The most prestigious film festival in the world, Cannes, is kicking off and for fervent red carpet watchers, it’s typically far more exciting to keep track of as compared to the Oscars (too tame) or even the Met Gala (celebrities who ignore the dress code are annoying).
Why? Cannes is usually a week-long (or more) affair as compared to the one-night-only event of the Oscars and Met Gala – major film stars and models usually dress up to the nines and (over) liberally pile on the bling (Chopard is usually the sponsor). And in France, people still take the art of the silver screen extremely seriously – the festival was founded in 1946 and this year represents the 71st edition.
We’ve introduced the films to watch out for at this year’s edition – now it’s time to take a look back at some of the best looks that have graced the festival in recent years:
This is still one of my top Cate Blanchett looks of all time – the rare teal colour already seals the case for me. But really, everything about this look is perfect, from her hair to her makeup and the extravagant Chopard floral neckpiece that surprisingly complemented Blanchett’s Armani Prive gown.
On most people, with a dress as striking as this Armani, they probably wouldn’t add another eye-catching piece (in this case, the Chopard necklace) to avoid clashing but Blanchett pulls it off as only she can.
German actress Diane Kruger is well-known for working without a stylist (she used to be a model) but unlike Blake Likely, she manages to pull off risky looks with aplomb. This Dior couture spring 2012 plaid gown was difficult to wear with its huge hoop skirt but Kruger pulled it off successfully, despite its vintage undertones.
Nicole Kidman usually (but not always) goes for a column gown and this is one of the best examples why she keeps returning to the style – she looks completely statuesque in them. Granted, she’s tall to begin with (she’s 1.8m) but the simpler look of this Armani Prive gown only highlights her elegance, which is a word commonly associated with the actress, but deservedly so, don’t you think?
Fan Bing Bing always brings drama to the red carpet – sometimes overdoing it but here, she’s simply a vision in a Ralph & Russo couture trailing number that made her look like a fresh rose in an exquisite porcelain vase. I wouldn’t want to be the next celebrity coming after her on the red carpet – what’s the point?
We’ve covered Oscar winner Emma Stone’s most memorable looks before and at the time, I included this Dior couture look and I still stand by it. The ice blue hue worked surprisingly well with her alabaster complexion (instead of washing her out) and while some may think it’s matronly or bland, I think it makes her look like a A-list movie star come into her own. The final touch? I loved the delicate Repossi choker that adds to her look without being distracting.
’90s Brit supermodel Erin O’Connor took what might have been an overwrought dress on the runway (see left) and made it into her own showpiece. Truthfully speaking, there are precious few women who could pull off this Ralph & Russo couture look and the commanding O’Connor was more than up to the job. I loved that she wisely opted out of accessorising – a necklace would simply destroy the clean look O’Connor was going for.
It also brought to mind another red dress with a big bow – Nicole Kidman’s iconic 2007 Balenciaga gown, worn to the Oscars, possibly my favourite look from her, period.
While Blake Lively is 50-50 at best on the red carpet (her Met Gala 2017 dress was a dated ’80s travesty and should be burned) this black-and-white matching couple look with husband Ryan Reynolds in Gucci Premiere is one of her best. I would have removed the diamond cuff as there’s already a lot going on, especially with her crimson manicure, but I do love the go-big-or-go-home Old Hollywood vibe here.
Like this? Check out the most outrageous looks from this year’s Met Gala, the 5 films not to be missed at Cannes Film Festival 2017 and Rihanna’s exclusive new high jewellery collaboration with Chopard.
Main image: Red Carpet Fashion Awards