Leni Klum flipped the script on red carpet sweetness—opting for sheer structure and jet-black drama at Venice’s “La Grazia” premiere, with mom Heidi in tow.
There’s something deliciously subversive about Leni Klum’s appearance at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival—like a daughter rewriting her mother’s fashion legacy in real time. While Heidi Klum floated in blush-toned romance, Leni delivered a darker, sharper counterpoint: a black gown that whispered elegance but spoke in bold declarations.
The dress, reportedly by Intimissimi, is a masterclass in architectural seduction. A structured bodice with sheer paneling and a plunging sweetheart neckline anchors the look, while the fitted silhouette flares just enough to suggest movement without sacrificing precision. It’s a gown that understands restraint—and how to weaponize it.
Accessories were anything but shy. Leni’s statement necklace, a cascade of turquoise stones set in silver, added a jolt of color that felt almost rebellious against the monochrome palette. Matching earrings echoed the motif, framing her face with cool-toned drama. And yes, the flip-flop sandals—strappy, black, and unapologetically casual—were a curveball. But in the context of her walk alongside Heidi, they read as a wink, not a misstep.
For those tracking the evolution of red carpet fashion, Leni Klum’s Venice moment is a reminder that glamour doesn’t have to be loud—it just has to be smart.
Heidi and Leni Klum turned the Hotel Excelsior into a runway—one in peach satin, the other in sheer noir—during Venice’s most fashion-forward red carpet moment.
There’s something cinematic about the way Heidi Klum and daughter Leni Klum arrived hand-in-hand at the Hotel Excelsior during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Not just because of the flashbulbs or the red carpet, but because their looks—distinct yet harmonized—felt like two characters from the same story, told in different tones.
Heidi’s strapless peach satin gown was pure old-Hollywood softness. The corset-style bodice sculpted her silhouette with precision, while the draped skirt added movement and ease. The fabric caught the light like a whisper—subtle, luminous, and undeniably luxe. Her accessories leaned classic: a diamond necklace and bracelet that echoed the gown’s elegance without overpowering it.
Leni, meanwhile, opted for a darker narrative. Her black gown featured a sheer corset-style bodice that played with transparency and structure. The flowing skirt balanced the architectural top, creating a look that felt both grounded and ethereal. Her statement necklace—an explosion of colorful gemstones—added a youthful edge, a pop of irreverence that made the ensemble hers.
Together, they were a study in contrast. Peach and black. Satin and sheer. Classic and contemporary. And yet, the synergy was unmistakable. Their walk down the carpet wasn’t just a fashion moment—it was a generational dialogue.
For more unforgettable moments like this, explore our curated archive of celebrity photos .
Heidi Klum steps onto the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival in a custom Intimissimi gown. Her look was a risky choice that leaned heavily into the brands lingerie roots, but did it pay off?
The siren call of the Venice Film Festival red carpet is one of my favorite things to watch. Its a place where the grandeur of Italian cinema and high fashion collide, and the result is typically a masterclass in elegant, old-world glamour. But sometimes, a look arrives that is a paradox, a concept with all the right intentions but an unfortunate execution. This year on August 27, 2025, that look belonged to Heidi Klum .
As one of the prominent faces of Intimissimi , a key sponsor of the event, it was no surprise to see Klum arrive at the La Grazia premiere in a custom creation from the lingerie powerhouse. The intention was clear: to showcase the brands DNA, a commitment to exposed corsetry, delicate silks, and a distinct boudoir aesthetic. And on paper, the flesh-toned gown with its draped satin skirt and off-the-shoulder sleeves was a promise of sultry, sensual style.
But darling, a promise and a reality are not always in the same postal code.
The Problem With Perfection
What was meant to be a moment of daring artistry turned into a visible struggle with fit and form. The corset, a staple of both Intimissimi and fashion history, lacked the necessary structure to provide support, creating an awkward, unforgiving silhouette. The asymmetrical draping, which should have cascaded gracefully from the shoulder, instead felt haphazard and limp, gathering uncomfortably at the armpit. To make matters worse, the lightweight satin fabric was a magnet for creases and wrinkles, a detail that is utterly unforgivable on a red carpet.
“There’s a fine line between deconstructed elegance and a garment that simply looks unfinished,” a colleague of mine from Milan whispered to me. “This dress, it’s leaning far too heavily on the latter.”
Indeed, a good design is like a good story; the details must build on one another to create a cohesive whole. Here, the story felt disjointed. It was an ambitious concept—a high-fashion ode to a lingerie brand—but the construction simply couldnt keep up. It was a stark contrast to the effortless glamour we saw from other celebrities throughout the Venice Film Festival.
The rest of the look did little to elevate the ensemble. Klum accessorized with a matching Tyler Ellis clutch, a diamond pendant choker, and her signature bombshell waves. While the Aquazzura So Nude Sandals are a reliable choice, they were almost an afterthought, unable to save a look that was already teetering on the edge of a fashion misstep.
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, Klums look at the Venice premiere serves as a cautionary tale. Fashion is a delicate balance of concept and craft, and a bold idea, no matter how clever, is only as good as its execution. This was a moment where the brand tried to do too much, too fast, and the final result lacked the sophistication and polish we have come to expect from such a prestigious event. When you are on a stage as grand as the Venice red carpet, there is nowhere to hide, and every crease, every misstep, is magnified tenfold.
If you want to master celebrity fashion and avoid such unfortunate scenarios, take a cue from the following styling lessons.
Red Carpet Reality: What Went Wrong and How to Fix It
- The Fabric Fiasco: Klums lightweight satin gathered in all the wrong places. For a high-stakes event, choose fabrics with structure or a heavier drape, like silk gazar or taffeta, to hold the gowns shape and resist wrinkles.
- Corset Calibration: An exposed corset should look like a second skin, providing a strong, sculpted silhouette. If you want to try this look, ensure the boning is expertly tailored to your body and the material has enough rigidity to hold its form.
- The Accessory Antidote: When the dress is the focus, accessories should serve, not distract. Klums understated clutch and sandals were the right idea, but they couldnt save an underperforming gown.
- Draping Drama: Draping is an art form. It should flow organically and gracefully. If the fabric falls awkwardly or creates unnecessary bulk, the entire look becomes a distraction rather than a statement.
