Venice Film Festival 2012: stars arrive in style

 ... Smutniak then changed into a dazzling, beaded black dress, also by Valentino, confirming her as one to watch during the forthcoming festival.

 Valentino designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli were partying with Polish actress Kasia Smutniak, who sported one of their designs.

 French model Laetitia Casta opted for an elegant white Valentino sundress and coordinating heels as she docked in at the Italian island.

 Casta then also changed into a black Lanvin number for the evening's cocktail party.

 American actress Kate Hudson channelled her relaxed hippie vibe as she she arrived by speedboat, sporting a tribal bag and smock dress, offset by a large leather tote.

 Australian actress Naomi Watts , who has been channelling the late Princess Diana for her latest film role, rocked up in a comfortable black cotton shift dress, leather sandals and a Panama hat.

 Watts was later seen in an equally effortless combination of skinny jeans, suede ankle boots and cream blazer.

 British actress Samantha Morton wore a gold lace corseted dress by Dolce & Gabbana to attend the soirée at the Excelsior Hotel on the island.

 Elsewhere, Colin Firth , Naomi Watts , Livia Firth , wearing Dolce & Gabbana and Liev Schreiber attended an intimate party on board of the M/S Dionea.

 Hosted by Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani (left), Lapo Elkann and Livia Firth , the party celebrated the opening of the prestigious Film Festival and was an opportunity to present the new issue of L'Uomo Vogue, September 2012.
Pictured alongside Sozzani is her sister Carla and Coco Brandolini D'Adda .

All eyes were on Polish actress and model, Kasia Smutniak , who is a patroness at this year's festival. The 33-year-old looked resplendent in a Valentino gown as she posed along the harbour.

Posted in: Venice Film Festival