The Women in Cinema event during the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah brought out the same core group of celebrities we saw on opening night.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival
Familiar, But Different
Ana de Armas has been permanently fused to Louis Vuitton, so seeing her in Jenny Packham was a big surprise. This ivory Benue gown from the Resort 2026 collection may not be an obvious left turn, as the silhouette and embellishment still land comfortably in her red carpet vocabulary. It’s elegant, and very “Ana” — just with a different label.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival
Back to Her Comfort Zone
Few brands announce themselves on sight quite like Chloé, and this lace-heavy Fall 2025 look is Dakota Johnson back in her sweet spot. There was never any chance the runway sheerness would made it to this red carpet, so lining the bodice was absolutely the right call. It kept the romance while proving that these pieces really don’t need to be sheer. Chopard diamonds finished the look beautifully.
Valentino Fall 2025
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival
Lavender Glow
This was Jessica Alba’s second Elie Saab moment of the festival, and while the construction of the gown itself is fairly straightforward, that lavender shade against her skin did all the heavy lifting. Sometimes colour alone can sell a look.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival
Round Two
You weren’t sold on Juliette Binoche’s previous Gucci outing, but this Resort 2026 number is sleeker in attitude, but still very much rooted in that distinct Gucci mood. I’m curious to hear if this one won you over more than the last.
Gucci Resort 2026
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Quiet Shift
After her Dior opener, Kirsten Dunst pivoted to a more understated register in this black tiered Valentino look from Spring 2026, styled with Andrea Wazen Bowie mules. It’s refined, pared back, and proof that sophistication needs no embellishment.
Valentino Spring 2026
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Jury Mode Activated
Naomie Harris’ minimalist run continues in this black-and-white look. She looks immaculate, as always, but part of me is still hoping for something more. That said, as a jury member, this quieter direction does feel intentional — practical, composed, and duty-first.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival
Natasha being Natasha
If Natasha Lyonne were on the jury, she would not skip a beat or change her style at all — and I love that consistency for her. This gold Dolce & Gabbana dress is celebratory, unapologetically sparkly, and full of character. Her fun-loving vibe is so contagious.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival
Almost Perfect
Nina Dobrev’s yellow Elie Saab gown is stunning — no argument there. The colour glows, the Anabela Chan canary diamond earrings were a dream, but those beige Jennifer Chamandi platforms just didn’t rise to the level of the dress. Gold sandals would have sealed this beautifully.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival
Regal Presence
Queen Latifah continues to live up to her name. The suit alone is strong, but the train deepens the drama and gives the look a ceremonial gravitas that felt especially fitting for this stage of the festival.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival
Too Much Going On?
I won’t be surprised if reactions are split on Rita Ora’s Elie Saab Fall 2025 Haute Couture gown — and I’ll be honest, I struggled too. The colour is gorgeous and the lining is exact, but the cumulative effect of the bow, the cuffs, the choker and the detailing pushed it into excess for me. This was a gown longing for an editor’s cut.
Elie Saab Fall 2025 Haute Couture
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A Tailored Classic
Uma Thurman continues to shine without much effort at all wearing a Ralph Lauren Kristen tuxedo white dress elevated with Chopard emerald and diamond earrings.
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Ana de Armas, Chloé, Dakota Johnson, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Saab, Gucci, Jenny Packham, Jessica Alba, Juliette Binoche, Kirsten Dunst, Naomie Harris, Natasha Lyonne, Nina Dobrev, Queen Latifah, Ralph Lauren, Rita Ora, Runway To Red Carpet, Uma Thurman, Valentino
