Venice is the world’s oldest film festival and, alongside Cannes, one of the most luxurious. Each year as August blends into September, film stars, directors and industry figures descend onto the ancient city to promote and celebrate their upcoming film releases.
There’s been no shortage of frenzied drama happening on the red carpet and behind the scenes, but with endless premieres, screenings and dinners on the calendar which each require celebrities to get all dolled up, the fashion has remained front and centre.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
Florence Pugh attends the “Don’t Worry Darling” red carpet at the 79th Venice International Film Festival.
With its glamorous Adriatic location, the festival provides all sorts of sartorial opportunities, from glitzy paparazzi lined red carpets and La Dolce Vita-esquewater taxi arrivals to a personal favourite: celebrities cosplaying as people who carry their own bags at the airport. Each is jumped upon as a chance to flex their fashion muscles.
The good news is that the festival runs until Saturday European time, so there are still hundreds of incredible looks still to come. But because we’ve never knowingly turned down an opportunity to pour over A-listers in their glad rags, here are some of our favourite looks from the Venice Film Festival, so far.
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Timothée Chalamet
In Venice to promote his new film Bones and All, described as a “tender cannibal romance”, Timothée sent fans into a frenzy when he stepped onto the red carpet at the premiere in a backless red halter top and matching trousers by designer Haider Ackermann.
How did he prepare for his moment in the spotlight? Maybe a back scrub and massage? A light arm workout for some last minute toning? No, he grabbed a round of cocktails on the balcony at The St Regis Hotel. He knows exactly what he’s doing.
Florence Pugh
Miss Flo(rence) managed to mostly rise above the drama with that’s surrounded the soon-to-be released Don’t Worry Darling, but couldn’t help but throw a knowing wink to those who speculated her limited promotional appearances in support of the film were tell-tale signs of wider troubles with the production.
Posting to Instagram a video of herself walking in Venice wearing a purple Valentino play set, signalling her arrival at the festival, Pugh included the caption simply: “I’m here.”
Later, she brought her undiluted star power to her highly-anticipated red carpet debut, wearing a showstopping off the shoulder tulle dress from Valentino Haute Couture that previously closed their Fall Couture 22 show.
Cate Blanchett
The Oscar-winning actor walked the red carpet for the premiere of her newest movie, Tár, in an outstanding black velvet Schiaparelli outfit, replete with hand painted flowers erupting from the bodice.
Vianney Le Caer
Cate Blanchett departs the Excelsior Hotel pier during the 79th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy.
The next day she looked just as chic taking to the Venice waterways wearing a brown pinstripe blazer and oversized sunglasses.
Mia Goth
Staying true to her name, Mia Goth has worn a black dress for each of her Venice photocalls. We especially loved this Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda outfit. It’s mostly old Hollywood glamour with a touch of little Edie from Grey Gardens.
Sydney Sweeney
This is Sydney Sweeney’s first trip to the festival, and she’s making the most of it. First she took a leisurely water taxi ride looking every bit the Tory Burch muse. Although we appreciated the visual reminder that even celebrities struggle to keep their linen crease free.
Later Sweeney donned an ethereal Armani Prive dress to attend Il Ballo Della Luce (The Ball of Light) hosted by Giorgio Armani & Vanity Fair.
Julianne Moore
Julianne has been all over the festival in her official capacity as president of the competition jury. That means she’s been seen in a parade of high fashion moments and some noteworthy casual looks too.
A standout from each category: her dockside blazer, jeans and sockless loafer arrival look and the gown we’re still thinking about over a week later – the multicolour sequinned gown and cape number from Valentino.
Harry Styles
No surprises that Harry Styles wore head-to-toe Gucci as he landed in Venice on Monday – he’s pretty much a walking billboard for the brand at this point. But I suppose Italy is the home country of Gucci, and when in Venice…
The look, of course, features numerous items from Styles’ upcoming collaboration with the brand, Gucci HAHAHA, and he carried that loyalty onto the red carpet wearing a 1970s style blue suit over a light turquoise shirt with an exaggerated collar.
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