John Varvatos Fall 2013 Ads to Feature Willie Nelson & Sons

The new campaign for the John Varvatos brand pairs country music legend Willie Nelson (who recently celebrated his 80 th birthday) with his two sons Lukas and Micah Nelson, also emerging artists. The iconic black and white images were shot in Des Moines, Iowa by distinguished photographer Danny Clinch at the historic Salisbury House, where the three men form a stately Nelson family portrait.

Willie Nelson is one of the most recognized American singer-songwriter icons as well as a celebrated author, poet, actor and progressive activist.Willie says, "John Varvatos' clothes look and feel good on your skin and are made for every man...and his sons." His son Lukas adds, "We all seem to have a similar outlook on life and it was nice to have my whole family together in the same room for this shoot." Micah comments, "When you dress sharp in John Varvatos, it's easy to feel like the biggest gangster badass in the room."

"In all the iconic music ad campaigns we have shot over the last eight years, I have never been so moved as I was working with Willie Nelson and his sons," says designer John Varvatos. "Willie is a true American Icon and it runs deep in the bloodline. I am proud to be friends with Willie and his beautiful family."

According to Stephen Niedzweicki, Founder/Chief Creative Officer of YARD, "This season brought an opportunity to not only shoot a music legend but pair him with his two sons who have both been brought up On the Road and now have musical visions and careers of their own."

Known for its outstanding 1920's architecture, rare decorative art, and inspiring landscape, Varvatos felt that the Salisbury House was the perfect backdrop for the campaign's 3-minute 16-second short film, which premieres on JohnVarvatos.com on July 9 th. Niedzweicki says, "We created a mini documentary featuring Willie and his sons playing guitar together and performing 'Still is Still Moving to Me,' cut with moments of the three talking music and style influences."

Photographer Danny Clinch adds, "Willie Nelson stands for living your life on your own terms and being respected for it. The shoot showed the strength of the Nelson bond and the film showed the camaraderie and special heartfelt connection between father and sons."

The latest John Varvatos campaign follows 18 seasons conceived by Yard and photographed by Danny Clinch, all of which underscore the brand's affinity for rock 'n' roll style-makers. Past collaborators include Jimmy Page and Gary Clark Jr., Paul Weller and Miles Kane, Green Day, The Roots, Dave Matthews, Perry Farrell, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, Velvet Revolver, Iggy Pop, Chris Cornell, Joe Perry, Slash, among others.

Click here to download the final images of the John Varvatos Fall 2013 campaign

Click here to view and share the John Varvatos campaign film featuring Willie Nelson and sons:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX4qrcAOqBU

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