The Venice Film Festival has once again demonstrated that the red carpet is just as much about fashion as it is about movies. With Hollywood’s elite, models, and fashion icons flocking to the Lido for the 83rd edition, the 2026 red carpets have already given us some great fashion moments.
Extravagant couture pieces, as well as minimalist designs, have created some of the festival’s most memorable fashion moments this year. However, some celebrities stood out from the rest, leaving an especially strong impression.
This year, one of the celebrities that managed to impress was Penélope Cruz.
She caught everyone’s attention in a custom red Chanel gown with a fitted silhouette, a fringed detail around the waist and a high slit finished with gold buttons. The rich red shade gave the look plenty of impact, while the textured detailing added interest to the clean shape of the dress. Paired with matching heels and diamond jewelry, it was a confident take on classic red-carpet glamour and one of the evening’s standout looks.
Amal Clooney once again made an impression on the Venice red carpet in a custom black Tom Ford gown designed by Haider Ackermann for the opening ceremony. The gown featured a sculpted, figure-hugging silhouette with intricate pleating that added texture and movement to the sleek black fabric. The clean lines kept the look sophisticated, while the structured detailing gave it a distinctly modern feel. She completed the look with Cartier jewelers, adding just the right amount of sparkle without taking attention away from the gown.
Nicola Peltz Beckham made a bold statement in a deep amethyst-purple Balenciaga Haute Couture gown designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli. The one-shoulder design featured a hood and a twisted, draped bodice that was wrapped across the torso, with cut-outs at the waist adding a touch of skin to the otherwise sculptural look.
The low, rushed waist flowed into a voluminous skirt and an extended train that swept across the red carpet. The gown’s painterly print added depth to the rich purple shade, while the dramatic proportions gave the look a distinctly couture feeling. Rather than relying on heavy accessories, Peltz Beckham kept the styling restrained, allowing the unusual silhouette, color, and train to remain the focus.
The look demonstrated Balenciaga Couture’s ability to create a bold, theatrical statement for the red carpet.
Kendall Jenner made her debut at the Venice Film Festival, wearing a Giorgio Armani design, and became the talk of the town.
The supermodel wore a delicate silk-georgette slip dress covered in intricate floral and foliage embroidery, with iridescent sequins and honey-toned beads catching the light as she moved. The softly fitted silhouette and crystal-embellished neckline kept the look elegant.
Claire Foy made a memorable entrance to the Venice Film Festival in a custom Bottega Veneta gown by Matthieu Blazy. The blood-red satin dress followed a classic column silhouette, with a gathered knot at the waist adding texture and shaping the otherwise clean lines. Matching red leather opera gloves brought a sharper, more modern edge to the look, while Swarovski jewelry added a touch of sparkle.
Foy kept the rest of the styling sleek, with slick-back hair and a bold red lip that matched the gown. The result was a confident take on classic red-carpet glamour, with the color and leather accessories giving the look plenty of personality.
Besides the leading ladies, Robert Pattinson and his girlfriend, Suki Waterhouse, were also among the festival’s standout stars. The actor made a well-groomed yet relaxed appearance in a white pinstripe Dior Homme suit, paired with a classic white shirt and a burgundy, navy, white striped tie. The combination gave him a polished yet youthful look, balancing sophistication with a casual edge.
Suki Waterhouse stood out in a Saint Laurent Pre-Fall 2026 mini dress in Pale moss-green lace. The sheer, gauzy fabric and high neckline gave the look a distinctively vintage feel, while the mauve-pink silk cuffs and bows added a soft contrast. Paired with sheer tights and pointed heels, the look balanced romantic details with a slightly edgy finish, making it one of her most memorable Venice appearances.
Together, Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse created one of the festival’s most memorable contrasting fashion pairings.
With the festival still going on, it is too early to say who has won in terms of style. However, Penélope Cruz delivered the most outstanding look so far.
Her custom Chanel creation captured the elegance and sophistication of classic Hollywood glamour, with every detail carefully considered. Meanwhile, Meanwhile, Nicola Peltz Beckham and Kendall Jenner took more modern approaches to red-carpet style.
With more celebrities still to arrive, the 2026 Venice Film Festival has already delivered plenty of memorable red-carpet looks. From bold statement gowns to timeless glamour, this year's red carpet is shaping up to be one of the most stylish in recent years.
Fashion and culture writer with a keen eye for red-carpet style, celebrity dressing, beauty, and the intersection of fashion and film. Their work explores the ideas and stories behind the looks, from emerging trends and archival fashion to the evolving language of modern celebrity style.
