The Venice International Film Festival is no stranger to headline-making fashion moments, but Julia Roberts’ photocall look for After the Hunt on August 29 struck a special chord.
Styled by Elizabeth Stewart, Roberts stepped out in a fresh Versace ensemble from Dario Vitale’s debut collection: an oversized navy blazer paired with a yellow-and-brown striped button-down blouse, straight-leg denim, and a sleek belt. The mix of tailoring and ease struck that sweet spot between understated glamour and power dressing.
It was more than just a photocall fashion win, though — it was one of the first glimpses of Vitale’s creative vision for Versace, and the perfect vehicle to showcase how a simple silhouette could radiate confidence and charm.
Amanda Seyfried Joins the Story
Enter Amanda Seyfried, who just days later had her own photocall for The Testament of Ann Lee. Like Roberts, Seyfried works closely with Stewart, and when the red carpet stylist posted Roberts’ look on Instagram, Seyfried dropped a playful comment: “Please let me wear the same outfit.”
And wear it she did. Three days later, Seyfried stepped onto the Venetian stage in the identical Versace ensemble Roberts wore. What could have been a fashion faux pas instead became one of the most refreshing — and buzzworthy — style moments of the festival.
Sharing Is Chic
Stewart, ever the savvy stylist, leaned into the playfulness of the moment with her Instagram caption of Seyfried: “Thank you @juliaroberts for your generosity and sustainability. Sharing is caring!” Fans instantly lit up social media with comments, calling it “the Sisterhood of the Traveling Versace” and praising the actresses for proving that rewearing — and sharing — clothes can be glamorous.
The exchange resonated because it felt authentic. There was no competition or awkwardness, just two women embracing the joy of fashion, generosity, and friendship.
A Fashion Strategy in Disguise
Of course, there’s another layer here. For Versace, this wasn’t just charming coincidence — it was smart strategy. With two A-listers wearing the same outfit on one of the world’s most-watched red carpets, Vitale’s debut look had double the exposure and endless viral potential. Critics noted that the move effectively turned the photocall circuit into a runway, blurring the lines between celebrity styling and brand marketing.
Why It Resonates Now
At a time when “outfit repeating” still carries stigma in Hollywood, Roberts and Seyfried’s twinning moment redefined the narrative. By leaning into wardrobe sharing, they elevated the concept from practical to aspirational. For audiences tired of disposable fashion, it struck the perfect chord — proof that true style isn’t about one-and-done dressing, but about celebrating pieces that deserve the spotlight more than once.
