A Curated Selection of the 'Best' Looks from the 79th Cannes Film Festival
The results are finally in.
By Ruby Sword
N
umerous prominent figures from the world of cinema have, once again, dusted off their rusty french in order to attend the 79th Cannes Film Festival. Over the past few weeks, they have viewed this year's most influential cinematic creations, and, more importantly, showcased high fashion looks for our (somewhat useless) online critique.
Tuesday the 12th May marked the opening of this year's festival, with the screening of ‘The Electric Kiss’, by Pierre Salvadori. Over the course of the next 11 days 56 feature films and 14 short films were exhibited in a celebration of great cinematic artwork, and artistic freedom. Multiple events and parties were held daily, meaning that multiple outfits from multiple fashion icons are now available for our evaluation. Sophisticated glamour was a common theme throughout the looks displayed this year, with aspects of old Hollywood fashion featuring frequently. In general, the shapes of garments remained simple, with fitted silhouettes, while the colour palette this year consisted largely of neutrals, and block colours.
After a significant amount of consideration, I hereby offer you a handpicked collection of my favourite looks from Cannes Film Festival 2026. Use this information wisely.
CHLOÉ ZHAO
In an 80s chic Schiaparelli design inspired by a blowfish, Chloé Zhao was one of the few stars to bring avant guarde couture to the carpet. The effect of the crystals that cover the entire ensemble catches the light in a very unique way, almost resembling scales, which is quite striking. This, combined with the organza spike detail on the shoulder, creates character within the look, setting it apart from other designs on the carpet. The form created by the peplum waist detail and shoulder pads compliments Zhao's figure, which is further enhanced by the darker detailing around her waist and hems, almost acting like an artificial shadow. This look is unlike anything that Zhao has worn before, but the bold outcome compliments her natural beauty.
GILLIAN ANDERSON
In my opinion, Gillian Anderson was the image of elegance on the second day of the festival. At the red carpet for the screening of her impending film, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, her look was understated yet effective. The neutral colour palette combined perfectly with her skin tone and hair, allowing the texture of her voluminous curls and the floral aplique on the dress to stand out. The dress was a Miu Miu creation, taken from their 2022 spring/summer ready to wear collection, and her stylist, Martha Ward, excelled when transforming this dress into a cohesive look.
RUTH NEGGA
Ruth Negga’s look for the opening ceremony was largely comparable to 1920s flapper fashion, with the tassel detail becoming the main interest in the look. She wore an enhanced slip dress, designed by Dior, and the movement created by the tassels beautifully enhanced the way that she walked across the carpet. The button fastening and the lace detailing created a sense of luxury, and the green satin fabric contrasted perfectly to the black lace. The styling was elegant with the slick back hair allowing focus to remain on the dress, and the simple necklace added to the glamorous outcome.
DAISY EDGAR JONES
This Gucci suit looks as though it was designed purely for Daisy Edgar Jones. The way that the jacket sits perfectly against her hips compliments her body perfectly, which is enhanced by the slight shine on the fabric, which reflects the light in a crisp way. The reason why this look is so striking is mainly due to the way in which the fit is perfect, and while this look is simple, I think the final result is beautiful.
DUA LIPA
Dua Lipa attended the after party for the screening of Paper Tiger in a perfect model-off-duty look. The dress, featured in the Jacquemus 2026 Spring Summer Ready-to-wear collection, showcases a low plunge neckline, which, combined with the drop waist detail, accentuates and lengthens Dua's figure. The skirt provides intrigue and movement, with the two-toned loops bouncing whilst she walks.
SARA SAMPIO
This handcrafted custom Waad Aloqaili dress worn by Sara Sampio whilst attending the creening of La Vie D'Une Femme, once again, fits perfectly. The way in which the light reflects of each individual piece of pearl is ethereal, almost magical. In addition to the corset bodice, the way that the different shapes of pearls have been placed has further magnified the shape of Sara's body.
ODESSA A'ZION
This look is one of the more casual ensembles worn on the red carpet. Her suit, pulled from Dior's menswear collections, was simple, yet the loose-fitting shape allowed for a more dramatic outcome. The wool contrasts perfectly with the striped shirt, combining both texture and pattern to elevate what could have been yet another boring suit. The suit has been styled effortlessly, with a casual hairdo, and the glasses, which have transformed the entire outfit.
PHILIPPINE LEROY-BEALIEU
While her look for the opening ceremony has faced significant criticism, I believe that Philippine Leroy-Bealieu was redeemed when attending the L'Oréal Paris Dinner. Styled by Clement Lomellini, Philippine wore a custom dress by EGONlab, fashioned from a combination of rooster and goose feathers. The feathers compliment the shape of her body as they cascade from the fitted bodice to the train, whilst the layers add dimension and interesting textures.
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