Dakota Johnson’s new Calvin Klein ads are here, and they might just break the internet. The actress last seen in Materialists is, ironically, not wearing tons of material: A bra and panties in a pool, a pair of low-rise jeans with a high-rise thong in a game room, a sly smile that reads, “Who, me?!” as the only accessory.
We should have seen this coming. Calvin Klein is a brand built on being cool and hot at the same time—perhaps the best word is knowing. Johnson is the living embodiment of an aloof California girl, very likable but pretty untouchable. (She can even pull off bangs when it rains. Bangs.)
In the campaign, she lounges on a pool float in a black Ultralight bra, which weightlessly “lifts and shapes.” (Thank you, team CK.) There’s also Ultralight underwear and a pair of baggy, ripped jeans that Johnson wears with an exposed black thong and nothing else.
To be honest, we were pretty speechless about the whole thing, but thankfully, Johnson agreed to do the talking. Here’s what she told ELLE about the campaign, how many pairs of jeans she actually has, and whether she ever gets FOMO.
Gordon von Steiner
What made you say yes to Calvin Klein right now?
Working with Calvin at this moment feels very symbiotic with where I am currently in my life. I’m at a place in my womanhood where I feel quite calm and centered. I spend a lot of time at home, I feel very comfortable in my body. Doing the denim and underwear campaign in the tone of very laid-back sensuality felt like it’s just a sort of truth of where I’m at right now.
Did you wear the brand as a teen? Was it vintage or did you buy it?
I definitely had some [new] Calvin boxers in my closet as a teen. Very good for sleeping.
This campaign is all about essentials. What is your newest fashion essential?
I am very into the Calvin baggy, ripped jean at the moment. They can be dressed up or down and I feel slinky and comfortable in them.
How many pairs of jeans do you estimate that you own right now? How many do you actually wear?
This is horrifying. I don’t want to answer. North of 30.
Your style is often described as “effortless.” Does it feel effortless to you?
Depends on the day, really. Sometimes nothing works.
How has your idea of “sexy” changed as you’ve become an adult? What counts as “sexy” now in your closet?
I think the sexiest clothing items are the ones that make you feel good in your body. Feeling good in clothes changes your energy and physicality. Sometimes being in a big ratty T-shirt is the sexiest thing in the world. Sometimes being in lacy lingerie makes you feel like a garbage can. For me, it’s all about the way something makes me feel.
This campaign is all about staying home. What’s your favorite thing to do on a night in?
Night in is my favorite activity. Usually, I’m in my underwear reading or watching movies.
What makes you want to actually leave the house?
People I love.
Do you ever get FOMO at this point in your life?
Absolutely not.
