The 76th Venice Film Festival has just bestowed upon the fashion world some of the most dazzling red-carpet outfits to date, in a celebration of this year’s best international cinematography. In our rundown of all things couture, embellishment and androgyny, here is Vulture’s best of Venice 2019.

TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET

It seems like there is no ‘best dressed’ list without a feature from the rising sensation that is Timothée Chalamet. Chalamet’s red-carpet moment, where he debuted his film The King, was nothing short of museum-worthy. He tore the traditional silhouette of the suit to pieces, wearing an avant-garde waist belt and satin blouse combination in a delicate shade of silver. This masterpiece was created by French-Colombian designer Haider Ackermann, as once again Chalamet shuns the mainstream designers we routinely encounter on red-carpets. Chalamet commented on the lack of self-expression permitted by the stereotypical male attire at these large-scale events, saying that fashion “[is] just a fun part of it”. Is Chalamet finally setting a precedent of experimentation for male actors across the globe? It would appear so.

LIV TYLER

Courtesy of Givenchy Haute Couture, Tyler took a Bardot neckline and exaggerated sleeves to the extreme at the Ad Astra film premiere. Black was a running theme amongst the dresses seen at the beginning of the festival, but Tyler’s choice of black only complimented the dress’s gothic, Rick Owens-esque feel, which was somehow also romanticised by its billowing features and the femininity of its bow detail. Her accompanying purple touches, from her earrings to her eye shadow, created an imbalance between the feminine and the androgynous, which somehow worked incredibly, and was nothing short of show-stopping.

IMAN

It’s safe to say that Iman has officially defied all fashion odds in this bespoke Valentino Haute Couture creation. The Somali-American model wore a flowing, cape-esque creation, with a combination of flowers and doves set against a cerulean backdrop. The feathered trim catapulted the dress to new heights, generating a level of prestige exclusive to Iman herself, as she attended the premiere of the film La Vérité. This dress was the icing on the cake, as the previous night saw her in a purple Valentino Couture dress that completely redefined the ruffle.

In violet, Iman accepted the Franca Sozzani Award for women in the fashion and entertainment industry that have achieved significant acclaim for their work in humanitarian aid. In Vulture’s eyes, Iman has won every award.

MADISIN RIAN

Model Madisin Rian was mesmerizing in Armani Privé for the premiere of the film Seberg. The strapless purple number was captivating with its luminous sequin detailing, however what made this look even more powerful was the fact that Rian had just announced that she was the first woman of colour to be the face of Armani Beauty. Beauty is certainly summative of both Rian and her dress, as she took the red-carpet by storm.

ACHILLE LAURO

Can you name a more iconic look? I would struggle to. Lauro channelled all things Harry Styles in this Gucci jumpsuit at the premiere of film Happy Birthday, with Victoriana lace ruffles poking out from all corners. Elements of the masculine and feminine came together to birth this androgynous triumph, with the delicacy of the lace contested not only by the stark black jumpsuit, but also by Lauro’s bold face tattoos, the stand-out tattoo being the heart pierced by a sword. I know that’s what my heart felt like looking at this paragon of genderless fashion.

As stars have made their way to the City of Masks, there is no doubt that these looks were the crème-de-la-crème of the red-carpet. Again, fashion and art have coincided to exhibit colour, glitz, eccentricity and nonconformity. Who knows what next year will bring, fashion-wise, at the oldest film festival in the world? For now, our quenching thirst for couture has been satisfied. Until Awards Season, that is.