London — British actress Simone Ashley of ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘Sex Education’ fame is the star of Johnnie Walker’s new Bold Steps campaign.
She has appeared in a short film directed by filmmaker Kajal. Ashley and Anita Tiba, founder of Diet Paratha, a talent agency that promotes South Asian creatives, also collaborated on the film.
In the campaign, Ashley wears a variety of looks created by South Asian designers.
“Simone is so inspiring,” Chiba told WWD. “Working with someone who is an important public figure to break down many cultural barriers [South Asian people] Faces made it more meaningful.
The campaign offers young British South Asian creators the chance to design a limited edition bottle for the whiskey brand.
Winners will participate in Diet Paratha’s Family Tree Mentoring Program. This program is committed to providing career support and guidance.
In the film, Ashley wears looks from up-and-coming and established designers, including jewelry made by Basliq and London College of Fashion student Amaan Duffer.
Ashley also wore a Khanums dress and matching long gloves. The brand was founded by Rokeya Khanum, who wears clothes that are of Bangladeshi heritage and are made sustainably and ethically.
Ashley is a household name in the UK, having taken the front row at Burberry’s Spring 2023 runway show in September.
She sat next to Vachirawit Chivalry, a Thai actor known professionally as Bright. We chatted and took pictures together in front of the Asian press.