The glittering waters of Venice are once again the backdrop for the annual Venice Film Festival, a cinematic extravaganza where Hollywood’s elite gather to showcase their latest works. This year, the buzz is palpable, a stark contrast to last year’s quieter edition, as the industry rebounds from the SAG-AFTRA strikes. The streets of Venice are alive with the presence of A-list stars, signaling a triumphant return for the festival.
Anticipation is high for highly anticipated films like Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s *Joker: Folie à Deux*, Tim Burton’s *Beetlejuice* sequel, and Luca Guadagnino’s latest queer romance. The red carpet at the Lido di Venezia is set to be ablaze with star power.
The 81st Venice Film Festival began with a bang, as the premiere of *Beetlejuice 2* brought the entire cast together. From the afternoon photo call to the evening premiere, the cast embraced the gothic spirit of the film with their sartorial choices.
Winona Ryder, channeling her iconic character Lydia Deetz, graced the red carpet in a skirted tuxedo look from Chanel. Jenna Ortega, her on-screen daughter, opted for a sheer crimson Dior gown, evoking the elegance of Lydia’s wedding gown in the original 1988 film. Catherine O’Hara, never one to shy away from bold fashion statements, sported a striped ensemble, a clear homage to the film’s eccentric aesthetic. Monica Bellucci, embracing her inner gothic, graced the carpet in a custom Vivienne Westwood look featuring dramatic sleeves.
But the cast of *Beetlejuice* weren’t the only ones to steal the spotlight. Taylor Russell, a Venice darling, turned heads in an archival Chanel gown, a voluminous couture piece from spring/summer 1993 originally worn by Claudia Schiffer on the runway.
The opening night of the Venice Film Festival has set the stage for a week of glamorous red carpet appearances and cinematic magic. Stay tuned for more sartorial delights and dazzling premieres as the festival continues.
