Brad Pitt has swapped his familiar Hollywood polish for something far more eccentric. The 62-year-old actor is fronting Esquire’s September issue, and the accompanying photoshoot takes his style in a colorful, distinctly retro direction.
Photographed by Chantal Anderson and styled by George Cortina, Pitt appears in a series of looks that seem pulled from different corners of the 1960s. Instead of sticking to classic suits, the actor plays with bright colors, loose silhouettes and deliberately unexpected combinations.
One shot sees him in a pink jacket, while elsewhere he appears in a vivid yellow sweater, a dramatic coat and a casual tracksuit. Vintage pieces are mixed throughout the wardrobe, while sunglasses, scarves and Pitt’s own jewelry give the images an even more personal feel.
But perhaps the most unexpected touch is much smaller: a pair of bright red socks peeking out from one of his outfits. Combined with his glasses and unconventional styling, the detail adds to a shoot that looks noticeably different from Pitt’s usual red-carpet image. For the cover itself, he poses in a shirt layered with a vintage T-shirt.
The striking pictures accompany an unusually personal conversation with the actor. Pitt reflects on turning older, difficult periods in his past and his family life, touching on subjects he has not always discussed so openly.
He also addresses his relationship with alcohol. After previously spending seven years sober, Pitt says he now occasionally drinks again, while being careful about maintaining control.
His career, meanwhile, has barely slowed down. Pitt says the past two and a half years have been filled with near-constant work, including another turn as Cliff Booth in David Fincher’s upcoming film written by Quentin Tarantino.
The interview may reveal a more reflective side of Pitt, but the photographs show something entirely different: a Hollywood veteran clearly unafraid to play with his image — even if that means pink tailoring, retro shades and a flash of bright red socks.
