‘It’s One of My Favorite Dresses’: Taylor Russell Talks Embracing Venice Film Festival Style
Taylor Russell is no stranger to a glitzy movie premiere: The actor has delivered many stellar fashion moments on the red carpet (in fact, she’s one of Hollywood’s most notable fashion risk-takers). But this year’s Venice Film Festival looks a little different for the star. In addition to ruling the step and repeat, she’s also a member of the jury this time around. “I’m incredibly honored and excited to be in Venice this year as a jury member, especially amongst such a geographically-diverse collective of creators and lovers of cinema,” Russell tells Vogue of her prestigious post. “The array of varying perspectives and thoughts, through these artists, feels particularly special.”
This year marks Russell’s second time attending the Venice festivities. (Last year, she marked her first festival while promoting Bones and All with Timothée Chalamet.) The Italian locale and its strong ties to film hold a special place in her heart. “To me, the blend of Venice the city—this magical fairytale place— alongside the history of the Venice Film Festival itself, feels so palpably tingly,” says Russell. “Even if you’re just getting in a water taxi from one place to another, it’s hard not to feel constantly reminded how lucky you are to be here.” As a lover of cinema and someone who crafts stories in front of the lens, Russell says she’s excited to take in all of the various works throughout the week. “With having the opportunity to be on jury this year, Debra Granik pointed out beautifully at the press conference the ability to be able to watch these films without external ideas and feelings shaping it,” says Russell. “You have a chance to see a film with a fresh and clean state of mind, with little information. And to discuss it wholeheartedly with your fellow jurors. In this time that we’re in, it is a rare experience I think and one that I’m cherishing.”
Of course, in addition to her jury duties, part of the fun of attending Venice is playing dress up. On the red carpets, Russell has already delivered statement looks—including archival Chanel and John Galliano. At the Maria premiere yesterday, Russell struck gold again—with a buttery yellow Loewe gown that was all about the drape. “The chiffon feels easy and light, and the shape of the dress itself—with the neck scarf connected—holds a large majority of what I love in many vintage references, and what my wish for a dress for Venice Film Festival would carry,” Russell says of the design, which was styled by Jahleel Weaver. “It’s one of my favorite dresses we’ve worked on together.”
Russell and Loewe designer Jonathan Anderson have developed quite the friendship recently. As a face and muse of the house, Russell says she’s fallen in love with his unpredictability and willingness to experiment. “Loewe has this great ability to be quite malleable in the fashion arena, which I think in theory feels easy, but in practice isn’t as much,” she says. “I love how outside of the box, contemporary, and artistic Loewe is, at the same time as being just simply beautiful. You never know what direction it’s going to go in, and that’s what personally interests me. I love the variety and the surprise. And the ability to be flexible and shape shift.”
