Black may be one of the safest colors in formal fashion, but the 2026 Venice Film Festival showed how unpredictable it can become in the right hands. Across premieres and ceremonies, stars embraced lace, velvet, satin, sculptural tailoring and elaborate draping. Instead of relying on color to create impact, designers used texture and silhouette to give each outfit a distinctive personality. Laura Dern, Susan Sarandon, Amal Clooney, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Rooney Mara all approached the classic shade differently. Together, their appearances demonstrated why black continues to have such staying power on major red carpets.
Laura Dern embraced intricate detailing for the premiere of Wild Horse Nine. Her sleeveless black Dior gown featured a V neckline, delicate lace and floral embroidery across the upper section. The design transitioned into a fuller shimmering skirt, giving the monochrome look depth through contrasting textures. Black Dior pumps maintained the restrained palette, while a Cartier necklace provided a polished finishing touch.
Susan Sarandon chose a more streamlined interpretation at the premiere of The Echo Chamber. Her black Fendi dress featured long sleeves and an off the shoulder neckline, with a fluid silhouette that followed the body without requiring elaborate embellishment. Statement jewelry, sunglasses and bright red lipstick added personality, demonstrating how accessories can completely change the mood of an otherwise minimalist black dress.
For the festival's opening ceremony, Amal Clooney turned to Tom Ford. Her floor length column gown used rippled fabric panels and subtle leather detailing to create movement and texture. Pointed pumps and a coordinating clutch continued the sleek approach. The result demonstrated how carefully constructed fabric can make a single color visually interesting without overwhelming the overall silhouette.
Maggie Gyllenhaal brought archival fashion into the conversation with an Armani Privé velvet gown originally created in 2015. The design combined sharply defined shoulders, long sleeves and a plunging embellished neckline. Its return more than a decade later also highlighted the growing red carpet practice of revisiting existing fashion rather than treating older couture as something that belongs permanently in an archive.
#susan
Laura Dern embraced intricate detailing for the premiere of Wild Horse Nine. Her sleeveless black Dior gown featured a V neckline, delicate lace and floral embroidery across the upper section. The design transitioned into a fuller shimmering skirt, giving the monochrome look depth through contrasting textures. Black Dior pumps maintained the restrained palette, while a Cartier necklace provided a polished finishing touch.
Susan Sarandon chose a more streamlined interpretation at the premiere of The Echo Chamber. Her black Fendi dress featured long sleeves and an off the shoulder neckline, with a fluid silhouette that followed the body without requiring elaborate embellishment. Statement jewelry, sunglasses and bright red lipstick added personality, demonstrating how accessories can completely change the mood of an otherwise minimalist black dress.
For the festival's opening ceremony, Amal Clooney turned to Tom Ford. Her floor length column gown used rippled fabric panels and subtle leather detailing to create movement and texture. Pointed pumps and a coordinating clutch continued the sleek approach. The result demonstrated how carefully constructed fabric can make a single color visually interesting without overwhelming the overall silhouette.
Maggie Gyllenhaal brought archival fashion into the conversation with an Armani Privé velvet gown originally created in 2015. The design combined sharply defined shoulders, long sleeves and a plunging embellished neckline. Its return more than a decade later also highlighted the growing red carpet practice of revisiting existing fashion rather than treating older couture as something that belongs permanently in an archive.
#susan
3 hours ago
