Gothic Glamour: Tim Burton & Monica Bellucci's Matching Monochrome Style

He's a renowned American director with a string of hit films and a trophy cabinet brimming with awards. She's a celebrated Italian actress, former Bond girl, and model who's graced campaigns for Cartier, Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana.

Tim Burton and Monica Bellucci, with a combined estimated net worth exceeding £120 million, have proven that love isn't solely about wealth. Their chemistry, evident for a year now, has captivated Hollywood, offering a new romance to adore after the recent demise of "Bennifer" and the enduring fondness for Tim Burton's previous relationship with Helena Bonham Carter.

While their romance was confirmed last summer, the couple has maintained a low profile – until now. They graced the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival, promoting Burton's new film, *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

(starring Bellucci alongside Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega). Burton, 66, and Bellucci, 59, looked relaxed, happy, and undeniably stylishly coordinated.

Bellucci has always exuded Italian glamour, her style rooted in the iconic elegance of Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren. For her Venice debut, she chose a calf-length black and white Dolce & Gabbana dress, this season's fashionable polka dot print, in a flattering off-shoulder style. Paired with black velvet platform sandals and black cat-eye sunglasses, she epitomised elegance.

While Burton has a distinct sense of style, "elegant" wouldn't have been a descriptor readily applied to him even five years ago. His personal style has long been aligned with the aesthetic of his films, a testament to his decades-long "method dressing" approach.

His signature "Burtonesque" style, a blend of the grotesque and the gothic, stems from a lifelong fascination with the unearthly and dystopian. His films, *Edward Scissorhands*, *Sweeney Todd*, and *Corpse Bride*, are populated by freaks, goths, and weirdos. For Burton, the gothic aesthetic is not a fleeting trend but a way of life.

During his 13-year relationship with British actress Helena Bonham Carter, he embraced her eccentric English style. Bonham Carter, renowned for her bohemian charm, would effortlessly rock frilly white Victorian bloomers to her local yoga class. Her sartorial choices, imbued with a unique gothic flair, often showcased Vivienne Westwood designs. Burton, mirroring her style, embraced a disheveled aesthetic, often seen sporting a black shirt, well-worn cardigan, and scuffed shoes.

Fast forward to August 2024, and Burton's appearance has undergone a subtle transformation. Though he may never achieve the sartorial polish of Tom Ford, he has refined his look, likely influenced by his glamorous partner. He now sports a trimmed hairstyle, tailored black jackets, and subtly patterned shirts.

The sartorial respect extends both ways. Burton's films are known for their dramatic use of black and white, avoiding saturated colours. Bellucci, a long-time fan of black, may have paid homage to Burton's favourite colour palette with her black and white polka dot Dolce & Gabbana dress. Upon arriving in Venice, she wore a white wide-legged trouser suit with a black shirt, further demonstrating their monochrome style synergy.

Whether "la Dolce Vita Goth" will become their signature look remains to be seen, but it's undeniable that Burton and Bellucci have joined the ranks of couples who enhance their public image through coordinated style.

From Bogart and Bacall to Pitt and Paltrow, iconic duos have capitalised on the fascination with "couple style," creating a harmonious aesthetic that amplifies their individual appeal.

Fame brings scrutiny, especially when it comes to fashion. For couples who share the limelight, the scrutiny is even more intense, as the Beckhams and Carters can attest.

While Burton and Bellucci don't need the extra money, couples dressing can be a lucrative business. When done right, it can garner double the attention and reach.

"Instacouples" like Chiara Ferragni and Fedez Lucia (now divorced) have amassed wealth through branding and sponsorship deals, simply by looking good together. More recent examples include Tom Holland and Zendaya, and Dua Lipa and Callum Turner.

While twinning doesn't guarantee lasting love, Burton and Bellucci's gothic fashion romance seems strong. For as long as they're together, we'll continue to delight in their sartorial partnership.