A VISION OF AN OASIS
This new short film (commissioned by ZEGNA and directed by Boramy Viguier) follows the visionary British musician James Blake in Dubai for the Zegna Spring/Summer 2026 show.
As the official music advisor for the show, the short film, and its accompanying stills accompany Blake from dawn till dusk in the lead-up to the event. As the sun rises over an otherworldly landscape, where the sand meets sky, images of the majestic cityscape emerge.
Blake’s day reflects the diverse and rich experiences of a culture and place. The film captures sweeping shots of both the natural landscape and the visionary architecture of a most modern city. As the camera homes in on the show venue, the Dubai Opera, it cuts to Blake rehearsing on the piano, in preparation for the night ahead. His haunting vocals fill the empty auditorium.
“Creativity is often just about dreaming up future scenarios. It’s been something that I derive a lot of pleasure from: I love dreaming up new sounds and trying to explore things sonically. But that can take you away from the moment. The antidote to that is performing — it’s when I am most present. Performing does that, it can feel almost like an oasis" – James Blake.
Later that afternoon, a trip to the desert invites contemplation; in the barren landscape, a vision of Oasi Zegna materialises, mirage-like. Blake reflects on what it means to be a visionary – the precis of the collection. As a visionary artist, he has pioneered innovative sonic styles, as well as a new way of working in the industry — an independent model that allows for greater artistic integrity and, ultimately, greater freedom. “If you’re empowered and liberated, then that’s how you feel when you make music. That’s what it does to your creative process, too" – James Blake.
There are echoes of the legacy-building vision of Ermenegildo Zegna and his reimagining of Oasi Zegna. More than just a place, it is an idea and a livelihood where clothing and people can flourish together, and fashion becomes part of life’s most meaningful experiences.
