Amal Clooney, Greta Gerwig, Laura Dern & Riley Keough Light Up Venice in Aquazzura, Jimmy Choo & Manolo Blahnik Heels

At the 82nd Venice Film Festival, the cast of Noah Baumbach’s comedy-drama Jay Kelly lit up the red carpet for the film’s global debut. The evening was a glamorous display of European elegance and Hollywood talent, with a star-studded lineup.

Jay Kelly centers on famous actor Jay Kelly, played by George Clooney, and his manager Ron Sukenick, played by Adam Sandler. They travel throughout Europe, reflecting on the choices that shaped their personal lives, careers, and legacies.

Joining the cast are Laura Dern as Liz, Jay’s publicist, Riley Keough as Jessica Kelly, Jay’s eldest daughter, and Greta Gerwig as Lois Sukenick, Ron’s wife. The film has already generated buzz, earning a Golden Lion nomination at the Venice Film Festival. It will debut in select theaters on November 14 before its worldwide release on Netflix on December 5.

Amal Clooney, Greta Gerwig, Laura Dern, and Riley Keough stun in statement gowns and heels at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival premiere of Jay Kelly on August 28, 2025 (Credit: Anna Maria Tinghino / Future Image / Cover Images)

The film’s leading ladies wowed in stunning dresses on the red carpet, while Clooney arrived with his elegant wife Amal, whose presence added an extra touch of sophistication.

Here’s a closer look at their stunning appearances.

Amal Clooney Revives Vintage Glamour in Fuchsia Jean-Louis Scherrer Gown and Aquazzura Heels

Amal Clooney made a striking entrance in an archival Jean-Louis Scherrer by Erik Mortensen gown from the Autumn-Winter 1995-1996 collection. Crafted from luminous fuchsia changeant taffeta, the dress stood out for its bold color and refined construction. The shade contrasted beautifully with Amal’s warm complexion, exuding boldness and elegance, while the fabric’s subtle sheen emphasized the ruched detailing all over.

The gown flattered her slender frame, with tonal buttons accentuating its silhouette. Strapless with a semi-sweetheart neckline, the gown sculpted her figure before ending in a daring thigh-grazing hem.

What made this piece memorable was its dramatic vintage high-low construction. While the front showcased her long legs, the back featured a voluminous skirt that flowed into a long, sweeping train, adding movement and drama with every step.

Amal Clooney embraces vintage couture in a fuchsia Jean-Louis Scherrer high-low changeant taffeta gown with tonal front buttons, ruching, a thigh-skimming front hem, and a voluminous ballgown skirt at the back (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Cartier Jewels and Jimmy Choo Clutch: Accessories with Impact

Amal added equally striking but minimal accessories to complete her ensemble. She wore her Harry Winston engagement ring, accompanied by the $57,500 Cartier Grain De Café ring in yellow gold, featuring 14 rubellites and 24 brilliant-cut diamonds, as well as the Cartier Panthere de Cartier long earrings, adding just the right amount of sparkle to her look. But of course, her best accessory was her husband, George Clooney, who, at 64, still looked dapper in his midnight blue Giorgio Armani tuxedo.

Amal’s long brunette hair was styled in loose, polished waves that flowed gracefully over her shoulders, perfectly complementing the gown’s strapless neckline. Her makeup balanced the vibrancy of her ensemble with subtlety and refinement, featuring rosy tones that echoed the pink of her gown and nude lips to maintain a sophisticated look.

Amal Clooney accessorizes with Cartier Panthere de Cartier long earrings, Cartier Grain De Café ring, and her Harry Winston engagement ring while posing alongside her husband George Clooney (Credit: Anna Maria Tinghino / Future Image / Cover Images)

Aquazzura “Forever More” Sandals: Shimmering Gold Finish

Amal then carried a metallic gold Jimmy Choo “Clemmie” clutch, matching the reflective finish of her Aquazzura shoes. She slipped into the “Forever More” sandals, crafted in a luxurious mirror-effect gold leather. They featured overlapping, delicate straps at the front and a caged design at the heel that not only shimmered under the lights but also created a leg-lengthening effect.

These sandals are finished with a T-strap, a buckled ankle strap, and a 4-inch stiletto heel.

Amal Clooney pairs her fuchsia gown with metallic Aquazzura Forever More sandals featuring crossover front straps, caged rear, T-straps, and high heels (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Amal Clooney—standing at 5 ft 8½ in (174 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 9.5—has long favored Aquazzura’s mix of elegance and wearability.

Founded by Edgardo Osorio in 2011, the Italian luxury brand is known for refined, high-fashion designs that remain comfortable for long hours on the red carpet.

