The Outnet Fall 2017 campaign. Photographed by Riccardo Vimercati
American model, actress, fashion designer, and activist Amber Valletta has been tapped to star in luxury E-commerce platform The Outnet’s Fall 2017 campaign. Valletta features alongside Missy Rayder for the advertorial stills and video, which were shot in London by fashion photographer Riccardo Vimercati. A seasoned supermodel, the 43-year-old beauty continues to prove that she’s still got it, recently closing Versace’s Fall 2017 Ready-to-Wear show in February.
BTS of The Outnet Fall 2017 campaign. Photographed by Riccardo Vimercati
Valletta, whose career spans over two decades, made her modeling debut at the tender age of 15 and went on to become one of the most recognizable faces and a household name, alongside Kate Moss, Carolyn Murphy, and Shalom Harlow. Her CV includes working as the face of a number of prestigious brands including Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Valentino, Gucci, and Versace. She first appeared on Vogue’s pages 23-years-ago and went on to land her first of sixteen Vogue covers at the age of 18.
The Outnet Fall 2017 campaign. Photographed by Riccardo Vimercati
Amber Valletta speaks to Vogue Arabia about her wardrobe heroes, her Outnet Fall 2017 campaign, red carpet dress code, and the Vogue cover she is most proud of.
Out of all of your Vogue covers, which ones are you especially proud of?
My very first Vogue cover [photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, February 1993] and the one with my son [photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue US, February 1993]—that’s important because he was the third male to be on the cover ever and the first child.
What is your first memory working with Vogue?
I have so many good memories working Vogue, tons of covers with Kate [Moss], Linda [Evangelista], Shalom [Harlow] where we are dancing and laughing, shooting with Meisel… Those are probably my favorite memories.
How do you approach each fashion shoot?
Work is always work; although it can be fun and enjoyable too. But you are there to make sure that the client gets what they need.
Describe the mood on set of TheOutnet shoot.
We had so much fun shooting this particular campaign. [The clothes?] Oh, the Stella McCartney pieces were my favorites.
Let’s talk shopping. What is your favorite key piece to buy on repeat?
Shoes! Saint Laurent ankle boots and sandals in summer. Always.
Sneakers or stilettos?
Mmm, tricky… Sneakers, at the moment. But I would normally answer stilettos.
Online or in-store?
Half and half. I still like going into stores a lot, but there’s the convenience factor when going online.
Describe two items that you have always adored from your closet, no matter what the trends dictate.
My vintage Levi’s that I’ve had for years. Then my Ossie Clarke pieces and my vintage Chanel—they are just so timeless.
Name three luxury brands that you gravitate towards.
Saint Laurent, Alexandre Vauthier, and I always love John Galliano, whatever he does.
It’s a big premiere night, what do you feel like “yourself” in? A suit? An evening dress?
More often than not it would be a dress. Suits can be too casual or limiting, unless they are really standout, like a Tom Ford or Saint Laurent full look. A dress is usually easier. I take each red carpet for what it is and I ask myself: what is the feel? Where is it? And I base my outfit decision on my current mood.
Modelling is becoming increasingly diverse. Do you think this has been a long time coming?
Fashion is a modern, evolving industry and we thrive on change and the times are changing and we should reflect that. The world is more connected than ever before, so it makes sense that there’s more inclusion. It should have always been. But we are seeing culture and style from all around the world because of digital. All sorts of women should be represented by fashion, different body types, age, and race.
Where would you like to visit in the Middle East?
I’d love to go to Jordan and lots of different regions of the Middle East to explore the history and culture. I also happen to love Middle Eastern food.
What is in the pipeline for you for 2017?
I’m looking for a great acting project to appear. I will take a nice break in August. You never know in fashion what is just around the corner…
