Midnight in Venice: Barbara Palvin’s Sheer Black Gown and Betsey Johnson Pumps Define Modern Red Carpet Glamour
The 2025 Venice Film Festival has delivered yet another sartorial triumph, and this time, it’s Barbara Palvin who has stolen our collective breath. At the premiere of “La Grazia” on Wednesday evening, the Hungarian supermodel emerged as the epitome of contemporary elegance, proving once again why she remains one of fashion’s most captivating forces.
Palvin’s red carpet moment was nothing short of cinematic poetry. She graced the Lido in a show-stopping black bustier gown that seemed to dance between classic Hollywood glamour and modern architectural precision. The asymmetrical masterpiece featured delicate slinky shoulder straps that framed her décolletage with mathematical perfection, while intricate lace detailing whispered secrets of old-world craftsmanship across the bodice.
But darling, it was the drama of the silhouette that truly set hearts racing. A daring thigh-high slit created a tantalizing glimpse of leg, while the full-length design maintained an air of sophisticated mystique. The pièce de résistance? A sweeping sheer train that followed her every movement like liquid shadow, transforming each step into a moment of pure theatrical magic.
What elevated this look from merely beautiful to absolutely transcendent was Palvin’s inspired choice of footwear. She embraced the season’s most coveted trend – the slingback pump – with an embellished pair from Betsey Johnson that deserves its own spotlight. The Nikki style, retailing for a refreshingly accessible $129, featured a pointed-toe silhouette adorned with see-through black mesh and intricate beadwork that caught the Venetian light like captured starlight.
These aren’t just shoes, darlings – they’re a statement. Set on a perfectly proportioned 3-inch flared heel with a seductive V-cut vamp, they represent the democratic nature of contemporary luxury. Available in white, navy blue, and red on Betsey Johnson’s website, they’re proof that high-impact glamour doesn’t require a trust fund.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Betsey Johnson’s Y2K revival energy, punctuated by their fall 2025 campaign starring Christina Ricci (launched just Monday), aligns beautifully with fashion’s current obsession with millennial nostalgia.
Palvin joins an illustrious roster of style mavens championing the slingback renaissance. From Katie Holmes’s street style moments to Jodie Turner-Smith’s red carpet appearances, and Chloe Fineman’s comedy show chic, the slingback has reclaimed its throne as the thinking woman’s power shoe.
The trend’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. Just yesterday, Anne Hathaway was spotted on “The Devil Wears Prada 2” set in Chanel’s iconic two-toned slingbacks, while Amal Clooney arrived in Venice wearing Prada’s brushed leather version with the brand’s signature triangle logo. Michelle Williams chose Saint Laurent’s glossy patent Dune slingbacks for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, and even royalty has embraced the movement – Princess Charlene wore white Gianvito Rossi Ascent 55 kitten heels for Prince Albert II’s 20-year throne celebration.
