The Venice International Film Festival has come a long way since “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” opened the event’s very first edition, 85 years ago.
Gone are the days of categories like “most touching film” – and their winners being chosen by audience vote. In their place, we now see the machinations of a film industry setting its agenda for the year ahead.
But one thing has remained consistent throughout: The most glamorous looks of the age will always on display.
From the elegant evening wear of the inter-war era to the manicured couture of recent decades, the festival guarantees a glimpse of famous celebrities wearing some of the world’s most coveted outfits.
All eyes are back on the red carpet as the 2017 Venice Film Festival kicks off with the science fiction comedy-drama “Downsizing.”
The movie’s star-studded cast – which includes Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig and Alec Baldwin – is expected alongside big names from film and fashion.
Yet, in the festival’s earlier years, movie stars and models were just as likely to be pictured driving speedboats than attending premieres. Before the days of red carpet selfies, Diana Dors was posing on a gondola in mink-fur bikini, and Orson Welles was being photographed out on a sightseeing tour.
These images are perhaps, as much a part of the history of the film festival as the movies themselves. We look back at some of the best style moments from years gone by.
This year’s Venice International Film Festival runs from August 30 to September 9.