Summary:
- Madonna recorded an Italian version of Patty Pravo's 1968 hit "La Bambola" for Dolce&Gabbana's The One fragrance campaign
- Photographer Mert Alas directed the video featuring Madonna and actor Alberto Guerra in a 1970s neorealist aesthetic
- The campaign marks the 20th anniversary relaunch of The One perfume in an Eau de Parfum Intense formula
Madonna has recorded a version of "La Bambola" in Italian for a new Dolce&Gabbana advertisement. The American singer performed the 1968 Patty Pravo song exclusively for the fashion house's campaign promoting The One fragrance.
Patty Pravo released "La Bambola" in 1968. The track became a defining moment in her career and continues to hold significance in Italian music history. The song addresses themes of freedom and personal independence. Dolce&Gabbana selected this particular track as the soundtrack for their latest promotional video, which centers on themes of boldness and self-assertion.
Photographer Mert Alas directed the advertisement. The visual narrative features Madonna alongside Mexican actor Alberto Guerra. The production places these two figures in a series of frozen moments designed to evoke a specific time period and aesthetic sensibility.
The advertisement draws visual references from Italian neorealist cinema of the 1970s. This stylistic choice creates an atmosphere filled with suspense, hidden agendas, and concealed desires. The color palette and symbolic elements work together to establish this mood throughout the frames.
Madonna takes the central role in the narrative. Her character embodies confidence, strength, and determination. The performance shows a woman who controls the story's direction through her distinct personality. The visual language presents her as someone who establishes her own terms rather than following existing patterns.
The advertisement depicts scenes of intimate exchanges, whispered conversations, and intense eye contact. These elements build a narrative about seduction and personal power. The creative direction positions sensuality as a form of agency. The portrayal challenges traditional gender dynamics and conventional expectations about romantic interaction.
This approach aligns with the brand's messaging for the fragrance. The One first entered the market two decades ago. Dolce&Gabbana now introduces an Eau de Parfum Intense formulation. The timing connects the fragrance relaunch with this high-profile advertising effort.
The decision to have Madonna sing in Italian adds a specific cultural dimension to the campaign. Her status as an American pop icon performing a classic Italian song creates a cross-cultural moment. The choice also links her global recognition with the fashion house's Italian heritage.
Alberto Guerra's presence in the advertisement provides a counterpoint to Madonna's character. Their interaction on screen drives the narrative forward through their staged encounters. The dynamic between the two performers supports the campaign's thematic focus on attraction and personal assertion.
Mert Alas brings his established reputation to the project. His photographic style has defined numerous fashion campaigns over his career. The visual execution reflects his signature approach to composition, lighting, and mood creation.
The fragrance relaunch uses this campaign to reposition The One for a new market moment. After twenty years, the brand seeks to reintroduce the scent with updated messaging while maintaining connection to its original identity. The Eau de Parfum Intense formulation represents a stronger concentration than previous versions.
Madonna's participation gives the campaign significant visibility. Her involvement extends beyond typical celebrity endorsements since she contributed a vocal performance specifically for this purpose. This level of creative collaboration between performer and brand distinguishes the effort from standard advertising partnerships.
The campaign's aesthetic choices root the modern fragrance in historical visual language. By referencing 1970s Italian cinema, the advertisement creates continuity between past and present. This temporal blending supports the narrative of a classic fragrance returning with renewed intensity.
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.