Aaron Taylor-Johnson

He knows how to dance. He knows how to sing. He’s funny, and intense…’ Givenchy Parfum’s chief executive officer described Aaron Taylor-Johnson when announcing him as the new face of Givenchy Gentleman Only.

Born in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, just north-west of London, a young Taylor-Johnson attended the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, where he studied drama, tap, jazz, acrobatics and singing. Not the ‘normal’ electives of a teenager, but ones that would define his path as an established actor later in life. He began performing in local shows at the age of six, and by the time he was ten, Taylor-Johnson was frequently appearing on television having roles in the TV films The Apocalypse (2000), Behind Closed Doors (2003), and The Best Man, to name a few. From here the young actor continued to take on varying roles that challenged his abilities. One that some would say was a defining role was his portrayal of John Lennon in the biography Nowhere Boy. Taylor-Johnson then had the lead role of a teenage would-be superhero, Dave Lizewski, in the action superhero riff Kick-Ass (2010), which introduced him to an American audience.

This shows you that the road to success, or even the road to one lead role, is not (funnily enough) how it is portrayed in the movies. But Taylor-Johnson never gave up. He has many qualities that are admirable: his confidence, his commitment and his positive attitude are all contributing factors to where he is today. Now, as we mentioned, the 27-year-old is the face of Givenchy Gentleman Only, a title and role that is completely aligned with his demeanor.

To be a gentleman is something that most men aspire to. To have class, and show chivalry, generosity, open-mindedness, with a touch of eccentricity… that’s what defines the Givenchy gentleman. And who better to capture him in this light than his wife, Sam Taylor-Johnson. You might recognise her name from directing Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) and Sam was also the director behind Nowhere Boy. Now, eight years after meeting on the set of Nowhere Boy, Sam and Aaron are married and have two daughters together. Sam and Aaron are partners in life, and partners in crime. When working separately they’re impressive, but when together, the symbiosis of their personalities and talents is nothing short of stunning.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson makes a perfect new face for Givenchy Gentleman Only, and is something for us men to aspire to.

So, guys, read up and take notes, this man has it all.

Images by Givenchy Gentleman Only Campaign