A celebration of elegance and cinematic allure, Ladies in Red at TIFF50 spotlights the unforgettable red carpet moments of Samara Weaving, Felicity Jones, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, and Fala Chen. Each, in her own way, turned the carpet’s scarlet glow into an extension of her artistry and presence.
There’s something timeless and irresistible about a woman in red — especially under the lights of a red carpet already glowing in that same shade. At the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF50), the connection between colour and confidence was on full display. From bold, contemporary designs to refined, understated styles, several actresses brought their own interpretation of crimson elegance to the festival, blending sophistication with quiet strength.
As I photographed these moments, I couldn’t help but notice how the colour red seemed to take on new meanings with each appearance — bold yet classic, confident yet soft. It wasn’t simply fashion; it was storytelling through silhouette, texture, and attitude.
Samara Weaving — Carolina Caroline
Samara Weaving brought heat to the TIFF50 red carpet at the world premiere of Carolina Caroline, exuding a radiant confidence in her vivid David Koma gown. The poppy-red dress featured double straps, a mesh underlay, and a daring high slit that balanced edge with elegance. The bra-top silhouette framed by delicate mesh gave the ensemble a contemporary twist, while her pulled-back hair and luminous makeup added effortless polish.
The film, directed by Adam Carter Rehmeier, follows Weaving as Caroline, a West Texas woman drawn into a wild, romantic crime spree with a conman played by Kyle Gallner. Her look for the premiere felt like a nod to that rebellious spirit — a modern outlaw reimagined through couture. Later that evening, Weaving switched moods entirely at the “Road to the Golden Globes” TIFF party, donning a sheer vintage Dolce & Gabbana black dress — proof that her red carpet style is as versatile as her performances.
Felicity Jones — Train Dreams
Felicity Jones’ arrival at the Train Dreams premiere was one of TIFF50’s most commanding fashion moments. Draped in a custom fiery red Prada gown, Jones blended cinematic drama with minimalist precision. The gown’s sweeping cape train and side cutouts gave the illusion of motion — almost as if the fabric itself were gliding down the carpet ahead of her.
The architectural cut of the gown, complete with pockets (a delightful and rare detail in high couture), reflected a quiet confidence. With her hair styled in a sleek updo and accessories kept to a whisper, the dress spoke volumes. Critics praised it as one of the standout looks of the festival — a modern embodiment of timeless Hollywood glamour.
In Train Dreams, Jones portrays Gladys Grainier, a woman navigating love and loss in a story adapted from Denis Johnson’s novel. On the red carpet, her presence captured that same emotional duality: strength wrapped in softness, power framed in red.
Atlanta Bridget Johnson — Dust to Dreams
Emerging talent Atlanta Bridget Johnson made her TIFF debut with grace and poise at the Dust to Dreams premiere, part of the Short Cuts 2025 Programme 04. Her choice of a classic red ensemble mirrored the optimism of her rising career — a vibrant symbol of new beginnings and creative energy.
The short film itself, a tender exploration of memory and identity, found its visual echo in Johnson’s refined simplicity. On a night filled with cinematic giants, she proved that elegance is not measured by fame but by presence.
Fala Chen — Ballad of a Small Player
Fala Chen delivered one of TIFF50’s most memorable red carpet turns at the Ballad of a Small Player premiere on September 9, 2025. Wearing a sculptural red gown by Christopher John Rogers, she commanded attention without ever demanding it. The gown’s precise tailoring and dynamic volume caught the light beautifully, evoking both drama and poise.
Chen, who stars opposite Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton in the psychological thriller, paired her look with Haute Joaillerie by Messika. The ensemble was a masterclass in balance — high fashion meeting quiet confidence. Later in the festival, her switch to an elegant Chanel outfit for another event underscored her range and sophistication.
The red gown by Christopher John Rogers was more than attire; it was a declaration. In a festival celebrating half a century of cinematic storytelling, Chen embodied what TIFF has always stood for — grace, artistry, and the fearless blending of creativity and culture.
Closing reflections
There’s a reason red never goes out of style. It’s the colour of emotion, of artistry, of life itself — and when the red carpet meets a red gown, the result is an unspoken dialogue between star and spectacle. TIFF50 proved that the interplay of light, fabric, and presence can still create moments that linger beyond the flash of a camera.
Watching Samara Weaving, Felicity Jones, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, and Fala Chen glide across that scarlet path reminded me why I love capturing these scenes. It’s not simply about fashion or fame, but about storytelling in motion — one frame at a time, in a sea of red that never fades.
Also, check out the TIFF50 leading men here.