A striking example came in June 2017, when Amal made her first public appearance just weeks after giving birth to twins. She attended the AFI Life Achievement Award honoring George Clooney in a glittering Atelier Versace gown, which she styled with metallic Aquazzura “First Kiss” sandals. The sleek stiletto heels, finished with delicate straps, highlighted her statuesque frame and underscored her loyalty to the brand’s timeless aesthetic.

Greta Gerwig Brings Romantic Elegance in Black Rodarte Gown and Jimmy Choo Heels

Greta Gerwig, who stars in Jay Kelly and is married to the film’s director, Noah Baumbach, brought her signature elegance to the Venice red carpet in a custom black Rodarte gown. The American label, known for its whimsical romantic silhouettes and feminine adornments, stayed true to its aesthetic with Gerwig’s gown. The design embodied Rodarte’s signature, with dreamlike layers of fabric and intricate, ethereal details.

Crafted from satin with a sheer black tulle overlay that draped from one shoulder, the gown had an airy feel, offset by the richness of black velvet floral appliques embroidered throughout the fabric. Each blossom was adorned with tiny crystals at the center, lending the gown a touch of quiet radiance.

The sculptural knot tied at the one-shoulder neckline, mirrored by a matching knot detail at the opposite waist, added structure to the gown’s otherwise flowing silhouette. From there, the gown extended into a sweeping skirt that trailed elegantly behind her, creating an enchanting and dramatic look.

Greta Gerwig channels romantic elegance in a black tulle one-shoulder gown by Rodarte featuring crystal-adorned velvet flowers and knot accents at the shoulder and waist (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Pomellato Jewelry: White Gold and Diamonds for a Modern Edge

Greta complemented her gown with a sleek beauty look. Her wavy pixie was styled in a slicked-back side part for a polished, modern finish, while her soft pink makeup added freshness that balanced the mood of the dark ensemble.

Greta turned to Pomellato for her jewelry, wearing the “Catene” necklace and its coordinating ring in 18k rhodium-plated white gold. Both pieces featured sculptural links and diamonds, with the ring adorned with 144 round-cut pavé-set diamonds. You can get this ring for $16,700 at Mytheresa.

Jimmy Choo “Heloise” Platforms: Retro Heels with Red Carpet Presence

At 5 feet 8½ inches (174 cm) tall, Greta Gerwig, who wears a US size 9 shoe, grounded her look with Jimmy Choo’s retro-inspired “Heloise” platform sandals. Crafted in Italy from sleek black satin, the design balanced elegance with edge, set on bold 4.7-inch block heels and thick platform soles that gave her statuesque frame even more height and presence on the Venice red carpet.

Wide straps crisscrossed over the toes in a bow-like design, adding a playful yet elegant touch. They were finished with peep toes and secured at the ankles with buckled slender straps, blending charm with support. You can get them for $995 at Farfetch.

Greta Gerwig completes her stunning all-black look with Jimmy Choo Heloise platform sandals with bow-like front straps (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Platforms have become one of Jimmy Choo’s most recognizable signatures on the red carpet, striking the balance between high-octane glamour and practical comfort for stars who need to look flawless for hours.

Why Celebrities Choose Jimmy Choo Platforms

From their Hollywood legacy to their bold silhouettes and Italian craftsmanship, Jimmy Choo platform heels combine sparkle, stability, and versatility — making them a go-to choice for A-listers at premieres, awards shows, and fashion events.

Laura Dern Shimmers in Black and Emerald Armani Privé Gown and Black Heels

Laura Dern brought high-shine glamour to the Venice red carpet in a black and emerald gown from Armani Privé’s Fall 2025 Couture collection. The strapless column dress was cut from fluid satin in what appeared to be a subtle ombre, shifting from inky black to deep emerald.

Sparkling black crystals were embroidered all over the fabric, illuminating its smooth surface and producing a dramatic contrast with the green background. These embellishments provided just the right touch of glitz, turning a classic column silhouette into something eye-catching.

But what truly elevated the gown was the black mesh capelet overlay. Crafted from rows of elongated beads, it created a cage-like effect that layered texture and depth over the dress’s clean lines. It came finished with a beaded neckline and cuffs that doubled as built-in jewelry.

Laura Dern shimmers in an emerald ombre gown by Armani Prive with a black mesh capelet overlay made of rows of elongated beads (Credit: Cover Images)

Cartier Diamonds: Jewelry to Match the Gown’s Glow

Adding even more sparkle to the look, Dern stacked a cocktail ring and a silver cuff. Her Cartier Summae earrings added to the elegance, featuring long, dramatic drops set with diamonds and emeralds that complemented the tones of her dress.

While I would have loved to see an updo to emphasize the gown’s lines, Laura’s loose, softly waved hair, with a face-framing fringe, felt relaxed and natural. Her makeup was kept fresh and subtle, allowing the dress to take center stage.

Black Platform Heels: Subtle but Powerful Footwear Choice

Dern had on a pair of open-toed black sandals. The shoes were mainly concealed beneath the gown’s hem, but they seemed to have platforms and thin stiletto heels, adding a touch of refinement to the ensemble.

