All of our favorite stars have landed in the City of Canals, and as per usual, they’ve brought their fashion A-game.
When it comes to premier red carpet events, the Met Gala and the Academy Awards ceremony instantly come to mind. But year after year, the Venice International Film Festival proves itself just as dazzling—not only for the films it showcases but also for the legendary style moments it inspires. Now celebrating its 82nd edition, the 2025 festival is delivering on both fronts.
This year’s lineup is already buzzing with excitement. Cinephiles worldwide are eagerly awaiting the premieres of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, and Yórgos Lánthimos’ Bugonia, among others. On opening night, the spotlight also turned to a historic moment: Francis Ford Coppola presenting Werner Herzog with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, one of cinema’s most prestigious honors.
Even before the official red carpet rolled out, stars arriving in Venice set the tone with striking travel and off-duty looks. Amal Clooney charmed the crowd in a butter-yellow Balmain dress, while Emma Stone exuded understated edge in a sleek, all-black Louis Vuitton ensemble paired with her newly copper-toned pixie cut. Julia Roberts brought a touch of cozy playfulness, landing in a black-and-white cardigan emblazoned with director Luca Guadagnino’s portrait. Greta Gerwig, Riley Keough, Laura Dern, and Alicia Silverstone also made stylish entrances, ensuring that fashion was just as much a star of the festival as film itself.
As the festival officially began, the first wave of red carpet looks set a high bar. Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchett both leaned into timeless elegance, each proving that subtlety can be just as powerful as drama. Swinton stunned in a custom Chanel monochrome design with a flute-sleeved white top and sweeping black skirt. Blanchett, meanwhile, made sustainability a fashion statement by re-wearing her black Armani Privé gown first seen at the 2022 SAG Awards—its plunging gemstone neckline looking as modern and sophisticated as ever.
Another standout came from Alba Rohrwacher, who made fashion history in Jonathan Anderson’s very first couture gown for Dior, unveiled on August 28. The mother-daughter duo Heidi Klum and Leni Klum also turned heads, stepping onto the carpet in sheer gowns that delivered sheer glamour.
See the best looks below:
AMAL AND GEORGE CLOONEY
Amal Clooney, often hailed as the queen of the Venice Film Festival, lived up to her reputation at the Jay Kelly premiere on August 28. She chose a regal high-low gown sourced from Jean-Louis Scherrer’s Fall 1995 collection—a true vintage treasure. The fuchsia taffeta design was elevated with Harry Winston diamonds, golden Aquazzura heels, and a matching minaudière. While retro in spirit, the look felt undeniably fresh, especially with her signature blowout adding modern polish.
EMMA STONE
Emma Stone once again proved her strong bond with Louis Vuitton. Styled by Petra Flannery, the actor dazzled in a silver gown with a bubble hem that cascaded into a flowing skirt, its surface shimmering with starlight-like sequins. The choice was both demure and radiant, marking a spectacular start to her festival season looks.
CATE BLANCHETT
Cate Blanchett reminded us all that true style never expires. Rewearing her 2022 Armani Privé gown, she showed that glamour isn’t about newness—it’s about confidence. The gown’s plunging neckline and gemstone detailing, paired with its practical pockets, looked as flawless on the 2025 red carpet as they did three years ago.
TILDA SWINTON
Swinton balanced modern minimalism with classic couture in her Chanel creation. The ensemble’s sharp black-and-white contrast, alongside its dramatic silhouette, epitomized her singular, avant-garde approach to red carpet dressing.
BARBARA PALVIN
Barbara Palvin made a sultry yet refined appearance in a custom black Intimissimi dress, which she paired with playful Betsey Johnson heeled mules—an unexpected combination that made her stand out in the sea of couture.
