The City of Canals is alive with glamour as the 2025 Venice Film Festival brings together the world’s brightest stars, showcasing red carpet looks that are as memorable as the films themselves.
While the Met Gala and Oscars often dominate headlines for red carpet fashion, Venice stands apart—celebrating both cinematic artistry and style in one of the world’s most enchanting settings. Now in its 82nd edition, the festival has once again proven that the red carpet can be just as captivating as the silver screen.
This year, audiences are eagerly anticipating premieres such as Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, and Yórgos Lánthimos’ Bugonia. The opening night also made history as Francis Ford Coppola honored Werner Herzog with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement—one of the highest accolades in filmmaking.
Stylish Arrivals
Even before the red carpet officially opened, Venice’s streets and hotels were flooded with fashion. Amal Clooney turned heads in a buttery yellow Balmain gown, while Emma Stone impressed in sleek black Louis Vuitton, complemented by a shimmering copper pixie cut. Julia Roberts added a playful touch in a black-and-white cardigan featuring Luca Guadagnino’s portrait. Greta Gerwig, Riley Keough, Laura Dern, and Alicia Silverstone also arrived in memorable ensembles, giving a taste of the fashion extravaganza to come.
Opening Night Highlights
The festival’s first evening set a high bar for elegance. Tilda Swinton made a striking impression in a monochrome Chanel outfit, pairing a white flute-sleeve top with a flowing black skirt. Cate Blanchett embraced sustainable style by re-wearing her black Armani Privé gown from the 2022 SAG Awards, with its gemstone neckline still sparkling brilliantly. Alba Rohrwacher made headlines in Jonathan Anderson’s debut couture gown for Dior, while Heidi Klum and her daughter Leni captivated the crowd in sheer, coordinated dresses that radiated drama and sophistication.
Red Carpet Standouts
AMAL AND GEORGE CLOONEY
Amal Clooney, Venice’s perennial red carpet queen, stunned at the Jay Kelly premiere in a fuchsia high-low gown from Jean-Louis Scherrer’s Fall 1995 collection. She paired the vintage-inspired piece with golden Aquazzura heels, a matching minaudière, and sparkling Harry Winston diamonds, blending retro charm with modern polish.
EMMA STONE
Emma Stone, longtime Louis Vuitton ambassador, dazzled in a silver sequined gown with a bubble hem that cascaded into a flowing skirt. The starlight-like shimmer and graceful silhouette balanced sophistication with playful elegance, making her look unforgettable.
CATE BLANCHETT
Cate Blanchett proved that timeless style endures. Returning to her 2022 Armani Privé gown, she highlighted the plunging, gemstone-embellished neckline and sleek silhouette, demonstrating that sustainable fashion can be undeniably chic.
TILDA SWINTON
Swinton exuded minimalist drama in a custom Chanel ensemble, pairing a sculptural white top with a sweeping black skirt. The understated elegance perfectly reflected her avant-garde fashion sensibility.
BARBARA PALVIN
Barbara Palvin combined elegance with playful charm, wearing a black Intimissimi dress paired with Betsey Johnson heeled mules—a bold mix that stood out among the couture-heavy crowd.
