Kingsley Ben-Adir Highlights the Casual and Formal Versatility of Gucci’s Classic Horsebit 1953 Loafer in New Campaign

Gucci unveiled its first campaign with British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir on Monday. The “One Night in Miami” star models the classic Horsebit 1953 loafer in a collection of new images from the campaign, highlighting the timeless in a minimalist setting.

The campaign is under the creative direction of Sabato De Sarno, who joined Gucci in January 2023. Images from the campaign put the loafer, which features a double ring and bar introduced in the 1940s, front and center. The images showcase Ben-Adir in casual and formal attire, highlighting the loafer’s versatility and practicality.

De Sarno unveiled his first collection with the fashion house in September 2023 during Milan Fashion Week. His second womenswear collection, which demonstrated the designer’s ability to write Gucci’s next chapter, hit the runway in Milan in February 2024. Prior to his first Milan Fashion Week, the creative director of Gucci spoke with WWD about his vision for the future.

“I never thought I would become the creative director of Gucci and I was very happy at Valentino, but I am very proud of this role,” De Sarno told WWD in September 2023. “Gucci to me equals luxury and the first fashion piece I ever owned was a Gucci jacket by Tom Ford. I still remember I traveled to Rome to buy it with my friend, there was no Gucci store in Naples at the time, and luxury was really not part of our world. Television was the only way to see fashion for me back then,” he said.

As De Sarno continues his journey with Gucci, Ben-Adir appears to be expanding his reach with the fashion house. The actor previously wore a Gucci ensemble to the 2024 Brit Awards on March 2. Ben-Adir fashioned a leather button-up jacket over a crisp white shirt and black tie, along with straight-leg trousers. The actor completed his look with a pair of the brand’s patent leather Horsebit loafers. Looking back, Ben-Adir’s choice of Gucci footwear may have been an indication of this new campaign.