Dior was the choice for Lady Gaga in Venice this week as she was at the festival to promote Joker: Folie à Deux. It’s currently getting, from what I’ve seen, medium reviews, not as strong as the first film. Not sure what this means though because I hated the first film so will I like the second more? As usual, until Sarah tells me what to think, I will reserve judgement. So let’s get back to the fashion. 

 

Gaga’s style vibe in Venice leading up the gala was classic glamour, and this extended to the red carpet in this exquisite Dior gown with the distinctive folds in the skirt. To me it looks like a bouquet of calla lilies, tightly bunched. That’s how I would describe the effect – it’s dramatic and elegant, traditional but not old fashioned. And that Philip Treacy fascinator is exactly the kind of extra that Lady Gaga is capable of. But also, underneath, her big badass boots that you can only see when she shows you, so you are reminded that she’ll always bring the edge. An outstanding look, worthy of a red carpet shutdown. Which is what they did for her because, well, Gaga. 

 

And she used the occasion to make her red carpet debut with fiancé Michael Polansky. They’ve never walked a red carpet before and he seemed adorably out of place with the heat of the moment and yet not unwilling to be there as her plus one. I love this for her. I hope it lasts as long as it can. 

 

Over in New York, it’s now Fashion Week – shows and parties and cocktails every night. So we’ll be getting inundated with outfits. The standout for me last night was Tracee Ellis Ross. First of all, I love a loose dress with all kinds of draping and levels. But also this colour is spectacular on her. 

 

Me personally? I could never with those shoes. On Tracee though? No notes. She can pull it off. They’re Ferragamo and this is a better view. 

 

Next to Elisabeth Olsen in a black velvet blazer and the tiniest pair of booty shorts that blend in so seamlessly it’s like she’s not wearing them at all. It’s 2024, we are beyond pants being a requirement at these kinds of events for these kinds of people and I personally like the rule of the balance between top and bottom. If there’s coverage on top, why not go minimal coverage on the bottom. 

Elizabeth Olsen steps out in NYC, September 4, 2024
 

And finally… the incomparable Natasha Lyonne. This looks like Chanel to me and it’s worn perfectly. The fit is impeccable, the length is impeccable – it’s polish plus attitude and that f-cking hair is its own legend. I said a few months ago that Chanel should make it official with Natasha and this is a good example of why. 

Natasha Lyonne at the Harper's Bazaar Cocktail Party during New York Ready to Wear Fashion Week held at Le Veau d'Or on September 4, 2024 in New York, New York