group’s newest upgrades include the appointment of directors from its Bershka and Stradivarius brands to its executive committee. Zara is also boosting the development of its second-hand platform, demonstrating the brand’s growing commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. The corporation is also improving its digital skills with the debut of Zara’s livestream shopping service.
