Aaron Taylor-Johnson on Returning as the Face of Armani Acqua di Giò Elixir
Armani x SHARP
Much has changed since Giorgio Armani first released his iconic Acqua di Giò fragrance in 1996. Yet, nearly three decades later, while much of the landscape of luxury feels unfamiliar, Armani remains steadfast in the values upon which the name was founded. With such a rich long-standing reputation, it would be easy for the brand to rest on its laurels. But the true power of Armani’s legacy is its freedom to continue reinventing, as best evidenced by the re-imagination of its renowned scent through the release of Acqua di Giò Elixir.
Last year, British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson adopted the heavy mantle of representing all that Acqua di Giò embodies as its new ambassador, and to great effect. After all, few Hollywood stars would dare sign on for a debut campaign that sees them leap off of a jagged cliffside into the Mediterranean Sea below. But Acqua di Giò has always been a scent that evokes a sense of intensity and harmony with nature, something that Taylor-Johnson holds dear, both as a brand ambassador and a family man who resides on a remote countryside farm.
“The environment chosen to capture the essence of Acqua di Giò is the contrast of land and ocean. The hardness and strength of the rocks colliding with the softness of the water — it’s a beautiful balance and that is definitely in the world of Armani,” explains Taylor-Johnson, looking back on the adventure. “I wanted to do the jump myself without the need for a stunt double. It was a wonderful moment of freedom in total safety, almost like flying. I spent time preparing with Olympic divers and we gradually increased the height of the jump so that I felt comfortable and safe. I loved the experience because it was very liberating and I loved that we managed to capture what I felt when doing it.”
Now, both Armani and Taylor-Johnson are diving further into the depths of such intensity with the release of Acqua di Giò Elixir. The new iteration of the fragrance is shaped around an intense, violet accord, whose green, floral, and aromatic facets are emblematic of nature’s spontaneity. These elements are intertwined with the sensuality of a leather accord and an uplifting marine accord; this is a fresh marine elixir whose intense, long-lasting sillage lingers on the skin.
“My acting career demands a lot of energy, focus, and intensity — it’s a fast-paced, high-pressure world. But then, when I step away from that, living on a farm with my family gives me the space to reset.”
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
“I’ve always been drawn to nature, which aligns with the Acqua di Giò ethos — a fragrance that symbolizes purity, freshness, and connection to the sea,” says Taylor-Johnson. “This perfectly aligns with my own connection to the natural world and reflects my personal philosophy of embracing the unknown and challenging myself. I also appreciate Armani’s focus on inner balance and self-improvement, which is beautifully reflected in the Acqua di Giò campaign.”
Achieving such balance amongst intense, contrasting elements is a consideration close to both Armani and its ambassador. With several high-profile films released since his first campaign with the brand and more on the horizon, the global spotlight on Taylor-Johnson is perhaps brighter than ever. To stay grounded, he gravitates back to family and nature whenever possible.
“It’s all about finding harmony between the two,” he explains. “My acting career demands a lot of energy, focus, and intensity — it’s a fast-paced, high-pressure world. But then, when I step away from that, living on a farm with my family gives me the space to reset. The contrast is actually refreshing. The farm life offers a real sense of peace and connection, away from the noise. It’s important to have that balance, to not let one part of my life overshadow the other. I’ve learned to embrace both worlds — immersing myself in my work when I need to, and finding solace in the quiet moments when I can. That’s where I feel most centred.”
“There’s something pure and invigorating about it. An escape from the ordinary, a sense of adventure. It’s timeless and effortless. It’s a scent that connects you to something bigger than yourself.”
Aaron Taylor-Johnson on Acqua di Giò
To mark the next chapter of Acqua di Giò Elixir, Taylor-Johnson and Armani have introduced a sophisticated new flacon. The rounded square bottle is crafted from sleek glass, while its interior is lavished with a deep black lacquer, reminiscent of the rarest obsidian, whispering of hidden luxury and captivating power. Each visual element evokes the sheer power of the sea.
“It immediately transports me to the sensation of being completely free — being by the ocean, surrounded by that fresh, salty breeze,” says Taylor-Johnson. “There’s something pure and invigorating about it. An escape from the ordinary, a sense of adventure. It’s timeless and effortless. It’s a scent that connects you to something bigger than yourself.”
