Mads Mikkelsen and ZEGNA Cut the Ribbon on "VILLA ZEGNA" In Shanghai

Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen is all about ZEGNA. The critically-acclaimed star rose to fame on Danish television before starring in silver screen pictures, including Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Doctor Strange.

Mikkelsen is stepping away from the camera to join ZEGNA for the grand opening of “VILLA ZEGNA” in Shanghai. The Global brand ambassador tours “VILLA ZEGNA” in the inaugural campaign, taking his bold attitude across the pond. Inspired by Ermenegildo Zegna‘s 100-kilometer Italian home, the unique experience is a window into the brand’s elevated ethos. ZEGNA’s oasis lands in China for its official launch, transforming a three-story venue into the brand’s linen-filled Spring/Summer 2024 runway set.

“VILLA ZEGNA” will take guests on a journey through time, guiding them inside a linen wonderland while inspecting the brand’s detailed production process. Private lounges and tailoring rooms will grant a customized shopping experience, opening the first-ever ZEGNA Caffè Worldwide for everyone to enjoy.

Hypebeast sat down with Mads Mikkelsen to speak about his trip to Shanghai, work with ZEGNA, and more.

Hypebeast: You’re in Shanghai to celebrate the ‘ZEGNA in Summer’ campaign; what memories do you have of the campaign?

Mads Mikkelsen: The campaign was like a reunion with old friends; there’s always a certain magic in reconnecting with the team and, of course, wearing these exceptional clothes for two days. I also celebrated my birthday during the shoot in a fantastic local seafood restaurant — and that made it all the more memorable.

You wore Oasi Lino fabrics in the campaign. What do these fabrics feel like to wear?

This collection is all about exceptional lightweight linen, and I got to experience the comfort and feel of the fabric against my skin. They adapt to the climate — staying cool in the heat and warm when the temperature drops. The story behind the fabrics is compelling, too, and part of this road to traceability ZEGNA has committed to.

What first drew you to working with ZEGNA?

The design and the quality of the materials are, of course, the initial appeal, but then I met Alessandro Satori and the Zegna family and was completely sold. The founder’s legacy lives on — it’s a family business spanning five generations. I admire their ambitions, the traceability and integrity they have instilled in the brand, their sense of community, and their unique sense of humour.

What have you discovered or most appreciate about ZEGNA since?

As above, but more specifically, they have this incredible history of bringing an entire village together to create a global brand. ZEGNA is a brand with a purpose and strong ethics. This is reflected in how they give back to the same community through schools, jobs, reforestation, and creating recreational activities for everyone, like ski slopes. It’s another commitment, that level of responsibility. Many people dream of doing this, but very few people succeed. The Zegna family has.

When considering a film, what do you look for in a character or project?

It’s always in this order: the story, the director, and the character. If I fall in love with two out of three, it’s a good start; if there is only one, I stay away, and if it’s all three, it’s a definite yes.

When you travel, what are you most interested in, and what has been the highlight of your trip so far?

I love history, food, and architecture. In Shanghai, I visited this beautiful tea house in the Yu Gardens and experienced a tasting. All the items were replicas of ancient objects and the level of craftsmanship in the furniture and china was mind-blowing. I love it when this level of care is taken, and the notion of historical tradition and craft is preserved.