The Italian Inferno: Unpacking Simona Tabasco's Most Iconic Red Dress Moments

Simona Tabasco has transcended her breakout role as the fiercely ambitious Lucia Greco in HBO’s *The White Lotus* to become a bona fide global fashion icon, and no single garment defines this transformation more than her breathtaking red dress moments. As of December 2025, her every red carpet appearance is scrutinized, but it is the vibrant, passionate hue of red—a color deeply intertwined with her career—that has created her most memorable and talked-about looks.

The Italian actress's embrace of the color red is not a coincidence; it’s a powerful, deliberate style choice that echoes the fiery energy of her Sicilian character, Lucia. From a certain iconic backless gown at the Cannes Film Festival to a more subtle, yet equally impactful, red vest on screen, this color has become a signature, signaling a new era of bold, Italian glamour on the international stage.

Simona Tabasco: A Complete Biography and Career Timeline

Simona Tabasco is an Italian actress who has captivated global audiences with her compelling performances and magnetic screen presence. Her rise to fame has been swift, transitioning from successful roles in Italian television to international stardom.

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• Full Name: Simona Tabasco
• Date of Birth: April 5, 1994
• Age (as of December 2025): 31
• Place of Birth: Naples, Italy
• Family: She has a twin brother.
• Education: Studied at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome.
• Breakout Italian Roles: Tabasco gained significant recognition in Italy for her roles in popular TV series such as *I bastardi di Pizzofalcone* and the medical drama *DOC - Nelle tue mani*.
• International Breakthrough: Her most famous role to date is as the sex worker Lucia Greco in the second season of the HBO black comedy-drama series *The White Lotus* (2022), which earned her a shared Emmy nomination.
• Notable Red Carpet Appearances: Cannes Film Festival (2023), Screen Actors Guild Awards (2023), Emmy Awards (2024).

The Unforgettable Red Dress: Simona Tabasco’s Lanvin Moment at Cannes

The definitive "Simona Tabasco red dress" moment occurred in May 2023 at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. Attending the premiere of the film *Jeanne du Barry*, Tabasco stepped onto the Croisette in a look that instantly went viral, solidifying her status as a red carpet powerhouse.

The Lanvin Couture Masterpiece

The gown was a stunning, floor-length, backless red lace creation by Lanvin. This particular piece was inspired by the Lanvin Spring 2023 collection, but tailored to create a truly bespoke, high-impact silhouette. The rich, vibrant red hue contrasted beautifully with the intricate lace detailing, creating a look that was simultaneously romantic and fiercely modern.

The dress featured a high neckline from the front, but the true drama lay in the back, where the fabric plunged dramatically, showcasing a sophisticated yet daring sensuality. Paired with elegant jewelry, reportedly from Chopard, the ensemble was lauded by fashion critics as one of the best looks of the entire festival. It was a perfect blend of old Hollywood glamour and contemporary Italian confidence, perfectly capturing the essence of the actress's rising star.

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This appearance marked a critical transition for Tabasco. Prior to this, she was celebrated for her role as Lucia; after Cannes, she became recognized as a serious fashion entity. The Lanvin red gown was a statement of intent, announcing her arrival in the upper echelons of celebrity style and cementing her place alongside her co-star, Beatrice Grannò, as a style duo to watch.

From Lucia Greco’s Vest to High Fashion: The Evolution of Simona Tabasco’s Style

Simona Tabasco's relationship with the color red is a narrative thread that runs from her career-defining performance to her latest fashion collaborations. The color acts as a metaphor for passion, power, and the bold ambition of her characters and her own career trajectory.

The White Lotus Connection: The 'Little Red Dress' Trope

Before the Lanvin red dress became her signature, Tabasco’s character, Lucia Greco, was often associated with a "little red dress" or a patterned red vest in *The White Lotus*. Costume designer Alex Bovaird deliberately used clothing to reflect Lucia's journey and resourcefulness. The red garments, whether a dress or a patterned red vest, symbolized her confidence, her allure, and her ability to navigate the privileged world of the resort guests with cunning and flair.

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This on-screen association with a powerful, attention-grabbing color subtly primed the public for Tabasco’s off-screen fashion choices. When she began appearing in striking red looks on the red carpet, the connection felt natural and intentional, building a powerful topical authority around her image.

Recent Fashion Statements: Marni and Zac Posen Collaborations

Since her breakout, Tabasco has consistently chosen looks that are unique, vibrant, and expressive, moving beyond traditional Hollywood glamour. Her recent appearances further highlight her commitment to bold fashion choices:

• The Marni Emmy Gown: At the delayed 75th Emmy Awards (held in January 2024), Simona Tabasco wore a voluminous, hourglass-shaped gown from Marni. While not purely red, the dress was a brightly-coloured floral creation, featuring a collage of hand-sewn florals in a striking, multi-dimensional design. This bold choice, paired with Cartier jewelry, showed her willingness to embrace avant-garde, runway-straight fashion, differentiating her from many of her peers.
• The Zac Posen for Gap Collaboration: In 2024, Tabasco was noted for wearing a Rococo-style gown designed by Zac Posen for Gap. This collaboration is a significant nod to her rising influence, as Posen, the Creative Director of Gap Inc., has been focusing on high-fashion moments using the brand's materials. The Rococo style, often associated with opulence and drama, is another example of Tabasco’s preference for looks that tell a story and command attention. This Zac Posen Gap gown confirms her status as a muse for designers looking to blend commercial appeal with high-fashion artistry.

Whether it is the sophisticated Lanvin lace gown at Cannes, the playful Marni floral dress at the Emmys, or the character-defining red attire of Lucia Greco, Simona Tabasco has masterfully used fashion to amplify her persona. Her style is a compelling mix of Italian passion and global sophistication, making every appearance a lesson in confident, dramatic dressing. As her career continues to soar, the world eagerly awaits her next iconic fashion moment, especially if it involves her signature color.