How Diego Luna Dresses Like a Director in Cannes

Though he starred in two films that debuted in Cannes in the early aughts —2003’s Soldiers of Salamina and 2007’s Mister Lonely by Harmony Korine — the first time Diego Luna walked the film festival’s red carpet came when he presented his narrative directorial debut, 2010’s Abel.

It was a family affair as Luna attended with his longtime close friend, Gael Garcia Bernal, who executive produced the film, and his own father. This many years later, Luna still remembers every detail of the screening and how he dedicated the showing to his dad. Luna is back on the Croisette again this year and the family bonds are strong once again. He’s here to present his latest directorial effort, Ashes, attending with his son, and he’ll be making the promotional rounds wearing looks by Zegna.

Luna has a history with the Italian luxury house that dates back nearly 20 years to when he starred in a Zegna campaign. But rather than outgrow an early fashion partnership, Luna has leaned more fully into wearing finely tailored suits and tuxedos for major red carpet appearances, such as the recent Golden Globes.

Ahead of walking the Palais red carpet for film festival’s opening night ceremony, The Hollywood Reporter spent a few quality minutes with Zegna in a suite at Hotel Martinez to talk about how he adjusts his style strategy when debuting a film as a director rather than actor, what he loves about Zegna and his favorite Cannes memory.

You’ve been to Cannes many times before. It must feel wildly different to be here now with a film you directed and with your son?

Yeah. I came in 2010 with the first fiction film I directed [Abel] and my dad came with me. I still remember the whole screening and how important it was for me to share it with him, so much that I dedicated the screening to him. It’s kind of nice to think about how much time has passed and now I’m here with my son. A lot of things have happened for me at this festival.

I noticed you were also here for the 70th and 75th festival anniversary celebrations. What do you remember about those milestones?

It was great. The festival that I enjoyed the most was when I was on the jury for Un Certain Regard. It was fabulous — like a dream. You cannot get used to something like that because they treat you amazingly well. You get to watch so many films and sit with other artists who are fantastic to listen to and share ideas and reflections with. It’s 10 days of movie watching with great food and the best possible company. You come out of an experience like that as a different person, enriched in every possible way.

We’re here to talk Zegna. You have a deep history with the brand.

We go way back.

I found a Zegna campaign from 2007 that you starred in.

Yes, I did a campaign for two years, or something close. It was a lot of photo shoots all around. I loved it because at the time, it was so new for me. I got to wear clothes and suits that were custom made and tailored for me, so everything fit like a glove. It was so cool. I even got to go to Italy a lot and meet with Zegna. My photo was everywhere, and my friends used to make fun of me when they saw my face at the bus stop or in subways. My friends sent me so many pictures of them posing in front of me. It was amazing. I wore those suits for a decade of my life.

You started wearing Zegna in your 20s and you’re still working with the brand today. That’s rare in terms of fashion partnerships, to have such longevity.

Yes, because it’s good. The clothes fit amazingly well and everything is very nice so it’s easy for me.

What is it about Zegna that works for you?

It feels very simple. But at the same time, I know how much work goes into making the clothes they make. When you put on Zegna, it feels very easy as if it’s made for your body because it fits so nicely. It doesn’t feel imposing or that it’s taking over you. I don’t have to think too much about it because it’s so comfortable and well-made.

That must be very important when you’re getting ready for a red carpet or a big event, like presenting your film in Cannes?

Yes, true. For example, this tuxedo that I’m wearing right now [for opening ceremony], the design features wide leg pants that are high waisted. It’s more out there than what I would normally wear. For my premiere on Wednesday, I will wear something more classic since it’s my film and I’m not acting in it. I have to behave and be properly dressed for group pictures with the team. I don’t want to be the one wearing something too crazy. The beauty of that is that Zegna has both and everything looks amazing.

So not the brown tuxedo you wore to the Golden Globes?

No, definitely not. [Laughs]

That’s a style rule I don’t think many people realize. Why is it important to you as a filmmaker not to outshine your actors?

It’s about sharing the moment with the whole team and making sure we all blend and look like a team. There’s a time and a place for everything, but this one is a very special moment because it’s very much about the four years of hard work done in collaboration. It should be about the whole team, not any one individual.

When it comes to the more casual Zegna looks, what do you gravitate toward?

I love having Zegna help me because they make something for every part of the journey. They have clothes that work for morning events, easy going interviews, press junkets and then very dressy events. It can be simple. It can be very monochromatic. I can be a bit boring myself and they have room for people like me.