The 2023 Venice International Film Festival started Wednesday and will run through Sept. 9. This year’s festival is expected to have a much smaller roster of A-list actors and actresses with Hollywood on strike. However, throughout the years the Venice Film Festival red carpet has seen some notable style moments from actresses, ranging from Keira Knightley to Cate Blanchett.
From the festival’s earlier years in the ‘50s through the early 2000s, the festival’s red carpets have often embraced traditional black-tie attire, like tuxedos and minimalist black gowns. In the past few years, guests have begun making bolder style choices for the affair, from feather trim to printed gowns and sequin caftans.
Here, WWD takes a closer look at some key style moments from past Venice Film Festival editions.
Gina Lollobrigida, 1954
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In 1954, Gina Lollobrigida arrived at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of “Woman of Rome.” She was the immaculate picture of vintage movie star glamour in a silver embroidered evening gown and white fur. While the film was panned, Lollobrigida received critical acclaim for her performance.
Jane Fonda, 1967
Bettmann Archive
Jane Fonda was ethereal at the 1967 Venice Film Festival in a column gown with a crystal-embellished neckline. She accessorized with an embroidered evening bag. The actress was accompanied by her then-husband Roger Vadim, who wore a classic tuxedo.
Scarlett Johansson, 2003
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At the 2003 Venice Film Festival, Scarlett Johansson opted for a dress that was bold and minimalist. The skin-baring black gown had a cutout at the bust and had a thigh-high slit. Johansson completed the look with silky peep-toe kitten heels.
Keira Knightley, 2007
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Keira Knightley sparkled at the Venice Film Festival premiere of her film “Atonement.” The actress wore a pleated peach gown with a pink bow Empire waist. She completed the look with pointy-toe white pumps.
Eva Mendes, 2009
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Eva Mendes embraced animal prints at the 2009 Venice Film Festival when she arrived on the red carpet in a bold red leopard-print dress. She completed the look with black platform peep-toe pumps. For accessories, she wore a black floral statement headband.
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, 2013
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Gabrielle Union and her husband, Dwyane Wade, showed off power couple style when they attended the 2013 Venice Film Festival. Union opted for a black dress with red trim and a thigh-high slit, completing the look with black ankle-strap platform heels. Wade kept it classic in a patterned button-up shirt, a charcoal suit and black lace-up Oxford shoes.
Ryan Gosling, 2018
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Ryan Gosling opted for something just slightly different from the traditional black tuxedo, wearing a white tuxedo jacket instead of the traditional all-black at the 2018 Venice Film Festival premiere of “First Man.” While the ensemble was still classic, he stood out from the sea of all-black tuxedos.
Georgina Rodriguez, 2021
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Georgina Rodriguez, the partner of world-famous soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, attended the 2021 Venice Film Festival premiere of “Madres Paralelas.” For the screening, Rodriguez embraced power dressing in a tailored black suit and corset top. She accessorized her boss lady ensemble with a diamond necklace and earrings.