Elliot Page and Julia Shiplett Debut Romance on Milan Fashion Week Red Carpet
Umbrella Academy star and his girlfriend attend Gucci show as their first public outing since Page's 2020 coming-out
Elliot Page and his girlfriend Julia Shiplett stepped onto the red carpet at Milan Fashion Week on Tuesday, marking their first public outing as a couple at the Gucci Spring/Summer 2026 photocall. The moment signals a new chapter for Page, who publicly acknowledged his transgender identity in December 2020 and has since navigated a renewed focus on his personal life alongside high-profile professional projects.
Page arrived in a navy pinstripe blazer paired with dark trousers and a white shirt, presenting a polished, classic silhouette that complemented the event’s high-fashion setting. Shiplett opted for a forest green striped blouse with a matching skirt, finishing the look with black open-toe heels and a bob that framed her features. A black handbag completed her ensemble, aligning with the overall pared-back elegance of the couple as they walked the photographers’ line.
The appearance followed Page confirming his romance with Shiplett in June, when he shared a photo of the pair cuddling on a rainbow-painted street. Shiplett later posted a video of Page shirtless on her Instagram Stories, adding a caption that read simply a sentiment of Pride. The couple’s social media gestures underscored a public acknowledgment of a relationship that has been brewing in the open for several months, while Page has previously discussed the evolving nature of his dating life in interviews.
Page’s public journey has been widely covered since he first came out as transgender in 2020, a moment that followed his 2018 marriage to Emma Portner. The couple announced their split in early 2021, noting that they had separated in the summer prior to the public confirmation. Since then, Page has described a shift in how he experiences dating and connection, telling outlets that embracing his true self has clarified his personal life and made dating feel more direct and meaningful. In a 2023 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Page said that dating had become the most enjoyable it had ever been, emphasizing a sense of ease and authenticity that had previously eluded him.
Shiplett, described in notes as an actress, has continued to build a career on screen, including a role on the Amazon Prime sitcom Overcompensating. The pairing of Page and Shiplett has drawn attention not only for its emotional significance but also for how it intertwines Page’s long public arc with the contemporary fashion scene in Milan, a city that often frames celebrity culture as a blend of art, activism, and entertainment.
Beyond their personal narrative, Page and Shiplett’s red-carpet moment comes amid speculation about Page’s upcoming projects, including an anticipated adaptation of a major contemporary epic directed by Christopher Nolan. The project, described in notes as a star-studded effort featuring actors such as Matt Damon and Tom Holland in key roles, has been in various stages of development and production in recent years. Production began in February, with release projected for the summer of 2026, positioning Page within a broader roster of high-profile collaborations and cinematic ambitions. The cast list also includes well-known names like Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, and Lupita Nyong’o, underscoring Nolan’s continued appeal in delivering ensemble spectacles that blend mythic storytelling with contemporary screen sensibilities.
The ongoing focus on Page’s career is intertwined with his personal life as he continues to navigate publicly acknowledged relationships. He has previously discussed his life before and after transition, including a long history of dating in both pre-transition and post-transition phases. In his memoir Pageboy, he revealed a secret romance from his 20s with a closeted actress who was not publicly identified at the time, describing the relationship in intimate terms while emphasizing that it existed within a context of concealment. The public narrative surrounding Page’s romantic life reflects a broader discussion about visibility, identity, and the ways in which personal stories intersect with professional trajectories for actors who have undergone gender transition.
Shiplett’s own background in acting and her presence in the public eye through Overcompensating add another layer to their appearance on the Milan carpet. The couple’s public debut comes at a moment when both individuals are navigating career opportunities, media scrutiny, and a personal story that many fans have followed with interest for years. The pairing has the potential to influence conversations about representation, as well as the evolving fashion-celebrity landscape that Milan Fashion Week helps amplify each season.
As Page and Shiplett move forward, their relationship will likely continue to unfold in the public eye, alongside Page’s ongoing work in cinema and television. The Milan appearance, however, stands as a deliberate and stylish signal that Page is embracing a fuller sense of personal liberty while continuing to pursue ambitious creative projects. In the fashion world’s eyes, the couple’s debut serves as another reminder that style and storytelling frequently travel together, shaping narratives about identity, love, and art in contemporary culture.