As the SAG-AFTRA strikes roll on past the 50-day mark, many actors are rightly swapping premieres for picket lines. As a result, Venice Film Festival has been a game of ‘Where’s the A-lister?’ since it began earlier this week. The red carpet is usually awash with couture, but with a dearth of stars, this year it is leaving style critics cold. So, what a relief that Mrs Clooney is in town.
Amal and her husband George Clooney are in Venice for a trip that’s part holiday, part events calendar. And from the day she touched down in the city, Amal’s looks were on point - and effortlessly complemented by George’s.
Papped wandering through town, Amal wore a floral-print shift dress with sheer slingbacks from Roger Vivier (yes, sheer!) Oversized sunnies and Brit It bag of the season: 16Arlington’s fashion-editor beloved Kikka, £890, shoulder bag, accessorised the look perfectly. As did George’s nautical striped linen wide-legs and navy polo.
So far, so sophisticated.
For a dinner the same night, at Ristorante Da Ivo, Amal continued to perfect la dolce vita dressing in a slinky emerald green dress by Dundas with a slit. Gold sandals, drop earrings and a black hard case clutch completed her look.
Come Thursday, as a recipient at Diane Von Furstenberg’s DVF Awards, Amal continued to single-handedly counteract of the scarcity of style in Venice. To collect her award for her work advocating for victims of human rights abuse, she wore an archive Dior nude lace slip dress with a sheer tulle overlay, choosing gold sandals and drop earrings to complete her outfit.
George Clooney’s new film The Boys in the Boat, which he directed, is due to premiere in Venice, and we can trust Amal will deliver a couture look on the night worth refreshing Instagram for.
Adam Driver was among the big name actors who is allowed to attend the film festival for his independent movie Ferrari. Though given it premiered to tepid reviews on Thursday, he may wish he hadn’t bothered taking the time to step out in his tux.
While glorious gowns might be in short supply, a chic suit or two have been on display on the red carpet so far. Honourable mention goes to director Jane Campion, who wore a black wool and silk double breasted tuxedo by Dior Haute Couture to the opening ceremony. A black Bobby East-West bag, and DiorAct sandals completed her look. We’re glad to see she is a devotee of the ugly-cool shoe trend, even on the red carpet.
Meanwhile, Rita Ora has been to keen to turn heads while riding the city’s famous water taxi boats. First, she waved at passers by wearing a sheer silver crystal-embellished slip dress, then she was back on board in a dramatic scarlet Moschino gown with a sheer embroidered black body underneath - the latter with a train so long that it likely required a full glam squad to load it onto the deck.
As the festival continues into next week, all hope of some fashion thrills beyond Amal’s is not lost, as Jessica Chastain who is promoting Michel Franco’s Memory is confirmed to being attending due to an interim agreement on her strike action. Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi, who star in A24’s Priscilla from Sofia Coppola, will also walk the red carpet. Eyes peeled.
Scroll through the gallery at the top to see all the style so far from the screenings and events at Venice Film Festival 2023.
