There’s glitz, there’s glamour, and then there’s Cannes. Year after year, the coveted red carpet on the French Riviera transforms into a high-fashion fantasy, much to the anticipation of fashionistas and enthusiasts alike. The Cannes Film Festival red carpet isn’t just a celebration of cinema anymore. Over the years, it has turned into an elite runway where couture dreams come to life, and celebrities serve up bespoke looks that set the tone for the rest of the year. From sculptural silhouettes to unapologetic glamour, from vintage sophistication to avant-garde couture statements, the Cannes Festival red carpet is where fashion shines bright.
This year, too, the stakes were sky-high, and last-minute changes in rules for the Cannes Festival red carpet only added to the drama. The fashionistas came to slay, and the gentlemen didn’t hold back either. Whether it was a whisper of silk gowns that stole the spotlight or the power suits that redefined suave, the Cannes Film Festival red carpet was ablaze with unique fashion choices. Check out these best-dressed stars who didn’t just walk the red carpet, they owned it.
Bella Hadid
One of the most stunning looks on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet was the supermodel Bella Hadid. Strutting in what was one of the most elegant dresses on the inaugural red carpet, Hadid, who is Chopard's brand ambassador, wore massive diamond and emerald earrings from the brand that stood out beautifully against her black YSL ensemble. She was accompanied by the fashion brand’s co-president and artistic director, Caroline Scheufele.
Alessandra Ambrosio
Another big name that stunned at the Cannes Film Festival red carpet is the Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, who was representing the Milanese fine jewellery brand Pomellato at the screening of Partir Un Jour. Against her jewel-toned Zuhair Murad gown, Pomellato’s Asimmetrico Tanzanite parure shone bright.
Philippine Leroy Beaulieu
Ambrosio wasn’t the only celeb on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet to have donned the brand’s jewellery. Actress Philippine Leroy Beaulieu, whom the international audiences might recognise from her chic, sharp, always on point portrayal of Sylvie Grateau from the Netflix hit Emily In Paris, paired their Planetario ring and earrings with her Schiaparelli studded gown.
Diane Kruger
Seen at the Amrum premiere at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, actress Diane Kruger, who happens to be the brand ambassador of the fashion house of Prada, took all our breaths away with her dusty blue gown. Looking ethereal as ever, the actress paired her Prada gown with the Force 10 precious set from Fred Jewellery. The geometrical design of the Fred Jewellery pieces stood out exceptionally against the demure sequinned Prada gown, making it one of the more iconic looks on the Cannes Festival red carpet.
Nuttanicha Dungwattanawanich
We cannot talk about the best-dressed at the Cannes Film Festival red carpet and not talk about the Thai actress and L’Oreal brand ambassador, Nychaa. In a custom Georges Chakra gown that played with contrasts not only with colours but also textures, the Thai brand ambassador was on the red carpet to represent the beauty brand. For the uninitiated, L’Oreal Paris is one of the biggest sponsors of the prestigious film festival and is responsible for many events.
Andie Macdowell
One of the many events hosted by L’Oreal at the Cannes Film Festival this year was the celebration of the actress Andie Macdowell completing 40 years as the brand ambassador for the beauty giant. First appearing on the brand’s commercials in 1985, Andie Macdowell broke all beauty moulds with her Cannes festival red carpet style. Flaunting her greys, the actress was every inch the epitome of the brand’s tagline.
Jacqueline Fernandez
Looking ravishing in red, actress Jacqueline Fernandez was at the Cannes Film Festival as an honouree for the Red Sea Film Foundation’s Women in Cinema gala. The actress wore a stunning gown by Nicole + Felicia, and gorgeous diamond pieces from the British brand Hassanzadeh Jewellery. Other honourees included Zambian-Welsh writer-director Rungano Nyoni, Egyptian actress Amina Khalil, and Syrian filmmaker Gaya Jiji.
Masoom Minawala
Another big name from Indian celebrities to make it to the Cannes Festival red carpet this year includes Masoom Minawala. To say that the celebrated fashion influencer is a Cannes red carpet pro wouldn’t be an understatement. It’s not a first for her. This time, though, her focus was on representing Indian designers, and one of her looks was Arpita Mehta while the other was RÉIK studio.