Dakota Johnson’s Venice Film Festival Style Evolution
Venice Film Festival‘s red carpet has been graced by a bevy of stars over the years, but few have taken advantage of the occasion quite like Dakota Johnson. The actress has sported designer looks from a variety of luxury fashion houses, from Dior and Gucci to Prada.
Whether she’s homing in on her sheer styling streak or showcasing her understated sensuality, Johnson’s made the Venice Film Festival red carpet her runway. Ahead of the 2026 edition of the international festival, which kicks off on Sept. 2, WWD looks back at Johnson’s Venice Film Festival fashion journey.
2021
Dakota Johnson at “The Lost Daughter” premiere during the 78th Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 3, 2021, in Venice.
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Johnson’s most recent Venice Film Festival red carpet appearance saw the actress sporting her signature sheer style in a Gucci design. The dress was adorned with crystal jewels across the completely sheer bodice to the skirt. Tassels and fringed elements were also aplenty, adding a touch of contrast to the streamlined look, which featured sharp, defined shoulders and flowing silver fringe.
The dress was designed during Alessandro Michele’s tenure as creative director at Gucci, before he left for the same role at Valentino. Johnson, who previously served as a Gucci ambassador, followed Michele to Valentino and was appointed an ambassador for the Italian luxury fashion house in October 2025.
2018
Dakota Johnson at the “Suspiria” screening during the 75th Venice Film Festival on Sept. 1, 2018, in Venice.
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For the Venice Film Festival premiere of filmmaker Luca Guadagnino’s version of “Suspiria,” Johnson went for a bold red strapless dress courtesy of Dior. The satin gown was simple and elegant, paired with red pumps to complete the monochrome look. Johnson also added a pair of diamond column drop earrings.
2015
Dakota Johnson at the “A Bigger Splash” premiere during the 72nd Venice Film Festival on Sept. 6, 2015, in Venice.
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Johnson hit the Venice Film Festival red carpet twice in 2015. For her second appearance, Johnson wore a Marc Jacobs design to the “A Bigger Splash” premiere. The black dress was adorned with geometric squares, circles and other shapes that gave it a distinct Art Deco vibe. The black gown was crafted with an off-the-shoulder silhouette and long sleeves.
Dakota Johnson at the “Black Mass” premiere during the 72nd Venice Film Festival at on Sept. 4, 2015, in Venice.
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Just two days prior to her Marc Jacobs moment, Johnson wore a pink Prada dress for the “Black Mass” premiere. The gown was an exercise in simple sensuality, with a plunging neckline and sleeveless silhouette that included straps pulling the bodice together at the back. The skirt flowed but included some definition and cinching at the waist.
