During Monica Bellucci’s star turn in Call My Agent – the cult French drama about the trials and tribulations of talent agents – the Italian bombshell laments how people treat her differently because, well, she’s Monica Bellucci. For every viewer watching Bellucci go blonde in an attempt to disguise herself (spoiler: she can pull off a bleached bob as well as her signature glossy brunette waves), it made the former model and actor all the more endearing.
Bellucci has the power to reduce mere mortals to quivering wrecks, owing to her undeniable sex appeal. She remains as otherworldly now at the age of 56 as she did when she was rising up the ranks as a model in Rome. The Dolce & Gabbana muse encapsulates the brand’s vivacious la dolce vita lifestyle, yet her diamonds, black lace and eye-watering slip dresses – all Bellucci hallmarks – never feel too outré on her. She comes alive on the red carpet in the Cannes heat, while summers at her home in Italy show her no less polished or unprepared for a sizzling turn in front of watching cameras.
In reality Bellucci could wear anything, because she oozes a unique kind of self confidence and sultry beauty that’s utterly mesmerising. But let these quintessential Monica Bellucci pictures remind you that when it comes to summer style, you can never go wrong with a slip, diamonds really are the best accessory, and heels give you the courage to walk and walk. Go forth and be more Bellucci.
FREDERIC MEYLAN1/13
1991
Hot girl summers started with Monica Bellucci in Rome in the early ’90s.
PATRICK AVENTURIER2/13
1997
Name a more captivating Monica Bellucci Cannes moment.
PASCAL LE SEGRETAIN3/13
2002
The picture of fresh-faced beauty in a sweet floral slip at a Cannes photocall.
FREDERIC MEYLAN4/13
1991
Home again in 1991, where even bike-riding became a fashion photo op.
GETTY IMAGES5/13
2001
Kate Moss is the only woman who can rival Monica Bellucci in the slip dress stakes.
POOL BENAINOUS/DUCLOS6/13
2000
Closing out Cannes in 2000 on a blushing high.
TULLIO PUGLIA7/13
2012
Playing the Dolce & Gabbana poster girl on set for a brand campaign in Taormina.
POOL BENAINOUS/DUCLOS8/13
2000
An iconic leopard print Bellucci triumph at Cannes.
SHUTTERSTOCK / FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY9/13
2003
On anyone else this wisp of a pale dress might have veered into wallflower territory, but not so on Bellucci.
BERTRAND RINDOFF PETROFF10/13
1997
A classic Monica slip dress moment with Charlotte Rampling.
ALAIN BENAINOUS11/13
2000
Summer in Deauville in 2000 was all languid slips and major jewellery.
FRANZISKA KRUG12/13
2001
Enough to make you reconsider lilac.
BERTRAND RINDOFF PETROFF13/13
2001
Summer black is always a yes in Bellucci’s book.
