Venice 2022 Revisited: The Don’t Worry Darling Cast Turned Scandal Into a High-Fashion Shoe Showcase

In 2022, Don’t Worry Darling drew headlines for everything from casting shake-ups to internet memes—but on the Venice red carpet, the conversation shifted to fashion.

The film’s press tour became a runway in its own right: Olivia Wilde floating in crystal-fringed chiffon, Florence Pugh commanding the flashbulbs in constellation-studded couture, Gemma Chan leaning into armor-sleek embellishment, and Harry Styles doubling down on ’70s glam with glossy boots and tailored flare.

Don’t Worry Darling cast members Nick Kroll, Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, Olivia Wilde, Sydney Chandler, Harry Styles, and Gemma Chan (Credit: Aurore Marechal / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Yes, the behind-the-scenes buzz fueled curiosity, but it’s the shoes that still echo: feather-trimmed Valentino sandals peeking through tulle, razor-sharp point-toe pumps sculpting hemlines, strappy metallic heels catching the lagoon light, and polished Gucci ankle boots anchoring retro suiting.

Sydney Chandler in an asymmetrical Saint Laurent dress, Gemma Chan in a metallic Louis Vuitton dress, and Florence Pugh in a Valentino off-the-shoulder gown at the “Don’t Worry Darling” red carpet at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2022, in Venice, Italy (Credit: Aurore Marechal / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

While several years have passed, the Venice premiere reads less like a scandal timeline and more like a study in how footwear finishes a look—elevating silhouettes, balancing volume, and giving every exit a finale.

Venice 2022: The Red-Carpet Shoe Story

Don’t Worry Darling earned a five-minute standing ovation after its world premiere during the Venice International Film Festival. Its stellar ensemble cast stepped out in good spirits, dressed to the nines, for the high-profile event.

Nick Kroll, Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, Olivia Wilde, Sydney Chandler, Harry Styles, and Gemma Chan at the Don’t Worry Darling premiere during the 79th Venice International Film Festival (Credit: Hubert Boesl / DPA / Cover Images)

Here is a rundown of the glamorous looks from the cast during the 2022 Venice International Film Festival:

Olivia Wilde: Custom Gucci Gown & Barely-There Nude Heels; Chanel Couture Boots at Photocall

Yellow is a good color on Olivia Wilde, who looked stunning in her custom Gucci gown. The yellow silk chiffon piece featured glittering crystal fringing over the bodice and a dramatic floor-sweeping ruffled hem with a train.

Olivia Wilde in custom Gucci at the Don’t Worry Darling premiere during the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2022 (Credit: Simone Comi / IPA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Her plunging neckline showcased her stunning Gucci jewelry, and the minimal beauty look kept the focus on her gorgeous gown. Strappy heels and tousled waves finished off her premiere look.

Olivia Wilde turned heads in a custom yellow Gucci gown adorned with crystal fringe, pairing the look with barely visible strappy nude heels that subtly elongated her frame (Credit: KIKA Press / Cover Images)

Director Olivia Wilde posing for photographs on the red carpet during the 79th Venice International Film Festival (Credit: Simone Comi / IPA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Earlier that day, Olivia attended the photocall in a green Chanel Fall 2022 Haute Couture suit. It featured a tailored jacket and a skirt with flower-shaped buttons and patch pockets.

The black bralette and heavy black leather ankle boots added a sultry edge to her ensemble.

Improved caption: Olivia Wilde channeled effortless Parisian polish in a green Chanel Fall 2022 Haute Couture suit, pairing the crystal-buttoned jacket and skirt with sleek black Chanel Fall 2022 Couture boots, Coco Crush jewelry, Anita Ko diamond huggies, and CH5447 square-frame sunglasses for a refined yet modern finish (Credit: Alberto Terenghi / IPA / INSTARimage / Cover Images)

Florence Pugh: Valentino Constellation Gown & Feathered, Bow-Tied Heels

Hollywood darling Florence Pugh made a dramatic entrance at the premiere in her Valentino Fall 2022 Haute Couture gown.

Florence Pugh was joined by her legendary grandmother, Pat, at the Don’t Worry Darling film premiere (Credit: KIKA Press / Cover Images)

The sheer black number featured voluminous sleeves, an off-the-shoulder design, and a tulle skirt with a floor-sweeping hem. Her gown shimmered with silver sequin embroidery, resembling constellations adorning the night sky.

Florence Pugh in Valentino at the Don’t Worry Darling premiere during the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2022 (Credit: Hubert Boesl / DPA / Cover Images)

The 26-year-old actress looked glamorous with her old Hollywood finger wave hairstyle and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Florence Pugh channels old Hollywood on the Venice red carpet, wearing soft blonde waves, a diamond necklace, and an off-the-shoulder, star-sequin gown (Credit: KIKA Press / Cover Images)

She completed her look with black pointy-toe heels from Valentino, which featured bow-tied ankle straps and dramatic black feathers.

