Nina Dobrev in Armani Privé Couture at the Ink premiere in Venice

Nina Dobrev brought couture drama to the red carpet as she attended the premiere of Netflix's Ink during the Opening Ceremony of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2026. The actress, best known for playing Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce in The Vampire Diaries, made sure her first major Venice red-carpet appearance of the festival was one to remember.

Nina Dobrev wearing a black embellished Armani Privé gown at Venice Film Festival 2026

For the glamorous occasion, Nina wore an eye-catching archival Giorgio Armani Privé couture gown from the 2012 collection. The strapless, figure-hugging design featured a striking black embellished column silhouette, covered in reflective detailing that caught the light beautifully as she posed for photographers. The gown also had an unusual sculpted neckline, giving the otherwise sleek silhouette an architectural edge.

Nina Dobrev in archival Armani Privé 2012 couture with olive green chiffon train

But the real drama came from the sheer olive-green chiffon panels. Draped from the sides of the dress, the lightweight fabric flowed into a long, sweeping train behind her, creating plenty of movement on the famous Venice red carpet. The combination of dark shimmer and soft green chiffon gave the archival couture piece a beautifully theatrical finish. Fashion coverage from the event also identified the gown as Armani Privé, with reports noting its black embellishments and green chiffon panels.

Nina Dobrev red carpet look at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival opening ceremony

Nina kept the styling elegant and polished, wearing her dark hair in a sleek, tightly pulled-back bun that allowed her statement diamond earrings to take centre stage. She completed the look with glamorous Chopard jewelry, including prominent round diamond earrings, and black open-toe evening sandals.

Nina Dobrev red carpet look at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival opening ceremony

With Ink, directed by Danny Boyle, opening the 83rd Venice Film Festival, the night was already packed with star power. Nina's archival Armani Privé look added an extra dose of old-school couture glamour to the occasion and was certainly one of the more dramatic fashion moments of opening night.