Angelina Jolie is known for her sleek and simple style, often photographed wearing sophisticated trench coats or running errands in stilettos. Today, at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, Jolie went for one of her signature elegant no-frills looks—but the ensemble had a meaningful story.
The actor wore a simple high-neck column dress in black from her fashion label, Atelier Jolie. Giving new meaning to the simple gown, Jolie then added a gold Cartier Panthère brooch.
Angelina Jolie wears a black dress from her own label.
The decorative pin isn't just a piece of jewelry, however. The piece belonged to renowned opera singer Maria Callas, who Jolie plays in the new biopic Maria directed by Pablo Larraín. “You can imagine how special it was to wear a piece of jewelry that was hers,” Jolie told Vogue.
Callas had a large collection of gems including the iconic Panthère, made by the French fine jewelry house in 1971. The brooch featured one of Cartier's signature gold panthers—complete with emerald eyes—perched on a white oval chalcedony gemstone.
Her Cartier brooch belonged to opera singer Maria Callas, who she plays in the upcoming biopic.
Style was a crucial part of the opera singer's story. Callas was a client of legendary couture designers, like Christian Dior and and Yves Saint Laurent. And while Jolie intends to pay homage to Callas, she doesn't want to replicate her outfits.
“I chose not to copy [Maria’s] looks because they are hers, and her Venice carpets were stunning, so I gave a little nod to her—in a different way,” she said. “But I made sure to wear something ladylike in her honor.”
Maria Callas wears a simple black gown circa 1960.
Jolie's take, however, was a bit more daring. Her backless gown showed off her impressive tattoo collection. The intricate designs across her arms and back acted as the perfect accessory to her simplistic look.
Jolie's backless gown flaunted her many tattoos.
Shop LBDs Inspired By Angelina Jolie
-
Kylie Jenner Debuts a Very 2010s-Coded ManicureShe's back in her Tumblr era.
-
Bella Hadid Saddles Up for Dinner in New York CityThe model and her boyfriend of nearly one year stepped out in full Western 'fits to meet friends and family.
-
Fall 2024's Art-Inspired Fashion Trends Offer Endless InspirationFrom Louis Vuitton's Baroque beading to Loewe's blurry Monet-esque florals.
-
Bella Hadid Saddles Up for New York City Date Night in a Cowgirl Leather Corset and a Trendy Fall Skirt
The model and her boyfriend of nearly one year stepped out in full Western 'fits to meet friends and family.
-
Blake Lively Can't Stop Coordinating Her T-Shirts With Chanel Bags and Trendy, Under-$150 ShoesShe wore it twice in two days.
-
Olivia Wilde's Pink Chanel Power Suit Deserves to Be Taken SeriouslyPower dressing isn't all black suiting.
-
Jennifer Lopez Looks Ready to Spill in Ripped Jeans and a Suede Birkin BagThe singer met up with a friend in a laidback look.
-
Kacey Musgraves's Reformation Collection Successfully Pushes the Horse Girl Trend AgendaThe singer designed an affordable, equestrian-themed capsule.
-
Maude Apatow Redefines Demure in the Lace Bloomers Trend and Mary JanesShe paired a runway sweater with lacy bloomers and Mary Janes.
-
Kendall Jenner Shows Her Collegiate Style Bartending in a Varsity Tequila T-Shirt and JeansThe freshly "blonded" 818 tequila founder is making her rounds at regional college campuses.
-
Lady Amelia Windsor Looks Unexpectedly Brat at London Fashion Week in a Cargo Skirt and Gold ChainThe young royal dressed like a proper club kid for Burberry's front row.
