The Venice Film Festival Is Bringing Back the Glamour of the Red Carpet, and Oh How We Missed It

Updated on 9/4/2020 at 1:55 PM

The Venice Film Festival kicked off this week, giving us our first glimpse of a red carpet in the midst of the pandemic. After Cannes was canceled in May and other events followed suit or adapted to the climate with virtual presentations, it feels both entirely novel and nostalgic to see a red carpet again — and the glamour that comes with it.

Of course, it doesn't look exactly the same — how could it? But even with social distancing, smaller crowds, temperature checks, and, yes, masks to accompany the couture, there's something kind of magical about seeing a star-studded red carpet and all these incredible gowns. From Tilda Swinton in Chanel to Taylor Hill in an Etro creation (and coordinating mask), we're taking a closer look at the best looks so far. Consider this a welcome reprieve from all the sweatpants content.

Taylor Hill wore Etro for the Lacci red carpet.

Taylor matched her mask to her paisley-print gown.

Cate Blanchett appeared in a striped Giorgio Armani look for the jury photocall.

Cate Blanchett arrived at the Venice airport in chic separates.

Maty Fall Diba wears a pink scarf-print gown by Etro and shoes by Pomellato.

Elodie wears a silver Versace gown with Messika jewels.

Adèle Exarchopoulos wears a black cutout dress by Maison Cléo and Bvlgari jewels.

Nathalie Emmanuel wears a violet Miu Miu co-ordinated set with accessories by the brand.

Francesca Hayward wears head-to-toe Miu Miu.

Maya Hawke wears an Atelier Versace gown with Mejuri jewels.

Gia Coppola wears a multicolor tiered Gucci gown.

Rebecca Borga wears a champagne gown by Maison Co.go and shoes by Apepazza.

Taylor Hill was spotted in a head-to-toe scarf-print look by Etro.

Cate Blanchett wore Alexander McQueen on the Amants red carpet.

Tilda Swinton in a Chanel look for The Human Voice red carpet.

Frida Aasen wore Alberta Ferretti Couture to the Amants red carpet.

Taylor Hill wore Etro to the Amants red carpet.

Tilda Swinton coordinated her hat and tunic while out at the festival.

Cate Blanchett stepped out in a white jumpsuit, Stella McCartney sunglasses, and Gucci sneakers for day three of the festival.

Gia Coppola attended an event wearing sweet multicolored pumps.

Maty Fall Diba posed for photos in printed pants and sneakers.

Tilda Swinton wore a citrus-colored suit to the photocall for The Human Voice.

Tilda Swinton posed in a bright tuxedo jacket and trousers on day two.

Tilda Swinton wore Chanel for the Lacci red carpet.

Cate Blanchett wore Esteban Cortázar for the Lacci red carpet.