How Tessa Thompson Emerged as the Venice Film Festival’s Best Dressed Star

When a Hollywood star signs on to be a jury member at the annual Venice Film Festival in Italy, they’re not just agreeing to watch the many films in the running for the top prize. They’re also signing up to be a fixture on the red carpet. To be a jury member and a celebrity requires an impactful wardrobe, and nobody understood this better than actor Tessa Thompson. Working with the stylist duo Wayman + Micah (who also nailed dressing Jodie Turner-Smith at the festival this year), Thompson delivered the theatrical fashion that Venice deserves.

Attending various screenings, premieres, and dinners over the past two weeks, Thompson embraced big, whimsical silhouettes. Nothing simple; nothing streamlined. Her hallmarks were ruffles, capes, sequins, and color.

Her most recent look for the closing ceremony just last night was a white silk-taffeta creation from Schiaparelli’s fall 2022 couture collection, complete with grape and pearl embroidery and an oversized asymmetrical bow. More is more! Just like the metallic green, ruffled cape dress by Marc Jacobs that she wore to the Don’t Worry Darling premiere earlier this week.

Even Thompon’s more reserved looks made a statement. Her version of classic little black dress at the Blonde premiere came in the form of Interior’s netted slinky gown and hood, which had an otherworldly quality. For the festival’s inaugural cocktail event, she chose a black Rodarte blazer dress with touches of voluminous tulle. All-black ensembles can still turn heads.

Her best of the week, however, were the high-octane dresses in bright colors. Namely, the neon-green Christopher John Rogers corset dress she wore to the Bones and All premiere (accessorized with a black veil!), and the red Elie Saab couture gown she sported to the Bardo premiere, outfitted with a giant cape-hood and long train. Thompson consistently outdid herself and proved she was dedicated to the fantasy of red carpet fashion.

Below, all of Thompson’s Venice Film Festival looks that made her the week’s best dressed.