There’s a particular kind of presence that doesn’t diminish with time. Nadja Auermann, the German supermodel who defined a generation of fashion in the 1990s, is back as the face of PORTS 1961 Fall/Winter 2026. First introduced during the brand’s February presentation, Auermann now returns for the full campaign, her iconic presence becoming a natural extension of PORTS 1961‘s vision of contemporary elegance rooted in precision, restraint and enduring sophistication.
At the center of this campaign is a concept that moves beyond the physical: movement as inner momentum, an emotional and psychological force that shapes presence, attitude and identity. Auermann embodies this through a performative approach, transforming movement into a state of being rather than an action. In her hands, the architectural silhouettes and thoughtful construction that define the collection capture the tension between stillness and dynamism that runs through PORTS 1961‘s design language.
To realize this vision, PORTS 1961 collaborated with Rankin, the British photographer known for work that is on the cultural cusp and leading future trends. Rankin‘s distinctive visual language introduces a powerful sense of immediacy and intensity, his bold editorial approach balancing strength and sophistication. His lens reveals the energy beneath the surface, capturing Auermann through a framework that amplifies rather than diminishes her presence.
The dialogue between Rankin, Auermann and PORTS 1961 is rooted in shared creative sensibility. What began in February as an instinctive alignment has evolved into a fully realized creative partnership. The result is a series of striking images that articulate a modern vision of elegance, conscious and enduring, reinforcing PORTS 1961‘s distinctive position within contemporary luxury.
Auermann’s return here carries particular weight. Known for her striking beauty and record-breaking long legs, she worked with the world’s leading fashion houses, including Chanel, Versace and Dior, gracing covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. A longtime muse of Karl Lagerfeld and Helmut Newton, she collaborated with the industry’s most influential photographers: Richard Avedon, Peter Lindbergh and Patrick Demarchelier. Her impact defined an era of fashion, establishing her as one of the most successful, enduring and celebrated supermodels of all time.
Rankin himself brings considerable cultural authority to the project. Best known for work leading future trends, he has produced campaigns for Rolls Royce, Unilever, L’Oréal, Lego and Samsonite. His portfolio ranges from portraiture to documentary, having shot The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner and Zendaya. In 2023, Rankin photographed King Charles III for The Big Issue magazine. As a publisher, he co-founded Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1990, and has since published AnOther, AnOther Man, and the fashion and culture publication Hunger, alongside over 40 books. His work has appeared in Elle, Vogue, Esquire, GQ, Rolling Stone and Wonderland, and been exhibited globally at MoMA, New York and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
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Founded in 1961 by Canadian entrepreneur Luke Tanabe, PORTS 1961 is long recognised for exceptional quality and cosmopolitan spirit. Headquartered in Milan‘s Brera district, the house is represented worldwide with flagship stores in Milan, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Celebrating the independence and confidence of today’s woman, PORTS 1961 unites heritage and innovation as a testament to enduring style and creativity.
For more on Fall/Winter 2026 campaigns, visit DSCENE. Explore more work by Rankin and coverage of supermodels on the platform.
