A$AP Rocky Stars in Intimate Portraits of Fatherhood, Captured by Carrie Mae Weems for Bottega Veneta

In a powerful and intimate celebration of fatherhood, Bottega Veneta unveils "Portraits of Fatherhood," a compelling photo series by renowned artist Carrie Mae Weems, featuring none other than the multifaceted A$AP Rocky as the brand's latest ambassador.

In a departure from his public persona as a “playboy, pretty boy,” the series captures A$AP Rocky in a rare and tender light, embracing his role as a devoted father to his two young sons, RZA and Riot Rose. “This is the evolution of Mr. Mayers,” he says, embracing fatherhood, parenthood, and family while still pursuing his career.

The black-and-white images, shot in a home setting, offer an unfiltered glimpse into Rocky’s life as a father, showing him holding, embracing, and interacting with his children in candid and authentic moments. From lifting his youngest and kissing his forehead to playing alongside them at a toy piano, the photographs capture the rapper’s vulnerability and love for his family.

For Weems, whose work has long challenged negative stereotypes surrounding African American families, the project held profound significance. “Rocky’s concerns as an African American man with children profoundly moved me,” she says, highlighting the opportunity to “speak that authenticity” and provide an honest representation of the Black family.

Beyond the primary interactions, the series incorporates secondary family photography, including a homemade newspaper comprising family photos and framed pictures in the background. A still life even features a vinyl cover image of Rocky as a child with his own father, creating a multi-layered narrative.

For A$AP Rocky, the collaboration represents an unprecedented endeavor. “When you think about A$AP Rocky, you think about a playboy, pretty boy, bras being thrown on stage. This is about me as a one-woman man, as a family man. It is about what completes my life now: being present as a partner and a parent.” And for Bottega Veneta’s Creative Director Matthieu Blazy, the project not only showcases Rocky’s realness as a father and man but also pays homage to Weems’ powerful and socially impactful work.