The Cannes Film Festival is celebrating its 65th birthday this year, one filled with beautiful people, gorgeous clothing and, well, film. Cannes has had some pretty memorable moments and iconic people in attendance, including the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot (who managed to—presumably unintentionally—flash several photographers and partygoers with her skirt in 1956), Princess Diana, Madonna and many more. Taking place in the South of France every spring, the festival celebrates up-and-coming films and the people who took part in the making of them. Since we can’t see these movies until they come out in theatres, admiring the fashions of those who walked the red carpet must suffice for now.
Jessica Chastain in Giorgio Armani
I first noticed Jessica Chastain as a rising fashion icon during this year’s Oscars when she wore a stunning Alexander McQueen dress. I never actually saw “The Help,” but I’ve seen Jessica popping up all over the place nonetheless. When you’re a redhead like her, you can play with a bunch of different colors when it comes to clothing yourself. This time, the actress kept it classically Hollywood (which is ironic, since they’re thousands of miles away from California) in a strapless, bejeweled, flowing Giorgio Armani gown, red lipstick and perfectly curled hair. The styling was spot on—had she put her hair up, the look would not have been nearly as playful and fun. The red lips also offset the neutrality of the dress.
Freida Pinto in Atelier Versace
Neon has clearly not stepped out of the spotlight yet. What was rightfully deemed “pulling an Angie” has become somewhat of a common phrase when one is referring to showing an abnormal amount of leg while wearing a dress (this is because of the gown Angelina Jolie wore to the Oscars this year.). That being said, Freida Pinto is in fact pulling an Angie here. The funny thing about this is that they were both wearing Versace, so really they both pulled a Versace. Angelina really had nothing to do with it. Freida’s gorgeous and daring gown featured a half-peplum (that’s a new one), floral lace, sequins and a slit up-to-there. All in all, I’d say this is one of the sartorially boldest dresses I’ve seen this year, under the condition that the wearer owned the look. Freida owned it.
Diane Kruger in Giambattista Valli
Diane Kruger has become somewhat of a red carpet icon herself within the past few months. I didn’t really pick up on this until I covered the Met Gala on my blog recently, but it is an inevitable fact that Diane truly has an eye for fashion. Even if you look at what she wore to the Oscars earlier this year, you can tell that this is true. The pastel minty color is so modern and very trendy, while the sheer sleeve and asymmetry of the gown are very intriguing. Diane let the dress speak for itself by keeping her hair off her shoulders and her makeup fresh and minimal: a proper choice. The simple singular bracelet also added some sophistication to the look without taking away from the gown.
Inès de la Fressange in Lanvin
This dress that Inès has on could not remind me more of a Greek goddess. The white, one-shouldered, belted dress is Grecian enough without the little leaves protruding from the waist. That’s not to say that I don’t totally dig the vibe, because I do. I believe that this year designers have reverted back to the classics and have drawn much inspiration from the iconic ages throughout history: the twenties, the forties, the nineties, and evidently ancient Greece. Inès keeps it modern and not costume-y at all by wearing a smoky eye, a glossy lip and a few bracelets, nothing too extravagant. The contrast between the mood that is implied by the dress (godlike and serene) and the appropriate edginess in the hair and makeup is superb.
Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein Collection
I think this one was slightly unexpected to show up on a list such as this. It was nothing particularly special, I admit, but that’s the charm of it. Calvin Klein is known for his simplicity, minimalism and attention to details, and I see all of those aspects represented in Naomi Watts’s looks. The nude dress has a basic silhouette with some nontraditional seams thrown—or I should rather say sewn—in. Naomi’s hair is natural and free and her makeup is not distracting or detracting from the dress. Her delicate bracelet and small boxy purse of sorts are modern and sophisticated touches. Snaps for Naomi for embodying the Calvin Klein spirit so well.
Which look is your favorite? Did the lack of bird-inspired looks disappoint you as much as it did me? How many more questions can I ask before you just skip this section of the article? Do I dare keep going?
The real question here is: Cannes you dig it?
Photos via style.com and harpersbazaar.com.
By Odelia Kaly
