Dakota Johnson, 36, was photographed hugging longtime fashion-world friend Alessandro Michele after a dinner in Rome on May 22, stepping out in a chic monochrome look with a cherry-red shoulder bag.
Dakota Johnson didn’t just make an entrance in Rome—she made it personal.
On Friday night. May 22. the 36-year-old Fifty Shades of Grey star was photographed after a dinner outing in the Italian capital. reuniting with longtime fashion-world friend Alessandro Michele. In the photos, Johnson warmly embraced the 53-year-old Valentino creative director as they posed together after their evening meal.
Her outfit matched the moment: a white short-sleeve top paired with a black midi skirt, plus a black knit sweater draped over her shoulders. She finished the look with black shoes, delicate jewelry, and a cherry-red leather shoulder bag that added a sharp pop of color against the monochrome styling.
That reunion isn’t random—Johnson has maintained a longtime relationship with Valentino through her close friendship with Michele and her role as a Global Brand Ambassador for the luxury fashion house.
Over the years, Michele—who previously served as Gucci’s creative director before joining Valentino—has dressed Johnson for several major red carpet appearances and fashion events.
The connection has also shown up on the runway circuit. Earlier this year during Paris Fashion Week in January, Johnson joined a star-studded front row at the Valentino Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 Show.
And while the fashion calendar continues to move, so does her film schedule. Later this year, Johnson will return to the big screen in the highly anticipated thriller Verity, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. The upcoming movie also stars Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett.
Right now, the Rome dinner is the latest visible thread in a relationship that has played out across wardrobes, front rows, and red carpets—one friendly hug at a time.
Dakota Johnson Alessandro Michele Valentino Rome dinner Fifty Shades of Grey Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Verity Anne Hathaway Josh Hartnett
Cherry-red bag = instant main character energy.
So they hugged in Rome and that’s news? I mean good for them but like… what happened after the hug lol. Also isn’t Michele from Gucci? Feels like they’re just all the same people in different outfits.
Wait I thought Dakota Johnson was dating that guy from Fifty Shades not fashion dudes in Italy. Like the article keeps saying “friendship” but the hug is kinda intense. And Valentino dresses everybody so it’s not even surprising. I’m confused why they had to mention the bag like it means something.
Rome hug = marketing for the brand ambassador thing. I get it. But “reuniting” makes it sound like they were gone for years or something when it’s probably just schedule overlap. Also Verity coming later this year?? I’m still stuck on her movie choices like she’s everywhere but I never know what’s actually true. Anyway, monochrome with red accent is classic, so yeah.