The star-studded event gave a whole new meaning to masquerade.
Venice is known by many names: La Dominante, the City of Water, the City of Bridges. But the City of Masks is the moniker that attendees at the 77th Venice Film Festival really took to heart this year. Following the display at the 2020 Video Music Awards, some of the leading figures in Hollywood and fashion—from Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton to Roberta Armani and Taylor Hill—donned protective face coverings with their fanciful frocks and breathtaking jewels, enforcing the accessory’s importance amid the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, they gave whole new meaning to masquerade. Ahead, we round up some of the best looks on the red carpet.

Tilda Swinton
Tilda Swinton wears a white top and black mermaid skirt by Chanel.

Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett wears a shimmery navy blue dress with voluminous sleeves by Esteban Salazar, black pumps by Clergerie, and jewelry by Pomellato.

Élodie
Élodie wears a silver dress by Versace.

Taylor Hill
Taylor Hill wears a paisley-printed dress by Etro and bold jewelry by Chopard.

Viola Arrivabene
Viola Arrivabene wears a black velvet dress by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, shoes by Roger Vivier, and jewelry by Pomellato.

Roberta Armani
Roberta Armani wears a blue dress by Armani.

Linda Caridi
Linda Caridi wears a black dress.

Anna Foglietta
Anna Foglietta wears a green-and-blue empire-waist gown.

Ester Expósito
Ester Expósito wears a white slipdress with a high slit.

Adriano Giannini and Gaia Trussardi
Adriano Giannini wears a black suit, and Gaia Trussardi a cream-colored dress with rhinestone appliqués.

Matt Dillon
Matt Dillon wears a black suit.

Paola Turani
Paola Turani wears a white halter dress.

Lotte Verbeek
Lotte Verbeek wears a flowy gray dress.
Source: HarpersBazaar.com