The most striking red carpet outfits at the 2025 Venice Film Festival
The Venice Film Festival 2025 is in full swing, and the Lido di Venezia is awash with some of the most memorable red carpet fashion moments of the year. From bespoke gowns by Armani, Chanel, Prada, and Louis Vuitton to bold accessories and unexpected twists on classic silhouettes, this year’s festival is redefining elegance and glamour. Here’s a comprehensive look at the best celebrity looks so far and the fashion trends dominating the Venice Film Festival red carpet.
Venice Film Festival 2025: A Red Carpet Like No Other
Each August, stars arrive at the Lido di Venezia for premieres of the year’s most anticipated films. The 2025 festival opened on August 27, and with films like Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite, celebrities were ready to impress. The festival’s simple dress code—“formal attire is recommended”—allowed designers and stylists to push boundaries, resulting in a dazzling array of glamorous red carpet outfits.
Unlike the contentious Cannes Film Festival red carpet, Venice has a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, where stars are encouraged to merge timeless elegance with modern flair.
Cate Blanchett: Timeless Elegance Revisited
Cate Blanchett, always a standout on any red carpet, kicked off the festival in a plunging Armani Privé gown she debuted in 2022. Its gemstone-embellished neckline and pockets gave a fresh appeal three years later, demonstrating the enduring power of classic haute couture. Blanchett’s approach proves that a statement gown doesn’t need to be new to be memorable—it’s about presence, poise, and styling.
Amal Clooney: Regal Fuchsia Drama
Amal Clooney, often called the queen of Venice Film Festival fashion, stunned on August 28 at the Jay Kelly premiere in a fuchsia high-low gown with a bubble-like train. Golden Aquazzura heels and a matching minaudière added to the drama. Clooney’s look merged ’80s inspiration with her signature sophistication, showing that revisiting vintage styles with modern touches is a key trend for celebrity red carpet fashion.
Emma Stone: Silver Starlight
Emma Stone opted for Louis Vuitton, her go-to house since 2017. Her silver sequined gown featured a bubble hem cascading into a flowing skirt that reflected light like starlight. The demure yet sparkling choice highlighted a trend for subtle shimmer and sophisticated silhouettes, perfectly suited to the Venice Film Festival’s luxurious atmosphere.
Riley Keough: Boho-Chic Renaissance
Riley Keough embraced the 2025 boho-chic revival with a Chloé ruffled crop top and sheer maxi skirt. Styled by Jamie Mizrahi, this look balanced festival formality with fresh, youthful energy. The diamond necklace kept the outfit polished, proving that mixing formal and playful elements can result in an unforgettable red carpet moment.
Shailene Woodley: Edgy Mini Dress
Shailene Woodley brought an edgy flair to the festival in a scoop-neck mini dress at the Jay Kelly premiere, complementing her serpentine diamond choker by Bulgari. The gothic undertones and bold accessories emphasized the growing trend of statement jewelry paired with minimalist silhouettes, perfect for stars seeking a unique edge on classic red carpets.
Alicia Silverstone: Breezy White Update
Alicia Silverstone refreshed the classic white shirt dress for the Venice Film Festival, adding a flowing shoulder scarf and chiffon skirt. This reinterpretation of a timeless piece demonstrates a 2025 trend toward elevated simplicity, where accessories and details transform a wardrobe staple into a red carpet-worthy look.
Anne Hathaway & Tilda Swinton: Black and White Magic
Black-and-white combinations continue to dominate, as seen on Anne Hathaway and Tilda Swinton. Hathaway wore Carolina Herrera at the Met Gala, while Swinton sported a custom Chanel ensemble at Venice. Swinton’s look featured little bows on trumpet sleeves, blending classic elegance with playful details, a growing trend for nuanced sophistication on the 2025 red carpet.
Key Red Carpet Trends from Venice Film Festival 2025
1. Bold Colors and High Drama
Bright, saturated colors such as fuchsia, emerald green, and sapphire blue are making waves. Stars like Amal Clooney and Riley Keough demonstrate that bold hues combined with statement accessories can make any red carpet appearance unforgettable.
2. Sequins, Metallics, and Shimmer
From Emma Stone’s silver sequined gown to subtle metallic accents on accessories, shimmer continues to dominate, reflecting the festival’s emphasis on luxury and glamour.
3. Vintage and Repurposed Couture
Cate Blanchett’s reuse of her 2022 gown highlights a trend toward sustainable fashion and timeless style. Designers and stars are embracing previous collections, updating them with new accessories or styling, rather than relying solely on freshly minted pieces.
4. Elevated Minimalism
Alicia Silverstone’s white shirt dress and clean black-and-white ensembles reveal a preference for refined minimalism. Small details like chiffon skirts, flowing scarves, and subtle embellishments elevate simplicity into red carpet sophistication.
5. Statement Jewelry and Accessories
From Bulgari diamond chokers to golden Aquazzura heels, the festival emphasizes attention to detail. Statement pieces are crucial for completing looks and drawing the eye to celebrity fashion highlights.
Venice Film Festival 2025: Red Carpet Highlights Daily
With the festival running through September 7, fashionistas can expect more incredible outfits. Designers like Prada, Chanel, Armani, Louis Vuitton, and emerging brands are pushing the limits, ensuring the Lido di Venezia remains the ultimate runway for celebrity glamour and haute couture.
Stars to watch include Julia Roberts, who has yet to reveal her festival looks, and other A-listers ready to showcase their most daring and elegant styles. Daily updates promise bellissima fashion moments, from flowing gowns and structured couture to experimental fabrics and accessories.
Conclusion: Venice 2025 as a Red Carpet Benchmark
The Venice Film Festival 2025 proves once again why it is a pinnacle of international fashion and celebrity style. From timeless gowns to boho-chic statements, from sequins and shimmer to elegant minimalism, this festival sets the standard for red carpet trends in 2025. Whether it’s a recycled Armani gown, bold fuchsia drama, or a metallic starlight dress, celebrity style at Venice showcases the marriage of tradition, innovation, and personality in red carpet fashion.
For fans and fashion enthusiasts alike, Venice remains the ultimate event to witness couture, glamour, and star-studded elegance as the summer concludes and awards season approaches.
