Red Carpet Ready: Cinematic Shades

With its nearly century-long history of showcasing the best of visual creativity, Venice Film Festival has maintained its status as the annual event of cinematic celebration. Part of the historic Venice Biennale, it is also one of the three film festivals most internationally recognized, alongside Cannes and Berlin. The festival exhibits a blend of genres and styles, from experimental productions to art house films and box office hits.

2021’s festival also marks exciting new releases. Pedro Almodovar’s much-anticipated film Parallel Mothers starring Penelope Cruz will be this year’s opener, with other notable premiers including Denis Villeneuve’s Dune starring Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet and Pablo Larraín’s biopic Spencer featuring Kristen Stewart as Lady Diana.

Alongside its artistic endeavors, since its inception in 1932 the festival has become renowned for its fashion. From actors to writers and directors, looks from Venice have established new trends, reminding an international audience about the fantasy of cinema and the allure of the red carpet.

As we await what are sure to be iconic fashion moments, we’ve picked our favorite red-carpet inspired sunglasses that radiate their own cinematic charm. From beachy Californian brands like Garrett Leight and Oliver Peoples to luxury Italian houses like Gucci and Versace, these shades capture an undeniable silver screen presence.

A subtle tailored charm is on-trend for the red carpet, and a square-shaped frame says it all. Unisex, highly complementary and always photogenic, its essential shape has become a timeless staple.

From Leonardo DiCaprio, Joaquin Phoenix to Taika Waititi and Taron Egerton, Garrett Leight has been worn by countless influential actors on and off the red carpet. The label’s Brooks Sun shades are one of its best-selling styles. With its squared-off definition and keyhole bridge, this frame brings casual confidence to black-tie events.

A favorite of Brad Pitt, Garrett Leight Calabar Sun shades were the sunglasses of choice for the actor, becoming part of his signature style.

From casual looks such as entering the Venice Lido at the festival in 2019, to more formal events when he paired these frames with a black tux at award ceremonies.

Evoking Golden Age glamour, Oliver Peoples Gregory Peck 1962 sunglasses are inspired by one of the biggest icon’s of classic Hollywood cinema. Created in collaboration with the Peck Estate, this signature pair was designed after the style the actor wore in To Kill a Mockingbird. With its innovative folding design, this classic style brings something new to the sunglass scene.

Dramatic and chic, Saint Laurent SL68 sunglasses capture the magic of the big screen. With an oversized pentagon frame and uplifted angled edges, this model emanates creative energy.

Futuristic and modern, Gucci GG0990S sunglasses exude a sculptural boldness. Complementing buttery white tones highlight the house’s love for blending the old with the new, for a look of unmistakable creativity and self-expression.

Dynamic frames that symbolize movement, these shades reveal a stylized statement.

Inspired by cinema’s rebellious icons, Barton Perriera Courtier are notable for being James Bond’s chosen frame in the forthcoming 007 flick, No Time To Die. Marking Daniel Craig’s final portrayal of the MI6 agent and the 25th film in the franchise, its much-anticipated premiere has finally been scheduled for release on the 30th of September.

As charismatic as Bond himself, these sunglasses feature thin gold rims that frame pure green lenses for a harmonious, illuminating style.

All black and high-glam, Versace VE4387 sunglasses highlight an unmistakable high fashion silhouette. These frames recall the signature pair Penelope Cruz wore in her portrayal of Donatella in Ryan Murphy’s biopic crime drama The Assassination of Gianni Versace. Featuring an oversized butterfly shape, these frames are ultra modern with a luxury feel.

Creative Direction: Daniela Vutera
Photography: Ignazio Marsolo