Florence Pugh completed her starry Valentino gown with black patent heels adorned with dramatic feather plumes and bow-tied ankle straps, a whimsical flourish that turned every step into a red-carpet moment (Credit: KIKA Press / Cover Images)

As for her plus one, Florence brought her grandmother to the premiere. “Granzo Pat” looked like she had the time of her life, posing for photographs and dancing on the red carpet with her granddaughter.

On her Instagram appreciation post, Florence called it “the most special moment I have ever had on a carpet.”

Earlier that day, Florence arrived in Venice wearing a stylish purple ensemble, fresh off the set of Dune: Part Two.

She exuded a breath of fresh air with her retro poolside look, courtesy of Valentino. Florence wore a loose-fitting button-up shirt left open to reveal a tiny bandeau and matching shorts.

She carried a Valentino Garavani purple bag and accessorized with Valentino cat-eye shades and Versace drop earrings. A pair of Valentino purple sandals added the perfect finishing touch to her casual-chic look.

Gemma Chan: Tough-Glam Louis Vuitton with Razor Point-Toe Heels

The always elegant Gemma Chan wore Louis Vuitton for her promotional looks in Venice. She stepped out in a shimmering column gown with sequin embroidery, floral details, and a bodice resembling armor.

Gemma Chan in Louis Vuitton at the Don’t Worry Darling premiere during the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2022 (Credit: Hubert Boesl / DPA / Cover Images)

It’s reminiscent of previous tough-glam ensembles from Louis Vuitton girls Alicia Vikander and Ana de Armas, who looked poised for battle in their glamorous gowns.

The 39-year-old English actress also attended the photocall in another Louis Vuitton look.

She brought some cool edge in a sleeveless, knit crop top, gold cargo pants, and patch pockets. Tousled waves and pointy-toe heels completed her look at the Venice photocall.

Gemma Chan struck a balance between glamour and grit in a tough-chic Louis Vuitton look, pairing a metallic ruffled crop top with gold cargo trousers and pointed-toe heels that grounded the ensemble with effortless cool (Credit: Alberto Terenghi / IPA / INSTARimage / Cover Images)

Harry Styles: ’70s-Lean Gucci HA HA HA Tailoring Anchored by Glossy Boots

British superstar Harry Styles embraced his 1970s retro aesthetic in Venice to promote the film and his Gucci capsule collection. He wore pieces from Gucci HA HA HA, which showcased his vintage flair.

Harry wore a blue double-breasted jacket and matching trousers at the premiere, with a light blue shirt and an exaggerated collar. He styled his suit with white Gucci boots, tinted shades, chunky rings, and light blue nails.

Harry Styles in head-to-toe Gucci at the Don’t Worry Darling premiere during the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2022 (Credit: KIKA Press / Cover Images)

The 28-year-old star opted for casual cool at the photocall, wearing nautical stripes and a printed blue scarf for a pop of color.

Harry wore a white tank tucked into high-waisted pants and styled with a cream-colored pinstripe blazer. Brown shoes, chunky rings, and a side-parted hairstyle rounded out his look.

Harry Styles wearing pieces from his Gucci HA HA HA collection at the Don’t Worry Darling photocall (Credit: Alberto Terenghi / IPA / INSTARimage / Cover Images)

Gucci also shared Harry’s airport look, featuring stylish pieces from his collaboration with creative director Alessandro Michele.

He wore a maroon double-breasted jacket over a deep green sweater vest with a contrasting pink monogram pattern. Harry styled them with denim flared jeans and white leather Adidas x Gucci Gazelle sneakers.

Ever the superstar, Harry finished off his head-to-toe Gucci look with matching bags from the luxury label. He carried a pony hair Jackie 1961 crossbody bag, a leopard-print suitcase, and a mini case.

Don’t Worry Darling marks Olivia Wilde’s second feature film after her critically acclaimed directorial debut, Booksmart.

Set in the 1950s, this psychological thriller follows the seemingly happy couple Alice and Jack Chambers as they navigate their utopian life in the idyllic town of Victory, California.

Harry Styles as Jack Chambers and Florence Pugh as Alice Chambers in the upcoming psychological thriller film Don’t Worry Darling (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

More “Don’t Worry Darling” Cast Shoe & Fashion Highlights

As this concludes our look back at the 2022 Venice Film Festival and its unforgettable style moments, it’s clear that the film’s leading stars—on and off the red carpet—have each carved their own space in the world of fashion. Explore more of their standout shoe and style stories below.