Award-winning actor Damian Lewis leaves the persona of Marine Sargeant Nicholas Brody behind and strikes a pose for the quintessentially British brand Aquascutum.
His role in Homeland has earned him an Emmy and a Golden Globe, but his looks landed him this modelling job - the 43-year-old appear as the new face of Aquascutum’s autumn/winter campaign alongside top British model Eliza Cumming.
The two play a couple in what the brand describes as “an intimate stolen moment, just steps away from the hustle and bustle of the city”.
The romantic black and white shots were taken by the acclaimed photographer Alasdair McLellan along Regent’s Canal in North London – described as a “cinematic environment”. Celebrating the wet English weather – perfect for Aquascutum’s trademark trenches - they are seen wearing luxurious coats and standing under an umbrella.
The Homeland actor follows the steps of Kit Harrington, Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, who has just been revealed as new face of Jimmy Choo.
In one shot Mr Lewis wears a seam-sealed navy wool breasted Howell coat, whilst Ms Cummings looks effortlessly stylish in an oversized Baxter coat.
That outwearwear is what Acquascutum, founded in 1851, is famous for. In Latin, the words 'Aqua Scutum' translate to ‘water shield’. This year the British brand’s trench celebrates its 100 birthday. A century ago the founder, John Emary, became the first pioneer of waterproof wool fabric, which was then used for trench coats for First World War officers from 1914.
Aquascutum was once famous for dressing Lady Thatcher, Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant but has been in turnaround mode over the past couple of years. In 2012 it fell into administration from then owner Harold Tillman and bought by Chinese group YGM Trading. Since then, YGM has put funding into the brand to support its growth and has seen huge recovery, particularly in its menswear clothing line. The booming sales led to the opening of a new menswear-only store in London in April this year.
