There has been a lot of flashy fashion on the French Riviera lately. Although part of it was seen in the guests of the Monaco Grand Prix (hello Bad Bunny in Jean Paul Gaultier hugging torso), much of it came from the Cannes Film Festival, which ended on Saturday.
As expected from a group of A-list celebrities attending a star-studded festival in a particularly glamorous venue, there were plenty of dresses and tuxedos. But unlike the Oscars or other award ceremonies, there were plenty of daytime events at Cannes, giving many festival-goers repeat opportunities to dress up and take a chance on style, some of which were more successful than others.
There were plenty of outfits that caught our eye during the almost two weeks of the festival, including Jennifer Lawrence’s. red Dior dress and flip flops (more comfortable!); Naomi Campbell’s Valentino dress and flowing pink feather cape (the most ethereal!); and the nearly identical tan linen blazers that David Zaslav, a media executive, and Graydon Carter, a publisher, wore as they co-hosted a party for the Warner Bros. movie studio (most coordinated!).
But the 20 styles on this list stood out more than most. Some were unexpected, while others were perfect. Everyone, more importantly, drew strong opinions.
Helen Mirren: Most of Blue Crush!
To match her cornflower blue Del Core dress (and her nails), the actress wore blue streaks in her wavy silver hair, the colors of which were reminiscent of a foaming ocean.
Elle Fanning: The oldest silverware!
The actress’ metallic Paco Rabanne gown was suspended by what looked suspiciously like a piece of cutlery and had a skirt that looked as if it could cut someone who got too close.
Fan Bingbing: The most scenic!
Printed on the actress’s Christopher Bu gown was a design featuring a roaring tiger in a bamboo forest that extended to the train of the gown.
Viola Davis: More volume!
A towering Afro and colossal ostrich feather stole enhanced the actress’s understated Valentino gown.
Troye Sivan: The most negative space!
The singer’s ensemble of Valentino shorts, off-the-shoulder 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-legged, multicolored Chanel pantsuit was a sartorial unicorn.
Natalie Portman: More Jackie O.!
In oversized cat-eye sunglasses and a belted Dior minidress (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 of the Triple Threat!
It seemed impossible that the trio of actors from “Strange Way of Life,” a queer western directed by Pedro Almodóvar, did not plan ahead for their three Saint Laurent looks.
Lily Gladstone: Most in bloom!
A low-key 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: The most accessorized!
The singer paired her elegant one-shoulder Celine dress with accessories that included jewelry, tattoos and her reported boyfriendfilmmaker Romain Gavras.
Rawdah Mohamed: Very hot!
The model set the carpet on fire in a Robert Wun dress covered in what appeared to be burn marks. On her head was a tattered veil that matched her worn dress.
Lily-Rose Depp: The most elegant of her age!
EITHER almost Her age: The 24-year-old actress’s sequined Chanel minidress is from 1994, making her a few years older than her.
Alton Mason: The hottest!
Peer behind the model’s gloved hands and you’ll notice the hourglass silhouette of her double-breasted Balenciaga jacket, tapering sharply at the waist.
Scarlett Johansson: Most trompe l’oeil!
With a contrasting white top and straps, the actress’ 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 wedding dress made (slightly) less sweet by the black tulle peeking out from the bodice.
Orlando Bloom: The most pictorial!
The green and blue stripes on the actor’s pale Paul Smith suit were a risk, as were the thick soles of his matching shoes.
Ilona Chernobai: The majority in the message!
As the Ukrainian influencer walked up the festival’s red-carpeted stairs in a blue and yellow dress, the colors of the Ukrainian flag, she popped balloons filled with a red liquid on her head. Among those who witnessed her fashion statement were security personnel, who escorted her off the carpet shortly after.
Marion Cotillard: Most of Coachella!
Her Chanel twee sweater ensemble and faded pink shorts were textbook festival style—music festival style, that is.
stella bugbee, vanessa fredman, Isabel Paton, callie holterman, antonio rotunno and Jessica Testa contributed reporting.