When Julia Roberts attends the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, you anticipate a moment. A moment of grace, of effortless chic, of that unique brand of American glamour that feels as natural as breathing. And on August 29, 2025, for the photocall of her new film, “After The Hunt,” she delivered a quiet revolution.
To those accustomed to Versace’s more… exuberant side, the sight of Roberts in a wool blazer, striped shirting, and denim might have felt like a sartorial puzzle. But to an insider’s eye, it was the opening gambit of a new era. This was the first public look from Dario Vitale, the house’s new creative director, and it was a masterpiece of subversion. It’s a statement that says, perhaps, the most powerful form of seduction isn’t about a safety-pin dress at all, but about a knowing confidence in clothes that are both impeccable and, well, wearable.
The look, a seamless blend of tailored formality and relaxed elegance, spoke volumes. The structured wool blazer, in a deep, inky navy, possessed a razor-sharp cut that hugged her frame, a testament to the precision of Italian tailoring. The sleeves were artfully rolled back, a small but impactful styling choice that immediately softened the formal silhouette and injected a dose of nonchalant cool. Underneath, a striped shirt in a butter-yellow hue provided a vibrant pop of color—a subtle nod to the vivid palette that defines the best of Italian summer. The pairing with straight-legged denim was the real genius here, bridging the gap between high fashion and everyday life with a simplicity that felt utterly modern. It’s a look that dares you to ask, “Is it business casual? Or is it quiet luxury on steroids?” And the answer, of course, is both.
This outfit wasn’t just a sartorial choice; it was a conversation piece. Amanda Seyfried, who shares stylist Elizabeth Stewart with Roberts, was so taken with the ensemble that she commented on Instagram, “Please let me wear the same outfit.” And so she did, for her own photocall just two days later. It’s a charming, sustainable twist that challenges the old “who wore it best” narrative and proves that true style is a shared language. The look was punctuated by meticulously chosen accessories: a pair of dark, round LAPIMA Julia Sunglasses that added an air of effortless cool, and understated but brilliant jewelry from Hassanzadeh—a subtle ring and a pair of perfectly crafted earrings—that shimmered with an elegant quietness. Every element, from the fit of the denim to the subtle gold details on her Versace belt, was a testament to the fact that perfection resides in the details.
This photocall moment serves as a powerful reminder that the red carpet is no longer just a display of evening gowns; it’s a living, breathing canvas for newly appointed creative directors. We saw it at Cannes with Louise Trotter’s vision for Bottega Veneta and again at Venice with Jonathan Anderson’s hints for Dior. Vitale’s debut on Roberts, however, was perhaps the most audacious. By presenting a look that defied the common perception of the brand, he wasn’t just dressing a star—he was inviting us to redefine what Versace could be. The question, then, is not “How is this Versace?”, but “Could this be the future of all celebrity fashion?” And judging by the quiet power of this look, the answer is a resounding, whispered ‘yes.’
The Look, Deconstructed
- Versace’s New Vibe: The debut of Dario Vitale’s aesthetic—less overt glamour, more understated cool. This is a deliberate shift, and it’s compelling.
- Strategic Denim: Pairing a sharp blazer with simple jeans isn’t groundbreaking, but it is a radical choice for a high-stakes film festival photocall, and it works.
- Hassanzadeh’s Whisper: The jewelry, including the Hassanzadeh Earrings and Ring, provides just enough sparkle to feel polished without crossing the line into ostentatious.
- Sisterhood of the Traveling Versace: The viral moment of Amanda Seyfried borrowing the exact outfit from Julia Roberts, organized by stylist Elizabeth Stewart, champions a new, sustainable approach to high-fashion events.
- Lapima Julia Sunglasses: A sleek, sculptural accessory that instantly elevates the look and provides an air of mysterious, movie-star cool.
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