You will have likely noticed a slew of glittering looks on your Instagram feed as of late, and the Venice Film Festival 2021 is to thank for this generous dose of escapism.
Fashion and film have long had a love affair, and this year’s festival line-up has made way for many a memorable red carpet moment. Premieres like Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart as she takes on the role of Princess Diana, and Zendaya alongside Timothée Chamalet in sci-fi hit Dune, have got the fashion set out in full force.
We’ve rounded up a selection of sartorial moments from Venice 2021 that are sure to have you dreaming—from Anya Joy-Taylor in Barbie pink Dior, to Dakota Johnson’s twinkling Gucci frock.
@balmain
Actress Zendaya stole the show at the premiere of sci-fi film Dune in which she stars alongside Timothée Chamalet.
Her bespoke gown by Balmain was expertly crafted from leather to create a trompe l’oeil wet-look, and the atelier used an exact model of the star’s bust to create silhouette perfection.
@anyataylorjoy
American actress Anya Taylor-Joy, who rose to fame with her role in Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit, opted for a show-stopping pink satin gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture at the premiere of Last Night in Soho.
Paired with a twinkling Tiffany & Co. necklace and matching fascinator, Taylor-Joy makes retro glamour feel oh-so fresh. Swipe right to see the mermaid tail gown in all its glory.
@chanelofficial
Kristen Stewart’s wore a slinky two piece by Chanel Haute Couture to the premiere of hotly-anticipated film Spencer in which she takes on the role of Princess Diana.
Reminiscent of vintage sleepwear, the look brings the actress’ signature grungy take to the red carpet once again. A longtime ambassador for Chanel, Stewart also wears pieces from the French fashion house’s archives throughout the film which is sure to be a sartorial delight.
@maisonvalentino
British actress and singer Cynthia Erivo tapped into fashion’s current optimistic mood with this cheerful gown by Valentino Haute Couture.
The delightful silhouette sees a fluttering skirt of feathers suspended from a simple bodice—accessorised with Roberto Coin jewellery, and a beaming smile no less.
@gucci
Dakota Johnson graced the red carpet with none other than Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele by her side. Her Gucci gown featured a multitude of twinkling embellishments—Rosaline crystal details, tear drop stones and sweeping crystal fringing.
The elegant pair attended the premiere for The Lost Daughter, a drama written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal that stars Johnson alongside Olivia Colman and Paul Mescal.
@csiriano
American actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish dazzled at the premiere for thriller The Card Counter in which she stars.
Her monochromatic gown was created by New York-based designer Christian Siriano who took inspiration from “elegance, grace and Old Hollywood glamour at it’s finest!” with impeccable results.
@mariacarlaboscono
Italian model and actress Mariacarla Boscono stunned on home soil in an archive Jean Paul Gaultier gown as she attended the festival’s opening event.
Boscono’s look was finished off with Cartier jewels and sheer tights in the same smouldering shade of aubergine as her dress—a fitting nod to no-holds-barred Italian glamour that she so effortlessly pulls off.
@isabelle.huppert
French actress Isabelle Huppert never fails to bring a bit of smoulder to the red carpet. She opted for an embroidered Giorgio Armani Prive coatdress for the screening of sci-fi hit Dune.
It comes as no surprise that this style icon pulled off the daring silhouette—she appears in Balenciaga’s most recent campaign wearing nothing but a trench coat.
@chanelofficial
Penélope Cruz took a pared back approach with this angelic gown by Chanel as she attended the premiere of Competencia Oficial—in which she is a lead actress no less.
She accessorised her look from the Chanel Cruise 2021/22 collection with simple silver jewellery and a polished high bun.
@maisonvalentino
Kate Hudson opted for a traffic-stopping shade of red with this sweeping Valentino Resort 2022 gown at the premiere of Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon.
Cleverly placed lace panels and balloon sleeves make for a dramatic peek-a-boo moment, the look was paired with Hudson’s signature undone waves and sparkling pops of Crivelli jewellery.
For more show-stopping inspiration, here are the best red carpet looks from the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.
