This month, the Napapijri Bulletin changes its format to tell the story of the Spring/Summer 2026 WHOAREYOU? campaign. Once a week, we will feature two of its protagonists, opening up conversations that explore the values at the heart of our brand.
Each profile becomes a meeting point: the same questions approached from different angles, the same themes refracted through distinct experiences, uncovering the unexpected connections that emerge from difference.

Vinnie Jones and Julia Sarr-Jamois: the Creativity of Courage

One embodies fearlessness with unmistakable grit; the other channels it through instinctive, unconventional style. Side by side, the stories of footballer-turned-actor Vinnie Jones and British Vogue Fashion Director Julia Sarr-Jamois reveal how boldness can hit hard or move softly. And how creativity thrives in the tension between the two.

How do you respond to unexpected challenges?

JSJ: For me, it’s all about flexibility. Whether in work or life, things rarely go as planned, so I try to stay open, move with the moment, and “keep it moving.” Holding onto a positive mindset helps me navigate the ups and downs, and I treat adaptability almost like a muscle you train every day.

VJ: I face challenges head‑on. You go forward, never back. If you take a positive step toward whatever is in front of you, your demons retreat. Courage is about attacking rather than retreating.

Do you recall a moment when it took all your courage to choose a path over another?

JSJ: When I was 19, I was studying art, but I desperately wanted to work at i‑D. I pushed for an internship, got a chance, and after two weeks they asked me to stay. That meant dropping out of my foundation course. People around me thought I was making a mistake, but my mum told me the decision was mine alone. I followed my instinct. And it changed my life.

VJ: I had to choose the right path every day. For years I took the wrong one, until I made the decision to stop drinking. Sobriety was the crossroads. The path was narrowing, and I had to choose before it closed for good.

How do you respond to unexpected challenges?

JSJ: For me, it’s all about flexibility. Whether in work or life, things rarely go as planned, so I try to stay open, move with the moment, and “keep it moving.” Holding onto a positive mindset helps me navigate the ups and downs, and I treat adaptability almost like a muscle you train every day.

VJ: I face challenges head‑on. You go forward, never back. If you take a positive step toward whatever is in front of you, your demons retreat. Courage is about attacking rather than retreating.

Do you recall a moment when it took all your courage to choose a path over another?

JSJ: When I was 19, I was studying art, but I desperately wanted to work at i‑D. I pushed for an internship, got a chance, and after two weeks they asked me to stay. That meant dropping out of my foundation course. People around me thought I was making a mistake, but my mum told me the decision was mine alone. I followed my instinct. And it changed my life.

VJ: I had to choose the right path every day. For years I took the wrong one, until I made the decision to stop drinking. Sobriety was the crossroads. The path was narrowing, and I had to choose before it closed for good.

Is there any piece of advice you would give to your younger self

JSJ: Trust your gut. Go for it. Things will work out even better than you expect. Don’t fear taking risks. Often the universe shows you what’s right by how smoothly things fall into place.

VJ: Kick drinking and drugs early: they fog your brain, your decisions, and your life. Clear your system, and you’ll walk a more moral, honest path.

It takes courage to be one’s true self. How do you make it happen?

JSJ: I try to bring joy, softness, and authenticity into everything: my work, my home, my interactions. Staying grounded in joy helps me stay true to myself and to the people I want to uplift, especially Black women who see themselves reflected in what I do. Representation is powerful, and it makes authenticity feel purposeful.

VJ: You return to the version of yourself that was most moral, respectful, and pure. Usually, when you were young. Staying true means going full circle back to that inner compass before the world’s temptations pulled you away.

Is there a person you admire for their courage?

JSJ: Recently I met Iman at a party, and I completely fangirled. Her presence was regal, powerful, modern. It is extraordinary. She embodies a kind of courage and elegance that transcends time.

VJ: Anyone who gives up an addiction or fights an illness. It’s not about winning. It’s about how you get back up. Some of the happiest people I know have lost limbs but kept their spirit. That’s real courage.

Does it take more courage to make a mistake, or to own up to it?

JSJ: Mistakes happen constantly, they’re part of dreaming big and living fully. What matters is moving forward, adjusting, and trying again. There's no “good” or “bad” decision, just choices and outcomes.

VJ: Owning up takes more courage. Put your hands up, clear the slate. But you can’t keep repeating the same mistake: your arms get too heavy. Owning up only matters if you’re willing to change.

Is there an unexplored area you’d like to map for yourself in the future?

JSJ: I’d like to do more on‑camera work or even host conversations, maybe a podcast. It’s something I used to fear, but now I feel more comfortable in that space and excited by the idea of letting my voice take the lead.

VJ: Nature. I just want to be as close to it as possible. I find it more honest than the human race. That’s where I’m headed.

Is there a person you admire for their courage?

JSJ: Recently I met Iman at a party, and I completely fangirled. Her presence was regal, powerful, modern. It is extraordinary. She embodies a kind of courage and elegance that transcends time.

VJ: Anyone who gives up an addiction or fights an illness. It’s not about winning. It’s about how you get back up. Some of the happiest people I know have lost limbs but kept their spirit. That’s real courage.

Does it take more courage to make a mistake, or to own up to it?

JSJ: Mistakes happen constantly, they’re part of dreaming big and living fully. What matters is moving forward, adjusting, and trying again. There's no “good” or “bad” decision, just choices and outcomes.

VJ: Owning up takes more courage. Put your hands up, clear the slate. But you can’t keep repeating the same mistake: your arms get too heavy. Owning up only matters if you’re willing to change.

Is there an unexplored area you’d like to map for yourself in the future?

JSJ: I’d like to do more on‑camera work or even host conversations, maybe a podcast. It’s something I used to fear, but now I feel more comfortable in that space and excited by the idea of letting my voice take the lead.

VJ: Nature. I just want to be as close to it as possible. I find it more honest than the human race. That’s where I’m headed.