Table of Contents
- Key Highlights:
- Introduction
- All Eyes on Jess
- Inside Soh's Makeup Kit
- The Full Beauty Beat
- A Smoldering, Smoky Eye
- Outfit of the Day
- Making a Splash
- Well Suited
- A Photo Finish
Key Highlights:
- Jessica Williams presented a sultry goth-inspired look at the Venice International Film Festival, showcasing her first appearance at the prestigious event.
- Makeup artist Kenneth Soh expertly crafted a smokey-eyed beauty look that harmonized with Williams' tailored Giorgio Armani ensemble.
- The collaboration focused on capturing the essence of gothic horror, emphasizing the actress's natural beauty while providing a unique twist through makeup and styling choices.
Introduction
Jessica Williams, the talented star of Shrinking, made her grand entrance at the Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025, creating a memorable debut with her striking goth-inspired aesthetic. As she walked the red carpet for Guillermo del Toro's highly anticipated film Frankenstein, Williams turned heads not just for her impeccable fashion choice—a meticulously tailored navy Giorgio Armani suit—but also for her stunning makeup, artfully designed by renowned makeup artist Kenneth Soh. This combination of sultry glamor and elegant fashion reflected a fascinating interplay between cinematic themes and personal style.
Williams' appearance at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Her look resonated deeply with the gothic elements of the event's theme, blending a sense of drama with sophisticated elegance. In this article, we delve into the details of her breathtaking look, the preparation behind it, and how artistry in makeup and fashion can beautifully converge on a high-profile platform.
All Eyes on Jess
The anticipation surrounding Williams' red carpet debut was palpable, as fans and critics alike eagerly awaited her appearance. "Armani Beauty makes the best complexion products," Williams remarked, highlighting her unwavering trust in the brand. She expressed her affection for the buildable coverage of its Luminous Silk collection, emphasizing how the foundation applies seamlessly and looks natural—an essential quality for a red-carpet event.
The choice of products from Armani Beauty ensured that Williams' skin appeared flawless under the bright lights of Venice. The 36-year-old actress's aesthetic resonated with those who appreciate a mixture of modern makeup artistry and traditional gothic inspiration. For Soh, the event was not just about applying makeup; it was a complete sensory experience that involves understanding the nuances of each client’s preferences, their attire, and the atmosphere of the event.
Inside Soh's Makeup Kit
Kenneth Soh, a skilled professional in the realm of red-carpet glam, emphasized that his approach to makeup involves careful selection and application. "It’s impossible to look at the Venice International Film Festival carpet and not instantly associate it with Armani Beauty," he noted, expressing his commitment to the brand for its unparalleled performance in high-stakes environments.
A highlight of Soh’s kit was the Luminous Silk Hydrating & Perfecting Concealer, dubbed "beauty in a bottle." He used it strategically on Williams to create a natural yet perfected base. "I placed the product in targeted areas that needed coverage, including under her eyes and on the center of her nose and forehead," explained Soh. This technique provided not only coverage but enhanced facial definitions, contributing to a lit-from-within effect that is sought after on red carpets.
The Full Beauty Beat
The process of crafting Williams’ look was as detailed as it was artistic. To add warmth and dimension—an essential factor for photography—Soh utilized the Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation, which provides a subtle glow, paired with the Luminous Silk Creamy Bronzing Powder. This combination successfully highlighted Williams’ strong facial features, ensuring she felt confident and radiant.
"I blended the bronzer under Jessica's cheekbones and hairline, as well as over her eyelids, as that adds warmth to the entire makeup look," Soh articulated, showcasing a professional's understanding of light and shade in personal beauty. Every choice Swi could derive from years of experience, underscoring the wish to create an image that is polished yet true to Williams' character and uniqueness.
A Smoldering, Smoky Eye
At the heart of the goth-inspired aesthetic lay a glamorous smoky eye, which Soh developed using the Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow from Armani Beauty. Incorporating the shades Wood and Khaki, Soh’s approach emphasized moody tones that aligned well with the gothic horror theme. Applying the Wood shade directly to the eyelids before blending it into a wide winged shape offered a dramatic flair, while the Khaki shade added a sophisticated edge, defining Williams’ eyes and providing the sultriness that the look called for.
