Prada is giving its Holiday 2026 campaign a nostalgic twist by bringing hand-drawn animation into the world of luxury fashion. Featuring Stranger Things stars Sadie Sink and Maya Hawke, the campaign pairs real-life actors with whimsical illustrations at a time when AI-generated imagery is becoming increasingly common.
Called Drawing Prada, the campaign transforms snowy landscapes and everyday fashion moments into a playful animated world, complete with mischievous animals and coveted accessories. The decision to put traditional artistry in the spotlight has also caught the attention of fans, many of whom are celebrating the return of human-made animation.
John Pomeroy Brings Prada to Life
Prada has tapped veteran animator John Pomeroy to bring its festive vision to life, drawing on his decades of experience in traditional animation. Pomeroy previously worked on Disney films including Pocahontas and Fantasia 2000, as well as animated classics such as The Land Before Time and An American Tail.
For Drawing Prada, Pomeroy and the animation team created hand-drawn winter scenes and animated animal characters that interact with the actors and their accessories. The illustrations bring a storybook quality to the campaign, blending classic animation techniques with contemporary fashion imagery.
Photographer Glen Luchford shot the campaign, with the live-action images designed to complement the illustrated surroundings.
The Star-Studded Holiday Campaign
Alongside Sink and Hawke, the campaign features Chinese singer and actor Chen Haoyu, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Luther Ford. Each scene shows people carrying Prada accessories in a winter setting, while animated animals also show interest in the bags and other items.
In one scene, cartoon mice make a grab for Sink's Prada shoes, while a snow lynx chases after Haoyu's Prada bag. Hawke encounters a fox in the snow, while other illustrated creatures, including rabbits and bats, interact with the luxury pieces.
The unexpected encounters turn the campaign into a playful visual story. Prada has also shared behind-the-scenes footage that gives viewers a closer look at the creative work behind the finished images.
Animated Campaign Wins Over Fans
The campaign has sparked excitement among social media users who love seeing traditional animation featured in a major fashion project. Many have praised the hand-drawn aesthetic, with some calling for more brands to embrace the technique.
One user wrote: 'fire up those pencils, more of this plz!' Another shared: 'Love seeing hand-drawn animation finding its place in fashion. Been exploring this world with my own work lately 🖤'.
Others were just as enthusiastic, with one commenter declaring: 'Human hand drawn animation!! Yes please! ❤️👌' Another summed up the nostalgic appeal by writing: 'I LOVE THIS SO MUCH MY INNER CHILD IS SMILING'.
The campaign also received praise from people who appreciated its apparent emphasis on human creativity. 'Finally something without AI!🙌', one user commented, echoing the excitement surrounding the return of a more traditional artistic approach.
Hand-Drawn Art Defies AI Trend
The reaction comes as AI-generated images and videos become more visible across advertising, entertainment and fashion. Although AI tools can help speed up creative production, their growing use has also raised questions about originality, artistic jobs and the value of work made by human hands.
Hand-drawn animation offers a different kind of appeal because artists must carefully develop characters, expressions and movements through a deliberate creative process. Every sketch contributes to the finished scene, giving the work a distinct personality that audiences may find difficult to separate from the artist's touch.
For fans, Prada's campaign is a welcome reminder that traditional techniques still have a place in an industry constantly experimenting with new technology. Its charm lies not only in the finished visuals but also in the craftsmanship and imagination behind them.
