Fancy, Memorable and Extravagant Looks at Cannes

Now that the prestigious film festival has come to an end, it’s time to look back at some of the most memorable looks on the red carpet – and a few that weren’t totally unfortunate but could have been better. Sure, Cannes is totally over the top, flamboyant, extravagant and a little garish but it’s a great time to reflect on the red carpet fashions – the beautiful, the outrageous and the ‘are you serious?!?’ looks. As usual, the incomparable Cate Blanchett’s style couldn’t be matched. And Blake Lively also stepped up her style game with some red carpet fashion show stoppers (she definitely came to play). But it’s too bad about Nicole Kidman. At one time, she was the darling of Cannes and the one fashion lovers were the most exciting about seeing. Unfortunately, that feels like a while ago now.

So in no particular order, here are some of the most memorable fashion moments this year at Cannes. 

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy

Blanchett’s multi coloured Givenchy gown was definitely one of the festival’s fashion highlights and one of this year’s most memorable and interesting looks. The embellished beaded bodice was like artwork and was nicely balanced with solid black. And it worked so well with the blue chandelier Chopard earrings. Cate’s been rocking long earrings lately and does it well. This was another example of how Cate wears dresses that could be on display in a museum.

Cate Blanchett in Valentino

Another stunning and totally beautiful dress on the fashion forward actress. This is such a royal look. The combination of silver embroidery with the feathered collar and gold cap sleeves was super elegant, regal and timeless. I would loooove to see this dress up close.

Blake Lively in Chanel Couture

Lively stunned the crown and photographers in this crystalized and iridescent lace optical illusion dress (Keira Knightley wore a similar dress recently). It’s for sure a captivating look. Although I think she looks pretty damn incredible, I don’t ke the idea of a design where the waist is intended to look even smaller than it already is. I can appreciate the historical reference to shrunken wait illusion, it feels a little unnecessary. Having said that, this was also one of the festival highlights in terms of memorable red carpet gowns.

Blake Lively in Gucci Première

Lively showed up on opening night in this maroon halter neckline gown with a super high slit that showed her sexy long legs. Even though we’ve seen this look before a number of times (particularly by Michael Kors) but it’s still a good one. It was super flattering and her long braid was awesome and added a youthful quality to the look.

Blake Lively in Gucci Première

This stunning Gucci Première gown was definitely one fashion followers will remember. This is how you make a black and white gown have a huge impact. She looks timeless and elegant, and there’s a Grace Kelly vibe to the overall look. The dress was also perfectly accessorized with red lips and sticking (and undoubtedly very expensive) diamond necklace.

Zoe Saldana in Victoria Beckham

Loved this long white pleated dress on Saldana. And I was surprised it was Victoria Beckham because it was more feminine and had more detail that we’re used to seeing in her modern designs  The ruffles on the chest and the gold chain belt were super chic – refined glamour. And her soft hair and dangling earrings were the perfect complement to such an elegant look.

Julianne Moore in Chanel Couture

A dress doesn’t get much more ‘couture’ than this intricate Channel gown adorned with pearls, sequins and feathers. This is what true couture looks like and I’m not surprised that she chose something of this magnitude. Moore doesn’t often do pretty or typical – she’s into high fashion. And this Chanel gown definitely is. There aren’t many other places other than the Cannes red carpet where this dress would make any sense. But the elaborateness of it worked at such an lavish and excessive event.

Marion Cotillard in Dior

Even though I love a lot of what Raf Simmons has been doing  since he’s been the Creative Director at Dior, I haven’t always loved the Dior pieces Cotillard wears.  But his pale grey pleated dress is the best Dior she’s worn in a long time. It’s pretty and feminine but also super interesting and modern. Didn’t love the hair though. I think it could have been simpler. But the sparkly gold Louboutin heels were definitely a good choice.

Nicole Kidman in Armani Privé

Oh my – what to say about Nicole Kidman and her beaded embellished gown… While it was intricate and detailed, it felt a little gaudy and flamboyant. And because of all the plastic surgery she’s had, it looked like a Barbie dress – which is never good. She’s just become so frozen and fake looking. On someone else (or on Nicole 10 years ago) this might have been an outstanding dress but it doesn’t work on Nicole. And that’s saying a lot at Cannes. It’s unfortunate because I bet she would have aged beautifully and looked incredible today had she allowed herself to actually age.

Jessica Chastian in Atelier Versace

This one sleeve electric blue gown definitely doesn’t look like Versace. And while the vibrant colour looks great on her skin tone, the cut and style of the dress seems a little old for such a vibrant star. Chastain wore a white Versace dress to Cannes last year that was also mature but worked way better.

Jane Fonda in Elie Saab Couture

You can’t do a Cannes fashion recap without mentioning the incredible and legendary actress. Once again, Jane was ageless in this red and silver beaded long sleeve gown. And if it looks familiar it’s because Angelina Jolie wore the same one to the Oscars earlier this year but in grey and silver (check out the side by side comparison). Jane is still defining aging logic and the best part is she still looks like herself. She doesn’t look scary or fake – she just looks really good. Few other women would ever be brave enough to wear the same dress as Angelina Jolie – but Jane Fonda is one of them. And she looks every bit as incredible – if not more.

Images via fashionista.com and instyle.com