Looking back on the fashion of the Cannes Film Festival this year.

Since its inception in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival has embodied French elegance and luxury. Proper attire is demanded, with women adorned in sumptuous gowns and men clad in tuxedos.

However, the Cannes Film Festival has always been a realm of expression where nonconformists liberate themselves from societal norms. When ascending the steps of the red carpet, the message can often be conveyed through attire. In 1953, Pablo Picasso attended the screening of Henri-Georges Clouzot's The Wages of Fear clad in a sheepskin, a gesture defying convention. More recently, in 2018, Kristen Stewart kicked off her Louboutins on the red carpet at the premiere of BlacKkKlansman, expressing rebellion against the festival's strict rules.

The Cannes Festival is a grand stage where dramatic attire embodies ideas and evokes reactions. Just as cinema, fashion serves as a conduit for expression and a canvas for ideas. In 2024, the festival reclaimed its status as a bastion of artistic expression. This year, it resounded with a powerful message of female empowerment. Many looks were marked by modern and daring suits. Historically a symbol of masculine power, the suit has evolved into a message of universal strength and stability. French model Cindy Bruna was hailed for her deconstructed suit ensemble by Laruicci, featuring vertical and gray stripes, lending strength and structure to this sculptural ensemble. Yseult opted for a Bar suit by Christian Dior, symbolizing women's liberation post-war, a graphic silhouette that enhances and liberates feminine curves.

Femininity was also celebrated through glamorous and ethereal gowns embellished with sequins. Natasha Poly, adorned in a sparkling chainmail by Dolce & Gabbana, embodied a modern warrior ready for battle. Shielded by a wide metallic belt akin to a shield, she showcased her slender silhouette. Naomi Campbell, in a vintage 1997 Chanel look, wore a skirt made of embroidered sequin stripes, while Coco Rocha, divine in Yanina Haute Couture, sported fairy-like feather wings and golden sequin arabesques.

The festival also highlighted the current trend you cannot miss: transparency. Bella Hadid ascended the steps in a sheer dress signed Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, revealing a sculptural silhouette. Araya Hargate, in Maison Margiela Haute Couture by John Galliano, wore a black embroidered dress, exuding an aura of powerful elegance. Sienna Miller, on the other hand, embraced the Boho Chic trend with a Chloé dress, a perfect blend of sophistication and nonchalance.
Cannes 2024 also marked the return of tulle and modernized frills. Feminine materials, symbols of voluptuousness sculpted and tailored with care. The Chanel dress worn by Margaret Qualley and the cascade dress by Lever Haute Couture worn by Heidi Klum illustrated the power of craftsmanship. Each creation was a feat, a testament to the excellence of haute couture.

Finally, some chose to express ideas through their attire. Cate Blanchett's political dress left a lasting impression with its subtly demonstrative message, capturing attention with elegance.

The Cannes Film Festival 2024 once again demonstrated the power of fashion as a venue for creative expression. Each look, whether an ode to femininity or a statement, contributed to making this event a true fashion theater. We remain in awe of these splendid creations, celebrating craftsmanship with as much passion as the greatest films, and reminding us that fashion, like cinema, is an art in its own right.



Written By Manon Didierlaurent - Photo Credits: WENN