Sheer styles have populated red carpets for years — just take it from the Venice Film Festival. The annual affair celebrates new motion pictures from around the world, with stars putting their fashion chops on display in the Floating City.
While see-through garments have only recently gained major steam, stars including Salma Hayek and Selena Gomez brought the trend to Venice more than a decade ago.
Ahead of the 2024 Venice Film Festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday, a look back at the event’s best sheer dresses from the 2000s to today.
2002: Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek at the Venice Film Festival in 2002.
Hayek put a sultry spin on the little black dress in 2002, when she attended the premiere of her film “Frida” in a sheer lace frock featuring a short train. The actress added on a pair of black pumps, completing her look with diamond earrings.
2012: Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez at the Venice Film Festival in 2012.
At a photo call for “Spring Breakers,” Gomez, like Hayek, embraced lace in a Dolce & Gabbana midi dress featuring gold damask embroidery. The “Only Murders in the Building” star and Rare Beauty founder accessorized with Jimmy Choo heels and Melinda Maria earrings.
2017: Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence at the Venice Film Festival in 2017.
To attend the premiere of “Mother!,” Lawrence selected a Dior gown from the label’s spring 2017 couture collection, which featured polka dot tulle and floral appliqués. The actress added on Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including a diamond collar.
2021: Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson at the Venice Film Festival in 2021.
Dakota Johnson added a touch of sparkle to the sheer trend in 2021, attending the premiere of “The Lost Daughter” in a crystalized Gucci gown. The label’s former creative director, Alessandro Michele, designed the custom look for Johnson.
2022: Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh at the Venice Film Festival in 2022.
Florence Pugh’s Valentino couture at the premiere of “Don’t Worry Darling” included a corseted bodysuit wrapped in sequined sheer fabric. A design from the Italian label’s fall 2022 collection, it also featured an off-the-shoulder neckline and a floor-length train. Pugh completed her look with Tiffany & Co. jewels.
2024: Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega at the Venice Film Festival in 2024.
At the premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Ortega channeled Lydia Deetz’s red wedding gown from the original film, selecting a sheer cutout Christian Dior dress featuring a heart-shaped bodice and a pleated skirt.
