The son of legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, Roman Coppola has carved out a distinctive creative path of his own—one that spans film, fashion, publishing, and technology.
In Dubai for Zegna’s Spring/Summer 2026 show, the acclaimed director, producer, and founder of The Directors Bureau opened up about his recent collaboration with the Italian fashion house, his growing friendship with the brand, and the cinematic parallels between storytelling on screen and on the runway. Here we discover more about how Coppola’s boundless curiosity continues to drive him, whether he’s behind the camera, nurturing creative communities, or exploring bold new ventures.
Fashion and cinema have long shared a visual and emotional dialogue. How do you see the two influencing each other today?
Many iconic films have influenced fashion, so there is definitely a connection. You see echoes of great characters and fantastic costume design in movies. When it comes to Zegna, I don’t see a specific connection between the brand and cinema, but in terms of a fashion show, there is also that spectacle, inviting the audience into the world of the brand. If I think about it more on a personal level, the reason I’m pleased to be connected with Zegna is that it’s a family business and Italian, which aligns with my heritage, so there are echoes between the brand and my life. I believe that interest in quality, tradition, and innovation is all very important to me. These pillars are all very similar to what I do in my business, in making films.
What are the common codes between you and Zegna?
Most importantly, it is that family feeling. Edoardo Zegna has become a friend, and he comes from a multi-generational lineage. In our family, we have a similar structure. So that’s at the core. I find Italian culture, as well as Italian cinema, to be very inspiring. Iconic style icons of mine were all men who had incredible style. And then, of course, quality. I think that’s one of the hallmarks of the brand, and it’s obviously very appealing to have the privilege of wearing clothes that are the ultimate in tailoring and high quality.
You have been working closely with Zegna on the brand’s recent “Born in Oasi” campaign, tell us about this project and the outcome?
Yes, I very much enjoyed the project we worked on together, and it was novel for me, as I normally work behind the camera. In that instance, I was not responsible for directing, but I got to be in front of the camera, which was a new experience. For any director, it’s a great experience to be in front of the camera, as you can understand more intimately what the actors are going through.
The setting was incredibly beautiful. We were up on the mountainside, and you could feel the history. It really is a beautiful oasis. My career and life are driven by my curiosity, and I was eager to visit Oasi Zegna, as I had never been to that part of Italy.
We got to stay at a local hotel, which is connected to the family. We had local food, and a local choir performed. There were many aspects of that experience that held meaning for me. Friendships were formed; it was a truly humbling family experience with people who share a similar love for beautiful things, family, and integrity.
How would you describe your personal style, and what does fashion mean to you on a personal level?
When I think of style, I think of Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni. He had a really playful personality, and his style was tailored and stylish but very loose and formal at the same time. I love that kind of relaxed formal that has a playful side to it. Different combinations of unexpected details, playing with details a little.
In my daily life, I have different modes. When I show up on set, for example, I always wear a suit and tie because I feel I’m embodying the role of a creative leader on a shoot, so I dress for that role. And then, when I go on vacation, I’ll wear my Hawaiian shirt and shorts – so I do like the variability of dressing for where I may be or what I may be doing. It’s almost like you are dressing for these roles.
I also love handmade things. I have a shirt maker who has made my shirts for many years. I love bespoke things, and so when I work with Zegna, they accommodate my preferences, and that’s fantastic.
Your creative output spans film, writing, advertising, and more. What’s the common thread that connects your projects?
I’m reflecting on that more and more because as you mature, you start to look back at what you’ve done and where you’re heading, and I think it’s really driven by curiosity and seeking new experiences and less about the work and the product, but more about the life you lead.
Wes Anderson and I just made a film together, and of course, the final film is a physical record of what we did, so people want to talk about the movie, which is the outcome of this period of time, but I really see it more as a continuum. We have completed many projects in the past, and we’re currently working on the next one. So, I view it as a thing you do or make; it’s more about the life you live. I always want to try new experiences and meet interesting people. To me, interesting people are those who are passionate and curious about specific things. People who have incredible knowledge about a particular thing. That’s sort of what I live for. Meeting people who are so enthusiastic about something. In fact, I started a magazine called “Enthousiasmos”, which follows this notion.
I’m always looking for new experiences, new places to visit, new food to eat, new cultural experiences, interesting things – I tend not to repeat myself. If you look at my work, I have done a very wide range of endeavours, and I like to keep it that way in my work too. It can be a little fractured or dazzling and I know there are other film makers, who have more of a clarity about what they do – Wes Anderson is one, my sister is the same – but mine is much more spread out, I have done such a wide range of things, and I think that reflects my personality. I enjoy living a life where I’m always discovering new things.
