Taylor Russell, a name synonymous with bold fashion choices on the red carpet, is adding a new dimension to her Venice Film Festival experience. This year, she’s not only dazzling with her style but also serving as a jury member, bringing a fresh perspective to the world of cinema.
Russell, known for her willingness to take risks in fashion, embraces the opportunity to contribute to the prestigious jury. “I’m incredibly honored and excited to be in Venice this year as a jury member, especially amongst such a geographically-diverse collective of creators and lovers of cinema,” she tells Vogue. “The array of varying perspectives and thoughts, through these artists, feels particularly special.” This marks her second Venice Film Festival, having attended last year to promote “Bones and All” alongside Timothée Chalamet. The city’s captivating charm and its deep connection to film hold a special place in her heart. “To me, the blend of Venice the city—this magical fairytale place—alongside the history of the Venice Film Festival itself, feels so palpably tingly,” she shares. “Even if you’re just getting in a water taxi from one place to another, it’s hard not to feel constantly reminded how lucky you are to be here.”
As a lover of film and a storyteller herself, Russell is relishing the opportunity to immerse herself in the diverse works presented throughout the festival. “With having the opportunity to be on jury this year, Debra Granik pointed out beautifully at the press conference the ability to be able to watch these films without external ideas and feelings shaping it,” Russell explains. “You have a chance to see a film with a fresh and clean state of mind, with little information. And to discuss it wholeheartedly with your fellow jurors. In this time that we’re in, it is a rare experience I think and one that I’m cherishing.”
Of course, no Venice Film Festival experience is complete without a touch of red carpet glamour. Russell has already captivated with a series of striking ensembles, including archival Chanel and John Galliano pieces. At the premiere of “Maria,” she stole the show in a buttery yellow Loewe gown that embodied the essence of elegance and effortless grace. “The chiffon feels easy and light, and the shape of the dress itself—with the neck scarf connected—holds a large majority of what I love in many vintage references, and what my wish for a dress for Venice Film Festival would carry,” Russell says of the design, expertly styled by Jahleel Weaver. “It’s one of my favorite dresses we’ve worked on together.”
Russell’s connection with Loewe designer Jonathan Anderson runs deeper than just a designer-muse relationship. She’s deeply impressed by his fearless approach to fashion. “Loewe has this great ability to be quite malleable in the fashion arena, which I think in theory feels easy, but in practice isn’t as much,” she shares. “I love how outside of the box, contemporary, and artistic Loewe is, at the same time as being just simply beautiful. You never know what direction it’s going to go in, and that’s what personally interests me. I love the variety and the surprise. And the ability to be flexible and shape shift.”
Adding a touch of timeless sparkle to her ethereal gown, Russell donned shimmering Tiffany & Co. jewels, a perfect complement to her radiant presence. She wore a diamond pendant necklace, Flower earrings, and a bracelet, all crafted with exquisite precision and adorned with precious stones.
When it comes to her red carpet choices, Russell prioritizes feeling above all else. “It’s always going to be centered around feeling. what is going on inside of me seeing any given look—runway or otherwise—and how it feels on,” she explains. “You know pretty quickly if something feels good, and with the pieces I’ve had the lucky fortune to wear, it really feels so easy and simple at the same time. I don’t think about it that far in advance, and in that way it has the opportunity to feel very present which in reflection makes me really love certain looks, because they feel so tied to different parts of the journey.”
As the Venice Film Festival concludes, Russell is eager to dive back into the world of filmmaking. “I have a few projects I’m working on over the next few months that I’m really looking forward to, with some people that I’ve wanted to work with for a long time,” she teases. “Overall, just trying to stay as present as possible and open to all the beauty around me.”
Expect Taylor Russell to continue captivating both on and off the red carpet as she balances her jury duties with her passion for storytelling. Her journey is just beginning, and the future holds exciting possibilities for this rising star.
