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All Hail King Mariano Di Vaio In The New Dolce&Gabbana Campaign

Dolce and Gabbana, Mariano Di Vaio

Mariano Di Vaio. Courtesy of Dolce&Gabbana.

Picture the scene: the rustic aura of Montepulciano, central Italy. The elegant authenticity that radiates across Tuscany. An invigorating fusion of citrus, spice, and woody notes. Now bottle it, and you have Dolce&Gabbana’s newest scent, K by Dolce&Gabbana Eau de Parfum. It elevates the legacy of the Eau de Toilette, revealing a new warmth of spice and a more powerful woody base. At the center of the campaign is Italian influencer Mariano Di Vaio, a man who embodies the magnetism and strength of the modern Dolce&Gabbana hero. The model and actor reflects on what this year has meant for him– and how scent is empowering…

What does K by Dolce&Gabbana represent to you?

It tells the story of a man who is the king of his everyday life. To me, being a modern-day king means taking care of my family and my friends. It means always remembering my roots but also knowing where I’m going and looking towards the future. It also means being strong and confident, while understanding that there is a strength in kindness, and that you shouldn’t be afraid to show your feelings.

What do you love about this fragrance?

Many fragrances just smell good, but this one is inspirational – it makes me feel like the king of my own life. When you wear it, you feel like you can be authentically you.

Fragrances are said to evoke memories. What memories does this scent bring to you?

I love bold scents that boost my confidence. K by Dolce&Gabbana is such an empowering scent. For me, it evokes an image of the rugged landscapes of my homeland, Italy.

The new fragrance tells the story of the “modern king – balancing strength with a heart that is always kind.” How does this resonate with you?

The concept of being king of your everyday life is something I can relate to: I have a great family; I’m surrounded by friends, and I have a strong influence on my generation and the younger generation too. I feel I have a big responsibility in what I put out in the world, because I have so many people following me. But it doesn’t feel like a burden; it’s a privilege. I’m comfortable in my life and I do my best to inspire people. That’s what makes me feel like the king of my life, and I’m proud of what I’ve built at the age of 30.

How does it feel to work with Dolce&Gabbana again?

We’re perfect partners in crime. We have the same ideals, and we’re always perfectly aligned on everything, from Italianness to the importance of family and friends, traditions, and cultural heritage. I love working with a brand who shares my values. There’s mutual respect.

You wear many hats – actor, model, designer, blogger. What role do you prefer and how do you juggle the workload?

My most important role is that of father and family man. I love the various aspects of my job. My primary passion is acting. I studied hard to be an actor and left home at 18 to follow this dream. I went to New York and worked as a model to pay for acting school. My goal in the future is to cultivate this passion and take part in a movie.

K by Dolce&Gabbana Eau de Toilette and the new K by Dolce&Gabbana Eau de Parfum

K by Dolce & Gabbana Eau de Toilette and the new K by Dolce&Gabbana Eau de Parfum

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

To be authentic and to stay true to my beliefs and values. Which is why it’s so important to work with brands that share them. If you start diverting from what you believe in, people will see through it.

The K by Dolce&Gabbana campaign film centers on a theme of togetherness, something which is so important in the world right now. How did you and your family experience the pandemic?

The one thing that keeps us facing each day with courage is being together, close to one another, and connected. For us Italians, family comes first.

What have you learned these past months from life in lockdown?

That those everyday intimate moments with my family and friends are what’s the most important in life.

Read Next: Cover Story: Kadim Al Sahir on His Beloved Iraq and His Legacy

Originally published in Fall/Winter 2020 issue of Vogue Man Arabia.

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