AND SO IT BEGINS. Venice is revving up for its version of a Covid-safe film festival, and jury president Cate Blanchett stepped onto the dock looking as if she’s completely calm and confident and… cold, I guess. That’s a lot of layers for a sunny Venice day, even with some light boat travel. But be assured that is not a turtleneck:

77th Venice International Film Festival, Arrivals, Italy - 01 Sep 2020

It appears to be her gaiter, which she popped down around her neck for a photo op. (She, too, must have seen the Scientific American piece that said the study bemoaning gaiters was misinterpreted. Hashtag Save the Gaiter.) Anyway, this extremely laid-back debut outfit hopefully portends a gut-punch of glamour when her first red carpet moment arrives. Right? Dare I hope, or will she survey the moment and decide it is not one for frills and furbelows? I hope not. I need this, Cate. WE need this. More furbelows and fewer furrowed brows all around.

[Photos: Shutterstock]