Hey travelers, today we talk about a fascinating and little known aspect of the Venetian glamour: the stylists of the stars at the Venice Film Festival 2025.
Find out more in this guide by Venice Insider Guide: how these style magicians work behind the scenes, what brings the charm on the streets and why Venice becomes a catwalk.
The invisible but powerful role of the stylists on the red carpet
Have you ever wondered who’s behind the iconic outfits of the stars on the red carpet? The stylists of the stars at the Venice Film Festival are not just tailors or fashion consultants; they are true “style architects” who build a celebrity’s public image in one shot. At the Venice International Film Festival, where cinema and fashion merge, this job reaches new heights.
These professionals work with fashion houses, editors, designers to create looks that will go viral on social media, in magazines - and maybe - land a big contract or a cover.
Elizabeth Stewart for Julia Roberts
One of the top stylists in this category is Elizabeth Stewart. She’s one of the stylist of a star at the Venice Film Festival 2025.
After a career in fashion magazines like WWD, W Magazine and New York Times Magazine, Stewart is now one of the most influential stylists in the world.
At the Lido di Venezia in 2025, her attention will be all on Julia Roberts, who debuts here dressed by Stewart.
In her stable of clients: Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Elizabeth Olsen and the iconic Cate Blanchett, who always goes for a sophisticated and recognizable style - thanks to Stewart’s meticulous work.
Elizabeth Stewart bio
Elizabeth Stewart grew up in California and started her career as a fashion journalist. Her initial approach was more observer than creator and that allowed her to develop an extraordinary critical eye. After over a decade in editorial, she decided to go “behind the scenes” and become a personal stylist. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: a look must tell a story. Over time she was named by Hollywood Reporter one of the most powerful stylists in the world, often referred to as “the secret weapon” of the stars during awards season. Stewart works with a small and curated team: assistants, tailors, image consultants and leaves nothing to chance. For her every detail is part of a global narrative: the dress, the make-up, the hair, even the way the star walks the red carpet.
Petra Flannery for Yorgos Lanthimos
Another big name is Petra Flannery, one of the most influential stylists of 2025 (included in the Hollywood Reporter’s prestigious list). She works regularly with Zoe Saldaña, for whom she loves voluminous silhouettes by Saint Laurent, and with Emma Stone, under the Louis Vuitton umbrella.
Emma Stone is back in Venice as the star of Bugonia, probably with the iconic Louis Vuitton looks created by Nicolas Ghesquière. Flannery, in short, promises bold and sculptural style.
Petra Flannery is the stylist of a star at the Venice Film Festival 2025 for director Yorgos Lanthimos. And so she’s back in Laguna again.
Petra Flannery bio
Petra Flannery was born and raised in Los Angeles and was fascinated by the world of show business and fashion from a very young age. She started her career collaborating with fashion magazines and emerging brands, building her reputation as a stylist and a visionary. The turning point came when she started working with A-list stars for Hollywood’s most glamorous events. In 2015 she was included in The Hollywood Reporter’s “Power Stylist List” and her name went global. Her style is recognizable: clean lines, sophisticated geometry and a love for voluminous silhouettes. She’s also known for being able to spot trends before they go mainstream, making her clients wear pieces that become iconic in no time. Alongside Zoe Saldaña and Emma Stone, she’s styled Claire Danes and Amy Adams, and is one of the most respected and in-demand in the business.
Why are stylists important for the stars at the Venice Film Festival
The Venice Film Festival is more than just a film festival: it’s the most sophisticated red carpet in Europe where fashion, art and tourism meet. The stars arrive by private boat, stay in historic hotels like the Danieli or the Gritti Palace and turn the Lido into a luxurious set.
The stylists of the stars at the Venice Film Festival care about every detail because a look on the red carpet can translate into global visibility, collaborations and advertising contracts. And Venice, with its unique corners, is the perfect stage to shine.
Designer relationships and timing is everything
The stylists create a mood board, select dresses, accessories, jewelry. All with days of fittings, test shoots and logistical management: in Venice, time is very tight.### Tailoring
It’s not just about choosing: outfits are made to measure, some even with last minute changes. Personalization is key.
Media strategies
Stylists go for “Instagrammable” outfits, memorable but elegant. Style changes depending on the media coverage.
Stylists to watch at the Venice Film Festival 2025
- Elizabeth Stewart + Julia Roberts: a Hollywood elegance combo under the Lido lights.
- Petra Flannery + Emma Stone: sculptural looks, LV ready to shine on every Venice step.
- Other to watch: Cate Blanchett (with Stewart), Zoe Saldaña (with Flannery), and who else will pop up among the Gardens...
5 tips for fashion addicted tourists: how to live la dolce vita
To get more, see our tips to live la dolce vita at the Venice Film Festival 2025.
- Walk like on the red carpet: watch the photographers at the hotel exits.
- Shop-glam in historic stores: look for handmade pieces that evoke the elegance of the Biennale.
- Participate in the collateral events: talks, installations, off-schedule shows to see in Laguna.
- Shoot in the right places: Hotel Excelsior, Giudecca, Gritti Palace—backdrops.
- Follow the official Festival profiles: to see all the looks and stay updated on the trends.
Conclusion: a look can really make the difference
Hey traveler, now you know that behind a star appearance in Venice there’s a world of strategy, creativity and timing.
Now that you know the star stylists like Elizabeth Stewart and Petra Flannery, follow them too, on channels and red carpet.
The stylists of the stars at the Venice Film Festival 2025 are absolutely to watch.