There has been a lot of head-turning fashion on the French Riviera lately. Though some of it was spotted on guests at the Monaco Grand Prix (hello Bad Bunny in torso-hugging Jean Paul Gaultier), much of it came from the Cannes Film Festival, which ended on Saturday.
As one might expect from a pack of A-list celebrities attending a star-studded festival in a particularly glamorous location, there were lots of gowns and tuxedos. But in contrast to the Oscars or other awards ceremonies, there were many daytime events at Cannes, which gave many festival attendees repeated chances to dress up and take style risks — some of which were more successful than others.
There were a lot of outfits that caught our attention during the almost two-week festival, including Jennifer Lawrence’s red Dior gown and flip-flops (most comfortable!); Naomi Campbell’s Valentino dress and flowing pink feathered cape (most ethereal!); and the nearly identical tan linen blazers that David Zaslav, a media executive, and Graydon Carter, an editor, wore as co-hosts of a party for the Warner Bros. movie studio (most coordinated!).
But the 20 looks on this list stood out more than most. Some were unexpected, while others were flawless. All, importantly, drew strong opinions.
Helen Mirren: Most Blue Crush!
To match her cornflower-blue Del Core gown (and her nails), the actress wore blue streaks in her wavy silver hair, the colors of which recalled a frothing ocean.
Elle Fanning: Most Antique Silverware!
The actress’s metallic Paco Rabanne dress was suspended by what looked suspiciously like a piece of cutlery and had a skirt that looked as though it could cut someone who came too close.
Fan Bingbing: Most Scenic!
Printed on the actress’s Christopher Bu gown was a design featuring a roaring tiger in a bamboo forest that extended onto the dress’s train.
Viola Davis: Most Volume!
A towering Afro and a colossal ostrich-feather stole punched up the actress’s otherwise simple Valentino dress.
Troye Sivan: Most Negative Space!
The singer’s ensemble of Valentino shorts, shoulder-baring shirt and tie advanced a new definition of business casual.
Ramata-Toulaye Sy: Most Power-Glam!
Amid the many penguin suits at Cannes, the director’s wide-leg multicolor Chanel pantsuit was a sartorial unicorn.
Natalie Portman: Most Jackie O.!
In oversized cat-eye sunglasses and a belted Dior mini dress (and matching jacket), the actress brought a dose of the former first lady’s style to La Croisette.
José Condessa, Jason Fernández and Manu Ríos: Most Triple Threat!
It seemed impossible that the trio of actors in “Strange Way of Life,” a queer Western directed by Pedro Almodóvar, did not plan their three peek-a-boo Saint Laurent looks in advance.
Lily Gladstone: Most in Bloom!
An understated hairstyle toned down the drama of the actress’s floral Valentino cape dress and three-tiered earrings by Jamie Okuma, a Native American designer.
Dua Lipa: Most Accesorized!
The singer paired her sleek, one-shoulder Celine dress with accessories that included jewelry, tattoos and her reported boyfriend, the filmmaker Romain Gavras.
Rawdah Mohamed: Most Smoldering!
The model set the carpet ablaze in a Robert Wun gown covered in what appeared to be burn marks. Over her head was a tattered veil that matched the distressed dress.
Lily-Rose Depp: Most Dressing-Her-Age!
Or almost her age: The 24-year-old actress’s sequined Chanel mini dress is from 1994, making it a few years older than she.
Alton Mason: Most Snatched!
Look behind the model’s gloved hands, and you will notice the hourglass silhouette of his double-breasted Balenciaga suit jacket, which was tapered sharply at the waist.
Scarlett Johansson: Most Trompe l’Oeil!
With a contrasting white top and straps, the actress’s pink Prada sheath dress gave the illusion of an exposed bra.
Jennie Kim: Most ‘I Do!’
The Blackpink member was a vision in white — specifically, a Chanel bridal gown made (slightly) less sweet by black tulle poking out from the bodice.
Orlando Bloom: Most Painterly!
The green and blue streaks down the actor’s pale Paul Smith suit were a risk — as were the chunky soles on his matching shoes.
Ilona Chernobai: Most On Message!
As the Ukrainian influencer ascended the festival’s red-carpeted stairs wearing a blue-and-yellow gown, the colors of the Ukrainian flag, she popped balloons filled with a red liquid on her head. Those who witnessed her fashion statement included security personnel, who escorted her off the carpet soon after.
Marion Cotillard: Most Coachella!
Her twee Chanel sweater set and pink bleached jorts were textbook festival style — music festival style, that is.
Stella Bugbee, Vanessa Friedman, Elizabeth Paton, Callie Holtermann, Anthony Rotunno and Jessica Testa contributed reporting.
