There’s something about Nadine Labaki and Venice Film Festival that keeps bringing us back to the same color: black. Over the years, the Lebanese filmmaker has made appearances at the festival in looks that range from delicate lace to structured tailoring, but somehow, black keeps finding its way into the story.
Whether she’s there for a film, an event, an award or simply taking in the festival, her Venice wardrobe has developed its own quiet signature: elegant, feminine and never too try-hard.
2026 — Nadine Labaki in Karoline Lang
For the 2026 Liberatum Pioneer Award in Venice, Labaki kept things black but gave the classic look a sharper twist. She wore a Prince of Wales wool corset trimmed with delicate lace, paired with fluid wide-leg black trousers by Beirut-based label Karoline Lang.
The mix of structured corsetry and relaxed trousers makes the look feel polished without going full red-carpet gown — very much a Venice, but make it effortless moment.
2023 — Nadine Labaki in Rami Kadi
At the 80th Venice Film Festival, Labaki was part of the jury for Impact Award. She went for a more romantic take on black, wearing a black ready-to-wear lace gown by Lebanese designer Rami Kadi for the Cartier event.
The off-the-shoulder silhouette and sheer lace gave the look that slightly old-Hollywood feel, while keeping it distinctly Nadine: feminine, sophisticated and, naturally, black.
2021 — Nadine Labaki in Elie Saab
Labaki stayed firmly in her black era. For the premiere of Mounia Akl’s Costa Brava, Lebanon, which was part of La Biennale di Venezia, she wore a black jumpsuit from Elie Saab’s Pre-Fall 2021 Ready-to-Wear collection, finished with a crisp white collar and lace detailing.
The film went on to receive a magical standing ovation and Labaki’s look brought its own quiet kind of drama to the red carpet.
2019 — Nadine Labaki in Georges Hobeika
For the 76th Venice Film Festival in 2019, Labaki stepped onto the red carpet in a custom couture black dress by Georges Hobeika. The look was elegant and dramatic without feeling overdone, perfectly suited to the cinematic setting as she attended the screening of J’Accuse (An Officer And A Spy).
2014 — Nadine Labaki in Elie Saab
Labaki was again on the Venice red carpet for the premiere of La Rançon de la Gloire. She kept the black theme going in an Elie Saab look, finishing it with Chopard jewelry. And if there was any doubt that black was becoming her Venice signature, this appearance certainly helped make the case.
2012 — Nadine Labaki in Elie Saab
In 2012, Nadine Labaki arrived at the opening ceremony of the 69th Venice Film Festival as a member of the Orizzonti jury. For the occasion, she opted for an elegant black Elie Saab dress, paired with Chopard jewelry.
And the black streak continues…
As more of Labaki’s Venice appearances come into view, the color story gets increasingly convincing. From Lebanese couture to contemporary tailoring, she seems to have found her own version of festival dressing — one where black isn’t the safe choice, it’s the signature.
And honestly, if Venice has its red carpet sirens, Nadine might just be its woman in black.
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