Fifty years are no small feat. For some, they trigger an existential crisis, while for others, they are crowned as if conquering Everest. In the case of Zara, which today, May 9th, 2025, celebrates half a century, it's more about celebrating the peak. And not just in any way, of course. To start with, the creator of the commemorative monument is the photographer Steven Meisel, a legend in the fashion world, a close friend of Marta Ortega, who dedicated her first major exhibition to him at the port of La Coruña. Meisel also photographed the wedding of the non-executive chairwoman of Inditex, and in recent years, he has shot several Zara campaigns. Quite a luxury. For this occasion, Meisel has switched from photography to video.
In the video, in strict black and white, 50 models appear. There might be one missing, but it's clear that no effort (or budget) has been spared to bring together the most dazzling stars of the runway and fashion photography of the last 30 years (and even beyond, with Twiggy, Paulina Porizkova and Marisa Berenson to prove it).
To top it off -not in a 'We Are the World' style, which would have been really cool, to be honest- those 50 models sing and dance not to the classic 'Happy Birthday to You,' but to the iconic 'I Feel Love' by Donna Summer, a song from 1977 that still rocks dance floors 48 years after its release (if they had chosen 'Love to Love You Baby' released in 1975 instead, the date match would have been extraordinary, but of course, it wasn't appropriate to have the 50 models panting erotically).
But wait, there's more.
The British Karl Templer, creative director of the influential magazine 'Interview' and who has worked for all major editions of 'Vogue,' as well as for the 'New York Times,' was in charge of styling. Each model in the video wears a piece from Zara's new collection, turning this birthday party into a powerful promotional tool. No, Zara doesn't do things by halves.
For makeup, the British Pat McGrath was enlisted (considered by 'Vogue' the most influential makeup artist in the world; and in 2019, 'Time' included her in its list of the 100 most influential people on the planet) and for hair, Guido Palau, one of the most sought-after hairdressers of the last decade, a familiar face to Marta Ortega. The art direction is by Jason Duzansky and the casting (and what a casting), by Piergiorgio Del Moro.
Marta Ortega, who as we all know by now is a woman of few words, spoke for the occasion, ta-da. Understandable, really, with all that's been going on. In the press release, the heir of Inditex says, "creativity is at the heart of Zara, it is the characteristic that defines us." And she adds: "This incredible film by Steven Meisel is an expression of creative freedom and the magic we always aim to create. And it is starring 50 of the world's most prominent models -known for their beauty, but also for their character, individuality, and strength- celebrating Zara's 50th anniversary. This campaign is a testament to everything the Zara teams have created in the last five decades, honoring their boundless enthusiasm, talent, and creativity."
Well then. Amen. And here's to many more years.