The Venetian lagoon of Lido has long been an epicentre of craft and culture, with the Venice Film Festival a cumulation of the finest fashion and film Hollywood’s elite has to offer.
Over its 79 year history, everyone from Sofia Loren to Zendaya has graced the idyllic and coastal Palazzo del Cinema, donning headline-making ensembles that infuse Italian luxury with effortless glamour.
Now, it seems that an unlikely contender is coming for the throne, with British actress Jodie Turner-Smith coming for the Venice Film Festival ‘Best Dressed’ crown.
The festival’s festivities may have just begun, however from the moment Turner-Smith stepped onto the tarmac at Venice Marco Polo airport to when she emerged from the luxury speedboats, Jodie has captivated us with her lust-worthy and high-octane ensembles.
Earlier in the week, Turner-Smith proved that airport dressing (e.g the lost art of dressing up for travel pioneered by the jet set society of the 1960s and 1970s), had made its triumphant return.
The 35-year-old took to the runway (the airport runway, that is) in a sorbet hued chiffon pant suit from emerging French luxury label Casablanca. But that was just the beginning.
Later that day, while attending varying promotional events for her upcoming black-comedy film White Noise, Turner-Smith took to the city of love in a series of custom Gucci ensembles that cemented her status as the reigning queen of red carpet fashion.
The first look was a striking azure mini from Turkish womenswear label Raisa Vanessa. Featuring a fringed hemline and sleeve detailing, this look could’ve been plucked from the wardrobe of our favourite Bond girls and served serious balmy energy.
Turner-Smith then opted for a sheer lingerie-like baby pink dress from Gucci, with coquette inspired white lace up thigh high boots and the 2022 red carpet accessory du jour: latex opera gloves.
Continuing to prove that the reign of the opera glove was far from over, Turner-Smith changed into a forest green option for the White Noise official premiere.
Accompanied by White Noise co-star Greta Gerwig, Turner-Smith that Gucci is indeed in its ‘exquisite’ era with a plunging gown with embroidered crystal and a salmon lettuce-hem.
But just because the White Noise press tour was over, it didn’t mean that Turner-Smith was ready to rescind her crown just yet. Rather, her next look was the best yet (and worth the wait!).
We’re, of course, referring to Jodie Turner-Smith’s kaleidoscopic Christopher John Rogers gown. Taking to social media, Rogers echoed our sentiments describing the dress “made for a special squirrel”, special indeed.
The look, which debuted in CJR’s Collection 009 features an abstract crayon print, bringing new meaning to the phrase craft couture.
Of course, it was just the gown that left us breathless, but rather seeing two influential Black creatives receive the reception and praise they both deserve for their accolades in their respective fields.
Jodie must have had Lizzo’s ‘Scuse me’ on repeat, because the star is clearly feeling herself. Venice finally gets her queen, the best we’ve ever seen.
Below, behold Jodie Turner-Smith’s best looks from the Venice Film Festival