Completing the eye makeup with Armani Beauty's Vertigo Lift Mascara and Smooth Silk Eye Pencil brought a depth and intrigue to Williams' expression, ensuring that her look was as captivating as it was bold. The makeup ended with the application of the Lip Maestro Velvet Liquid Lipstick in a soft nude shade, providing a balanced finish that neither overshadowed nor detracted from the drama of the eye makeup.
Outfit of the Day
Williams’ ensemble—a double-breasted Giorgio Armani suit complemented by a crisp white shirt and stylish tie—created a striking visual contrast that Sofia expertly balanced with her makeup. The suit’s masculine edge blended with softness in the beauty choices, exemplifying a contemporary interpretation of gender expression through fashion. Soh articulated his philosophy on contrasting aesthetics: "By letting her makeup and hair be feminine, sultry, and mysterious, I can create an interesting juxtaposition against her strong suit."
The synergy between Williams' makeup and her outfit underscores a vital truth of contemporary fashion: the interplay between sartorial choices and personal expression is paramount, particularly on red carpets where every detail counts. It demonstrates the transformative power of fashion and makeup, each elevating the other in a dynamic relationship that captures the essence of individual style.
Making a Splash
Walking the red carpet is not simply about the clothes and makeup; it’s also about making an impression that resonates. Williams’ goth-inspired look—featuring moody hues and a distinctive manicure—combined to create a narrative that both paid homage to classic horror themes while remaining accessible and relatable. Soh mentioned the subtle fun elements he integrated into the look, like the polka dot manicure that incorporated playful negative space—each choice contributing to the overall whimsicality of the appearance.
The atmosphere of the Venice International Film Festival, known for its glamorous yet arts-focused events, perfectly matched Williams' striking presentation. Viewers were not only drawn to her appearance but also intrigued by the story that the visual elements told together.
Well Suited
Feeling empowered by her sophisticated ensemble, Williams conveyed a sense of confidence that is often echoed in conversations about fashion and femininity. "My sexy Armani suit made me feel powerful, strong, and like a boss," she shared, illustrating how deeply interconnected style and self-image can be. Soh’s approach to balancing dark makeup with feminine hairstyles—represented by bouncy curls styled by renowned stylist James Catalano—added layers of complexity to the overall look.
Feeling amazing on the red carpet, Williams epitomized the modern woman, who exudes individuality while embracing femininity in diverse forms. Her ability to translate that energy into her makeup look not only highlighted the craftsmanship behind it but also resonated with the audience in attendance.
A Photo Finish
Soh and Williams’ collaboration, while a first, bore the hallmark of a partnership that celebrated both artistry and personal expression. Soh remarked on Williams’ talent and beauty, expressing enthusiasm for the cohesive outcome: "We achieved a look that’s flawless and perfected without masking Jessica as a woman." This reflects a broader movement within the beauty industry, where the goal is to enhance, not alter, natural beauty—an ethos that resonates profoundly in today’s world of self-expression.
As Williams posed for photos, the culmination of their efforts manifested in a striking visual narrative celebrating individuality, artistic collaboration, and the art of makeup itself. Red carpets and film festivals remain monumental moments where fashion and beauty intersect, capturing not just the essence of the event but the evolution of personal style and cinematic themes.
FAQ
What inspired Jessica Williams’ goth-inspired look at the Venice Film Festival?
Williams' look was inspired by gothic horror themes and her desire to create a sultry, dramatic aesthetic that complemented the film Frankenstein.
How long did it take to create Williams' red carpet look?
The entire makeup application took approximately 90 minutes, allowing for detailed care and discussion regarding the desired end result.
What makeup products were used for Jessica Williams' look?
Kenneth Soh utilized multiple products from Armani Beauty, including the Luminous Silk Foundation, Concealer, and Creamy Bronzing Powder, as well as various shades of Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow to create a smoky eye.
Why is the Venice Film Festival significant for fashion?
The Venice International Film Festival is renowned for showcasing high-profile cinematic works and has become a major platform for fashion statements, where attendees often set trends and present their personal style on an international stage.
How do Kenneth Soh's makeup philosophies reflect in his work?
Soh emphasizes the importance of harmonizing various factors during his makeup processes, including attire, hair, and the overall theme, all while ensuring the individual’s unique beauty shines through.