The City of Canals is alive with glitz and glamour as the 2025 Venice Film Festival kicks off, bringing together the world’s most stylish stars and proving that the red carpet can be just as captivating as the films themselves.
While the Met Gala and Oscars often dominate conversations about fashion, Venice has carved out its own prestigious space, celebrating cinematic excellence alongside show-stopping style. Now in its 82nd edition, the festival once again demonstrates that the Floating City is a runway in its own right.
This year, audiences are eagerly anticipating premieres including Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, and Yórgos Lánthimos’ Bugonia. Opening night also saw a historic moment as Francis Ford Coppola presented Werner Herzog with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement—one of cinema’s most esteemed honors.
Star-Studded Arrivals
Even before the red carpet officially opened, Venice was abuzz with fashion. Amal Clooney turned heads in a butter-yellow Balmain gown, while Emma Stone impressed in a sleek black Louis Vuitton ensemble paired with a copper-toned pixie cut. Julia Roberts brought a playful touch with a black-and-white cardigan featuring director Luca Guadagnino’s portrait. Greta Gerwig, Riley Keough, Laura Dern, and Alicia Silverstone also made stylish entrances, hinting at the dazzling fashion to come.
Opening Night Highlights
The festival’s first evening set the bar for red carpet elegance. Tilda Swinton captivated in a monochrome Chanel look, pairing a white flute-sleeve top with a flowing black skirt. Cate Blanchett made a sustainable style statement by re-wearing her black Armani Privé gown from the 2022 SAG Awards—the gemstone neckline still gleaming as brilliantly as ever. Alba Rohrwacher made headlines in Jonathan Anderson’s debut couture gown for Dior, while Heidi Klum and her daughter Leni wowed in sheer, coordinated ensembles that balanced drama with sophistication.
Red Carpet Standouts
AMAL AND GEORGE CLOONEY
Amal Clooney, Venice’s perennial red carpet queen, dazzled at the Jay Kelly premiere in a fuchsia high-low gown from Jean-Louis Scherrer’s Fall 1995 collection. She paired the vintage-inspired look with golden Aquazzura heels, a matching minaudière, and sparkling Harry Winston diamonds, blending retro elegance with contemporary polish.
EMMA STONE
Emma Stone, a longtime Louis Vuitton ambassador, shimmered in a silver sequined gown with a bubble hem cascading into a flowing skirt. The starlight-like shimmer and elegant silhouette balanced sophistication with whimsical charm.
CATE BLANCHETT
Swinton exuded understated drama in a custom Chanel ensemble, pairing a sculptural white top with a sweeping black skirt. The minimalist elegance perfectly reflected her avant-garde aesthetic.
BARBARA PALVIN
Barbara Palvin combined sophistication with playful flair, wearing a black Intimissimi dress paired with Betsey Johnson heeled mules—a striking twist that set her apart from the couture-heavy crowd.
