John Turturro – actor, storyteller, all-around legend – embarks on a two-day journey through the world of Zegna, and, in doing so, takes us on an odyssey through time, heritage and the beauty of a well-made suit. Dubbed The Legend Of Vellus Aureum: A Family Thread, the latest cinematic vision from the Italian fashion house, directed by Boramy Viguier, follows Turturro as he steps inside the hallowed halls of the it’s birthplace in Trivero, before making his way to the grand unveiling of its autumn/winter 2025 collection in Milan. “Zegna’s vision of blending legacy, craftsmanship and innovation resonates deeply with me,” says Turturro in an interview. “I admire Zegna’s unwavering dedication to its roots while embracing innovation. From their transgenerational ethos to their meticulous attention to detail in crafting garments that combine function with unmatched elegance, Zegna stands as a testament to timeless Italian style. The way Alessandro Sartori reinterprets the founder’s wardrobe into modern, deconstructed silhouettes.
For Turturro, born in Brooklyn in 1957 to Italian immigrant grandparents from Sicily and Giovinazzo, this is more than just a tour of beautifully preserved archives and lush Italian landscapes – it’s a homecoming of sorts. Clad in Zegna’s exquisite Vellus Aureum fine wool collection, he moves through the Founder’s Villa and Ermenegildo Zegna’s original office, pausing to reflect on the craftsmanship and obsessive dedication that built one of Italy’s greatest fashion houses. He says, “[Zegna’s] emphasis on the Vellus Aureum – a rare and extraordinary wool that represents the pinnacle of luxury – symbolises a commitment to excellence that aligns with my appreciation for artistry in every form.” In the film he muses on excellence, legacy and the enduring importance of a job well done. Because, let’s be honest, if there’s anyone who knows the power of great storytelling, it’s John Turturro. In Severance, he conjures a dogged worker bee persona and in The Batman he transforms into a ruthless mob boss. And then, with Zegna, because it’s Turturro and because the house knows a thing or two about blending elegance with wit, there’s that moment. The actor – who, let’s not forget, gave us The Big Lebowski’s most flamboyant bowler – steps onto the scene once more. But instead of a bowling ball? A Bocce ball. It’s a delicious nod to humour, tradition and the way history can be rewritten in the most unexpected ways.
The second act unfolds in Milan, where Turturro readies himself for Zegna’s AW25 show in a palace fit for the occasion. Here, he leans into the rituals of dressing – the act of preparing, of caring, of passing something down. “You don’t have to travel on the same path as everyone else,” he says. “Don’t always follow where the road leads you, go instead, where your instincts take you and leave a trail.” It’s a philosophy that feels as relevant to fashion as it does to life, and a lesson he has tried to pass down to his own children.
Off camera, when the show actually kicked off, Turturro was one of a few famous faces to strut their stuff on the runway. He wore a lavish Vellus Aureum wool coat with a cream shearling collar, slouchy black trousers and a finely knit V-neck jumper over a poplin shirt.
“What I’ve grown to love about Zegna is its ability to transcend fashion, becoming a bridge between nature, heritage and human creativity. Learning about the journey of the Vellus Aureum – from the fine Merino wool sourced in Australia to its transformation into fabrics that feel as if they’re woven with history – has been profoundly moving. It’s not just about garments; it’s about storytelling, legacy and the pursuit of something extraordinary,” Turturro comments.
At its core, A Family Thread isn’t just about tailoring or tradition – it’s about the stories we inherit, the ones we create and the ones we choose to wear. And with Turturro as our guide, every frame is infused with meaning, mischief and just the right amount of Italian flair.
Photography courtesy of Zegna.
