Richard Villani is a dynamic creative force with a career spanning over two decades at the forefront of fashion, photography, and cultural storytelling. As the founder of Villani Studios, he brings a rare fusion of artistic vision, curatorial precision, and production mastery to every project. A Creative, Art, and Photo Director, Villani is celebrated for crafting iconic visual narratives across editorial, advertising, and fine art platforms.
Villani began his career in the studio of legendary photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, where he collaborated with Christie’s to compile and archive the artist’s estate—an experience that laid the foundation for his meticulous curatorial eye. He went on to serve in visual leadership roles at Vogue, Interview, and Vanity Fair, working alongside some of the most esteemed photographers in the fashion industry and producing unforgettable global shoots.
At Vanity Fair, Villani was instrumental in creating and directing many of the magazine’s most iconic portfolios, including the Hollywood Issue, New Establishment Issue, and socially conscious features such as The Environment, Homeless Across America, and Music. His work is known for its bold perspective, cultural relevance, and visual excellence.
In 2006, he launched Villani Productions, building a global client roster across editorial, advertising, and event production. From concept to execution, Villani leads large-scale productions with a refined creative approach and keen financial acumen. His collaborations span prestigious titles and brands such as 10 Magazine, Dazed, Diesel, CNN, H&M, Sony, TASCHEN, Bloomberg Pursuits, Esquire, and French Vogue, among many others.
Since 2019, Villani has served as Creative Director of the Tom of Finland Foundation, where he curates the annual Art & Culture Festival, oversees the Emerging Artist Contest, and develops global partnerships with art institutions, brands and queer artists that elevate the Foundation’s reach and legacy. His strategic collaborations have included visionary partnerships with SHOWStudio, Berlin’s world-renowned nightclub and cultural hub Berghain, and most notably, a multi-year capsule collection with DIESEL launched in 2021—bridging art, fashion, and activism on an international stage.
Villani is also in the final stages of publishing his debut art book, GAYPORNSTARS, a bold and evocative exploration of sexuality, visibility, and visual history—slated for release in 2026.
A multi-award-winning producer and visionary creative strategist, Richard Villani continues to expand his legacy through thoughtful, provocative, and culturally resonant work that bridges fine art, fashion, and media. His current projects include curating and developing projects with past & present erotic artists and archives.