Laura Dern completes her emerald green Armani Privé gown with black open-toe platform heels, the bold lift of the shoes subtly peeking out beneath the gown’s crystal-embroidered hem (Credit: Anna Maria Tinghino / Future Image / Cover Images)

Beyond her red-carpet fashion choices, Laura Dern’s statuesque frame has always added to her commanding presence. Her height and shoe size often shape the silhouettes she gravitates toward, making her footwear picks even more striking.

Laura Dern’s Height and Shoe Size

Standing at 5ft 9½ (176.5 cm) with a peak height of 5ft 10 (177.8 cm), Laura Dern wears a US women’s shoe size 10. Her tall frame allows her to carry everything from sculptural stilettos to bold platform heels with equal confidence.

Riley Keough Embraces Boho Glamour in Earthy Two-Piece Chloé Ensemble and Manolo Blahnik Pumps

Riley Keough embraced her love of boho glamour as she graced the red carpet in an earthy-toned ensemble from Chloe, the French luxury fashion house known for its effortlessly chic and feminine ready-to-wear clothing. Riley’s ensemble, from the label’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, struck a balance between romance and drama, though not without some controversial styling decisions.

Keough wore a $3,150 radiant silk taffeta top in a rich brown hue. The design leaned heavily on romantic Victorian fashion, featuring a V-neckline trimmed with cascading ruffles that framed her decolletage. It also had puffed long sleeves that tapered into ruffled cuffs and a cropped hem finished with the same gathered ruffles for added drama.

I’m not really a fan of the shiny finish of the silk taffeta, as it gave the blouse a slightly theatrical quality. The glossy fabric stood out under the lights, but it felt more like a costume than a high-fashion piece.

Riley thankfully balanced this with a $2,890 Chloe maxi skirt in nude coral. Crafted from airy organic silk mousseline, the skirt brought softness that contrasted with the blouse’s more structured form. Its semi-sheer fabric allowed light to pass through, while the airy pleats added a sense of movement.

Riley Keough does boho glamour in an earthy two-piece Chloe ensemble featuring a rich brown, radiant silk taffeta top with ruffle trims and an airy nude coral maxi skirt (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Cartier Necklace and Chloé Bag: Over-the-Top or Perfect Match?

Riley’s smooth, straight brunette hair and subtle, natural makeup enhanced the earthy tones of her look. But the accessories made the look feel heavier. She wore the Cartier “Cafayate” necklace, featuring two large opals, one of 5.64 carats and the other of 4.59 carats, along with different gemstones. It was stunning and reportedly took 1,460 hours to make, but it clashed with the already dramatic blouse, making the outfit feel overdone.

Riley carried the $6,600 Chloe “Chateau Treasures” bag, a patchwork suede goatskin and grained leather piece with a heart padlock detail and gold-toned hardware and charms. It matched the earthy colors, but her choice of footwear—a pair of black Manolo Blahnik pumps—looked too heavy next to the flowing skirt.

Manolo Blahnik “Carolyne” Slingbacks: A Timeless Pump with Staying Power

At 5ft 5 (165.1 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 8.5, Riley Keough opted for Manolo Blahnik’s classic “Carolyne” pumps — a timeless slingback defined by its pointed toes, flattering D’Orsay cut that reveals the arch of the foot, and slim straps that secure gracefully at the heel. The modest stiletto height added polish and sophistication, though the solid black color felt a touch heavy against the ethereal flow of her skirt. A nude pair would have blended seamlessly for elongation, or metallic open-toe heels could have brought in lightness and subtle glamour.

Riley Keough pairs her flowing maxi skirt with classic black Manolo Blahnik “Carolyne” slingback pumps, subtly drawing attention to the crescent moon, arrow, and stars tattooed on her right foot (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Riley’s choice of the Manolo Blahnik “Carolyne” pumps may have divided opinions on the red carpet, but it also highlighted the shoe’s remarkable staying power. The slingback, with its elegant lines and versatile heel heights, has been a go-to for style icons for decades — from Hollywood stars to fashion insiders.

The Timeless Legacy of the Manolo Blahnik “Carolyne” Pump

Created in 1986 by Manolo Blahnik and inspired by designer and author Carolyne Roehm, the Carolyne is one of the brand’s most enduring styles. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy later made it famous in the 1990s, wearing the shoe on numerous occasions and securing its place as a fashion classic. With its pointed or almond toe, slingback strap, and stiletto heel, the Carolyne remains an “eternal” design in Blahnik’s lineup.

Made in Italy and available in a variety of colors, materials, and heel heights — from practical 50mm kitten heels to sleek 70mm mid-heels — the Carolyne is a versatile choice that works as effortlessly for a gala red carpet as it does for a polished daytime look.