The 83rd Venice Film Festival has commenced, drawing a constellation of stars to the red carpet. While some attendees aim for timeless elegance, others have opted for more daring or unconventional looks, sparking debate among fashion critics.
The festival, running from September 2 to 12, has already showcased a range of sartorial choices, with past years serving as a reference point for both fashion triumphs and missteps.
Notable Fashion Moments
In 2022, Timothée Chalamet garnered attention for his bold, backless Haider Ackermann jumpsuit in a striking red hue, paired with sunglasses and black leather boots. The same year, Tessa Thompson made a statement with a silver corset and sequined skirt. The following year, Emma Corrin's Miu Miu cardigan worn with knitted underwear divided opinions.
Nicole Kidman's sculptural Schiaparelli gown in 2024 faced skepticism, with some deeming it unflattering and impractical due to its stiff, waist-cinching corset. Jodie Turner-Smith's brightly colored gown also drew varied reactions. Shailene Woodley's silky black minidress in a previous year was considered by some to be more suited for a night out than a red carpet event.
Laura Dern's green dress with a black barbed wire-esque overlay and Naomi Watts' nude mesh gown with an oddly-shaped black bow were also noted as less successful ensembles. Eva Robin wore a bright yellow gown in a previous festival, while Emily Mortimer's white lace midi dress and eye-catching heels did not impress all observers. Amal Clooney's creased vintage purple 1995 gown by Jean-Louis Scherrer also raised eyebrows.
Fashion Highlights
On the more successful side, Dakota Johnson impressed in a striking, semi-sheer Gucci gown at the 2021 premiere of The Lost Daughter. Lady Gaga drew admiration in 2022 for a dramatic black gown and headdress at the premiere of Joker: Folie à Deux. Her look featured a velvet corset top and a voluminous skirt, complemented by intricate headdress, diamond earrings, and a bold red lip.
Cate Blanchett was lauded for a black Giorgio Armani Prive gown with a plunging neckline and stone embellishments, a dress she had previously worn to the 2022 SAG Awards. Julia Roberts opted for a more understated look, pairing a striped yellow and brown blouse with a navy blazer and dark denim jeans for her Venice debut.
Emily Blunt presented a glamorous appearance in a Tamara Ralph Couture gown adorned with approximately 500,000 Swarovski crystals, accessorized with jewelry from Tiffany & Co.