Read on FashionNetwork.comSarah Burton Debuts Givenchy Menswear Campaign with Paul Simonon and Rooney Mara
Sarah Burton has unveiled her first menswear vision for Givenchy in the Spring 2026 campaign, featuring iconic Clash bassist Paul Simonon and acclaimed actress Rooney Mara. Photographed by Collier Schorr and styled by Camilla Nickerson, the campaign showcases sharp black tailoring juxtaposed with modernist elements, continuing Burton's direction of adding smart suggestiveness to Givenchy's classic elegance. This marks the second installment in the house's Portrait Series, celebrating creative relationships between the designer and her muses.
Sarah Burton has unveiled her debut menswear vision for Givenchy in the Spring 2026 campaign, marking a significant milestone in her creative direction for the iconic fashion house. The campaign features legendary Clash bassist Paul Simonon alongside acclaimed actress Rooney Mara, both photographed by the celebrated artist Collier Schorr in what represents the second installment of Givenchy's Portrait Series.
Creative Direction and Styling
The campaign showcases Burton's distinctive approach to menswear, featuring both subjects in sharp black tailoring that exemplifies Givenchy's sophisticated aesthetic. Simonon appears in a razor-sharp wool suit paired with a high-collar men's shirt, while Mara complements the collection in a modernist white blouse that reflects signature elements of the house's DNA. The styling, overseen by noted editor Camilla Nickerson, creates a compelling visual narrative that bridges classic elegance with contemporary sensibilities.
Portrait Series Continuation
This campaign represents the second chapter in Givenchy's Portrait Series under Burton's creative direction. As Burton explained in her statement, "My friends are often my muses, and my muses often become friends. The second in our Portrait Series celebrates this creative relationship with both Rooney Mara and Paul Simonon." The series previously featured an impressive roster of supermodels including Adut Akech, Vittoria Ceretti, and Kaia Gerber, establishing a pattern of collaborating with culturally significant figures.
Burton's Givenchy Evolution
After more than a decade designing at Alexander McQueen, Burton transitioned to Paris in 2024 to lead Givenchy, an iconic house within the LVMH luxury empire. Her debut women's ready-to-wear collection in March 2025 received widespread admiration for its savvy nods to founder Hubert de Givenchy while introducing contemporary elements. The current menswear campaign continues this direction, adding what the house describes as "smart suggestiveness and a playful tone to Givenchy's classic elegance."
The Spring 2026 campaign not only introduces Burton's menswear vision but also reinforces her approach to blending heritage with modernity. By collaborating with cultural icons like Simonon and Mara, and working with photographer Collier Schorr known for her spirited realism, Burton continues to build upon Givenchy's legacy while establishing her own distinctive voice within the prestigious fashion house.
