The stars have officially descended on Venice, and with them came a wave of unforgettable fashion moments.

When people think of red carpet spectacles, the Met Gala and the Academy Awards are usually the first to come to mind. Yet, year after year, the Venice International Film Festival secures its own place among the world’s most glamorous stages. Now in its 82nd edition, the 2025 festival has once again proven that it is as much a celebration of cinematic artistry as it is of style.

Film lovers are eagerly awaiting the premieres of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, and Yórgos Lánthimos’ Bugonia. The opening night carried its own historic highlight when Francis Ford Coppola presented Werner Herzog with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement—one of the most distinguished honors in global cinema.

Even before the red carpet rolled out, arrivals at Marco Polo Airport and hotel entrances hinted at the fashion spectacle to come. Amal Clooney charmed photographers in a soft butter-yellow Balmain dress, while Emma Stone embraced understated chic in a sleek black Louis Vuitton paired with a copper-toned pixie cut. Julia Roberts went playful, stepping off her boat in a black-and-white cardigan printed with Luca Guadagnino’s portrait. Greta Gerwig, Riley Keough, Laura Dern, and Alicia Silverstone also added their own sartorial flair to the city’s cobbled streets and canal crossings.

The official opening night offered a masterclass in timeless glamour. Tilda Swinton brought her signature avant-garde poise in a monochromatic Chanel look, pairing a crisp white flute-sleeve blouse with a sweeping black skirt. Cate Blanchett, meanwhile, made a bold case for fashion sustainability, re-wearing her 2022 Armani Privé gown. With its plunging gemstone neckline and effortlessly chic pockets, the look felt as fresh as when it first debuted.

One of the festival’s most talked-about debuts came from Alba Rohrwacher, who stepped onto the red carpet in Jonathan Anderson’s first couture gown for Dior—a milestone moment for the house. Adding to the night’s spectacle, Heidi Klum and her daughter Leni made a dramatic entrance in sheer gowns that played with transparency and texture, proving that fashion at Venice is also a family affair.

Spotlight on the Standout Looks:

AMAL AND GEORGE CLOONEY

Amal Clooney reaffirmed her status as the festival’s reigning fashion queen at the Jay Kelly premiere on August 28. She unearthed a jewel from Jean-Louis Scherrer’s Fall 1995 collection: a fuchsia taffeta high-low gown. Paired with Harry Winston diamonds, golden Aquazzura heels, and a matching minaudière, the look balanced retro opulence with modern finesse. Her signature blowout tied it all together with effortless glamour.

EMMA STONE

Emma Stone and stylist Petra Flannery once again turned to Louis Vuitton, a house that has shaped her red carpet identity since 2017. This time, she opted for quiet sophistication. Her silver sequined gown shimmered like starlight, gathered in a bubble hem that cascaded into a fluid skirt. A look at once demure and dazzling, it was a striking start to her festival circuit.

CATE BLANCHETT

Cate Blanchett reminded the fashion world that sustainability can be chic. Wearing her 2022 Armani Privé gown, she brought new energy to the plunging, gemstone-embellished neckline and sleek silhouette. A reminder that true style transcends novelty, her look was both timeless and forward-thinking.

TILDA SWINTON

Swinton leaned into her signature minimalism with maximum impact. Her custom Chanel design—a black skirt paired with a white top featuring sculptural flute sleeves—was understated yet commanding, striking a perfect balance between restraint and artistry.

BARBARA PALVIN

Barbara Palvin chose playful seduction in a custom black Intimissimi dress, offset with Betsey Johnson heeled mules. The mix of elegance and whimsy ensured her look didn’t get lost among the couture gowns dominating the carpet.