Venice Film Festival 2026: Friday Night Premiere Looks
Here are the rest of the looks from Friday night’s Venice Film Festival premieres, with everything from shimmering sequins and storybook gowns to classic black and old-school Hollywood glamour.
15/18 A Place To Heal Premiere
While this Balenciaga taffeta gown is very on-brand for Maggie Gyllenhaal, I’m kind of underwhelmed by it. I knew her red carpet looks were going to be predominantly black, but I was hoping she would give me something to be excited about.
This isn’t bad per se, and the asymmetric neckline and exaggerated volume certainly give it presence, but it is a bit forgettable. Considering how much I have enjoyed some of Maggie’s looks away from the red carpet this week, I’m still waiting for one of her premiere gowns to really excite me.
Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People? Premiere
Bhavitha Mandava was my favourite in this Chanel Resort 2027 dress, covered in intricate blue, green and iridescent embellishments that create an almost aquatic texture across the surface. She looked like a beautiful mermaid, with the dress appearing to shift between turquoise, aqua and silver as it caught the light.
The Chanel ambassador completed her look with statement Chanel earrings and silver Aquazzura So Nude sandals, which I much prefer to the barefoot sandals we saw on the runway.
Marina Ruy Barbosa wore a custom Miss Sohee pearl and chiffon gown inspired by the Spring 2024 collection, which was originally presented in blue on the runway. You may also remember that Lisa wore a yellow-and-white version during her press tour for The White Lotus Season 3.
There is such an ethereal quality to Marina’s version. Between the pearl-encrusted corsetry, the flowing chiffon and her Rapunzel-like hair, she looks as though she has stepped straight out of a storybook.
And considering her Intimissimi look from the previous premiere, this is a complete 180. My head is in a tailspin trying to keep up with Marina’s Venice wardrobe.
The Basics of Philosophy Premiere
Leading lady Sofia Boutella celebrated the world premiere in this Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2026 dress. Sadly, the dress failed to rise to the occasion. The draped neckline is beautiful, but the creases dulled my enthusiasm for such a major moment.
We have seen this Saint Laurent Pre-Fall 2026 ribbon-accented lace top and skirt a few times now, but this rich burgundy version gives the look a new lease of life on Dana Delany. The colour makes a considerable difference, especially with the gold lace detailing. The matching burgundy shoes help sell this look to me.
Geena Davis was oozing old-school Hollywood glamour in this black Elie Saab gown. The sequins, classic silhouette and diamond jewellery make this exactly the kind of red carpet glamour I want from someone like Geena. There was no need to reinvent the wheel here.
Maria Borges opted for classic black and white. The simplicity of the look provides the perfect canvas for her stunning Crivelli necklace. Aquazzura Tell Me sandals completed her look.
FTC Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews.
