Julia Roberts stole the 82nd Venice Film Festival red carpet in Dario Vitale’s debut Versace collection. The moment marked Vitale’s first major showcase since taking over as Versace’s creative chief in 2025.
Venice, Sept. 5 – The 82nd Venice Film Festival red carpet just got its “pinch-me” moment. Julia Roberts, Hollywood’s enduring icon of grace, stepped out Sunday wearing a showstopping look from Dario Vitale’s debut Versace collection—marking the first high-profile reveal of the new creative chief’s vision for the legendary brand. Cue the camera flashes and social media meltdowns; this was fashion history in the making.
The Look: Classic Roberts Meets Vitale’s Bold Versace
Let’s cut to the outfit—because that’s what everyone’s scrolling for. Roberts opted for a floor-length gown in Versace’s signature emerald green, a hue that popped against the Venetian sunset like a perfectly curated Instagram filter. The silhouette blended old Hollywood glamour (think structured shoulders and a subtle mermaid flare) with Vitale’s modern edge: delicate gold chain detailing woven through the fabric and a back slit that walked the line between elegant and daring.
It wasn’t just a dress—it was a statement. “That gown is Vitale’s design philosophy in fabric,” noted fashion critic Elena Marquez, referencing his reputation for merging tradition and modernity. “He’s honoring Versace’s bold roots but softening them just enough for Roberts’ timeless vibe. It’s a match made in red carpet heaven.” Unsurprisingly, #JuliaVersaceVenice started trending within minutes, with fans calling it her best look since the 2014 Oscars.
Vitale’s Versace Era: A New Chapter Post-Donatella
For fashion insiders, this moment was bigger than one gown—it was the official launch of Vitale’s Versace. The 42-year-old Naples native took over as creative chief in April 2025, stepping into shoes worn by Donatella Versace for nearly three decades. It’s no small feat; Donatella turned her brother Gianni’s brand into a global symbol of unapologetic luxury.
But Vitale comes with credentials that quieted the skeptics. A graduate of Milan’s Istituto Marangoni, he cut his teeth at Bottega Veneta, Dsquared2, and Miu Miu, rising to design director roles where he honed that “classic with a twist” aesthetic. “He’s not here to erase Versace’s past—he’s here to make it feel fresh for 2025,” said a brand insider. Choosing Roberts as his first A-list muse? Genius. She’s got the star power to make fashion fans sit up and notice, without overshadowing the clothes themselves.
Why This Venice Moment Matters for Hollywood Fashion
Venice isn’t just about movies—it’s about setting the tone for awards season style. Roberts’ choice to wear Vitale’s debut line sends a clear message: this new Versace is going to be everywhere this fall. For celebrities and stylists, it’s a green light to lean into the brand’s updated vibe.
It also highlights a bigger trend: Hollywood’s love affair with “new guard” designers. After years of playing it safe post-pandemic, stars are craving looks that feel both familiar and exciting—and Vitale delivers that. “Julia didn’t just wear a dress,” Marquez added. “She anointed the next big name in fashion. You’ll see this gown copied on red carpets for months.”
As the Venice Film Festival rolls on, other stars will undoubtedly serve up great looks. But Roberts and Vitale’s moment? That’s the one that’ll be talked about when we recap 2025’s best fashion. It’s proof that when a legendary actor meets a rising designer at the right time, magic happens—even (especially) under the Venetian lights.