Well Played, Donatella

What makes a good brand ambassador? The correct answer is surely “a synergy with the brand”. Much as people respect Cillian Murphy and Donatella Versace, it’s probably not off-beam to say most were surprised by their newly announced partnership, with the 47 year-old actor being unveiled Wednesday as the new face of Versace Icons. Murphy spent most of the Oppenheimer press tour in classic suits by the likes of Prada, Saint Laurent and Paul Smith – but by Oscar night, he was in a custom-made Versace tux, and will likely remain in one for the foreseeable. 

After playing a theoretical physicist who developed the atomic bomb, you can hardly blame Murphy for indulging in a dose of levity. Who wouldn’t want to swap a meaty, weighty role for a short and highly remunerated modelling stint with no lines to learn and nothing more onerous to do than look moody?

Whether other fashion houses wooed Murphy or not, this is a big coup for Versace. Bar Montblanc, he’s never been linked to a luxury brand before, which lends the relationship an integrity that is lacking in all too many brand ambassadorships. Murphy is one of those rare actors who, despite his vast fame, seems grounded and real. He’s also one of few male celebrities with the requisite stature always to look as though he’s wearing the clothes, rather than the clothes wearing him. Well played, Donatella.