Always one of the best red carpets of the year, the Cannes Film Festival is like no other. The French Riviera is all about excess and this is a place where the stars aren’t afraid to play dress up and are willing to look extra luxurious & extravagant. The only rules at Cannes are that subtlety is not allowed and to always think of Joan Collins (in her Dynasty days) and Elizabeth Taylor as inspiration. Next to the Met Gala, this is the most exciting red carpet of the year.
Nicole Kidman in Chanel Couture
As expected, Kidman was definitely the one to watch this year at Cannes. Every outfit she wore was incredible, thanks to her talented stylist, Julia von Boehm (can you imagine having that job?!). It was great seeing Kidman back on top of her fashion a-game in terms of her red carpet choices. She came to play much like she did back in the early 2000s. And this unbelievable Chanel Couture dress with the feathered skirt and black sequin bodice was especially amazing Styled impeccably, this was my favourite dress this year at Cannes and one of Kidman’s best red carpet looks ever.
Nicole Kidman in Armani Privé
Less formal than the black Chanel Couture gown above, this look was just as chic. Fresh and light, and the material was outstanding. A more youthful vibe than we typically see with Armani Privé, Kidman totally owned it.
Nicole Kidman in Versace
I would not have guessed this was Versace – and I loved it. Super modern and chic. The different shoulders and draping were done to perfection. Check out the pleats on the right side. Also, those shoes are killer. The look reminds me of the brilliant designs Gianni Versace did in the early 90s, creations that Donatella is rarely able to emulate.
Nicole Kidman in Calvin Klein by Appointment
Another winning look at Cannes. A timeless tea length white tulle skirt made for another epic red carpet moment. Apparently it took 150 hours and an astounding 180 years of silk tulle to make this dress. The deco-inspired heels were especially cool and added the perfect modern touch. Once again, well played.
Nicole Kidman in Alexander McQueen
Love everything about this look. The material is incredible and the softness is so celverly balanced with the edgier long black leather belt. For some, it may not make a lot of sense, but I think it was amazing. Another very well style look. And her hair and ankle strap stilettos are everything. Who doesn’t need a pair of these shoes?!
Nicole Kidman in Rodarte
This silver sequin and ruffled embellished top and skirt has a very Chanel Couture vibe, not to mention something one would have seen on a socialite in New City in the 1920s – the Guilded Age, when super wealthy New Yorkers spent their summers at their mansions in Newport. So fancy!
Naomi Campbell in Atelier Versace
Because I can’t not mention Naomi Campbell – one of the most legendary models of all time. While this isn’t my favourite dress, it very Atelier Versace and she’s been a long time suppertor of the Italian fashion house. The ageless supermodel has a difficult time ever looking bad. Here’s a fact that I love: Cindy Crawford’s children call her Auntie Nomi! Can you imagine? I would die.
Bella Hadid in Ralph & Russo Couture
Obviously this is something only a supermodel could wear and should never be attempted by mere mortals. Even though I’m a over the naked dress trend, the see-through crystal embellished gown is beautiful. And Hadid looks stunning. Love how the hair was tied back and the lack of an accessories other than ankle strap heels. This gown doesn’t need anything else.
Tracee Ellis Ross in Jenny Packham
I love how Ellis Ross is having such a moment right now. She’s so funny and talented – and thoughtful in her style choices. With impeccable taste (and a smart stylist), she’s definitely become an exciting one to watch on the red carpet. Like, how amazing is this red sequin gown with feather sleeves?! A clever tribute to her mom, Diana Ross, it also looks comfortable. And the strong red lips couldn’t be better. More women should do red lips like this. They just make sense.
Marion Cotillard in Armani Privé
We’re so used to seeing Cotillard in Dior (in some strange choices), that it’s always refreshing to see her wear another designer. Love this sexy strapless low cut black crystal beaded gown. Perfect for Cannes. It has a more of a Thierry Mugler vibe so I was impressed when I read it was Armani. And that diamond Chopard collar is incredible.
Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture
A timelessly elegant look. And fit much better than the Dior gown she wore to the Oscars early this year. This is one of those gowns that Grace Kelly would have worn to Cannes in the early 50s – classically beautiful. It also reminded me of the unforgettable sheer black Dior gown Theron wore to a premiere is 2012.
Diane Kruger in Jason Wu
As the winner of Best Actress this year at Cannes, Kruger deserves a mention is this super sheer elaborately detailed gown featuring a unique pattern combining polka dots and florals. It’s sexy and not subtle which works well at Cannes. But I don’t know if Kruger ever be able to top the incredible metallic beaded strapless Vivienne Westwood dress she wore to the film festival in 2012 (click here to see). That was truly a legendary look and I’ve been looking for a reason to bring it up lately.
Elle Fanning in Gucci
Like her co-star Nicole Kidman, Fanning also had numerous red carpet looks at Cannes this year. But this Gucci gown with a deep embroidered plunging neckline and floral hemline was particularly memorable. It was young and fresh, and had a timeless Grecian goddess vibe that worked well for the young star.
Doutzen Kroes in Balmain
Interesting fact: the reason why so many models are invited every year to the prestigious annual film festival is because the organizers believe they add some extra glamour to the red carpet – which is true. And Doutzen Kroes helps prove the point. While there were a number of stars in Balmain this year at Cannes, this long sleeve silver beaded slightly sheer dress on the top model was the clearly the best. An incredible look – love the fabric, the long sleeves, the slicked back hair and smokey eyes.
Coco Rocha in Georges Hobeika
Jenner’s been raised in the spotlight and knows how to work the red carpet probably better than anyone in the Kardashian clan. This Giambattista Valli Couture mini with extra long train in what Cannes is about. It’s over-the-top, 80s-inspired, excessive, luxurious – and awesome. The look suited her well and she pulled if off effortlessly.
Andie MacDowell in Roberto Cavalli Couture
We don’t see MacDowall on the red carpet very often so this was a pleasant surprise. She looked better than ever is the simple strapless sheer black lace gown. A timeless look. Especially loved the dark wavy locks and strong red lips. MacDowall was a major model back in the day before so many became household names so she knows how to work it.
Hailey Baldwin in Ralph & Russo
I’m not a huge fan of Baldwin and don’t really see why she’s such a big model right now. She seems like she might be a mean girl (pure speculation on my part). But she pulls off this Ralph & Russo gown with super high slit well. And what about those massive de GRISOGONO’s Anelli diamond earrings! Spectacular. I’m so excited that big earrings are coming back strong this season. Sometimes bigger is better 😉
Mischa Barton in ????????
Ummm… why was she there?? Nice job with the the makeup but what’s with those shoes?? They’re unfortunate…
That’s a wrap! Who were your favourites? Who did miss?! As always, thanks for reading.
Casey Wagar 