The annual Cannes Film Festival is a pivotal event for film professionals around the globe, and it also happens to be where we get to indulge in lavish attire. In light of recent announcements regarding alterations to the festival's dress code, including the ban on nudity in addition to its many restrictions already in place), a notably more restrained red carpet presentation is anticipated this year. Nonetheless, attendees arrive at the Grand Théâtre Lumière gala in France dressed to the nines, continuing a period of significant fashion displays following last week’s Met Gala. In contrast to the thematic directive of the Met Gala, this festival lacks a designated theme, yet that does not preclude sartorial statements from walking the carpet.
At Coveteur, we’re on the edge of our seats in anticipation to get a glimpse of this year’s attire of choice, with personal anticipation of archival dresses from the 1990s, especially since sheer fabrics, voluminous silhouettes, and lengthy trains are out of the question. In consideration of archival fashion, we couldn’t help ourselves but to dig into the past and shine a light on the most distinguished ensembles throughout the years.
Here, the Cannes Film Festival dresses forever scorched in our minds.
Madonna
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Madonna wearing Jean Paul Gaultier at the premiere of In Bed with Madonna in 1991.
Nicole Kidman
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Nicole Kidman in a halter Pucci dress at the premiere of Dogville in 2003
Natalie Portman
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For May December premiere in 2023, Natalie Portman wears custom Christian Dior Couture.
Zoe Saldana
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Zoe Saldana at the 2024 premiere of Emilia Perez showcasing a bow-adorned dress designed by Yves Saint Laurent Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello, who tapped the Spring 1986 Haute Couture collection for inspiration.
Penelope Cruz
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A Dior haute couture dress designed by John Galliano on Penelope Cruz for the 2006 Volver premiere.
Mary Leest
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Mary Leest, 2023 at the premiere of Le Retour - Homecoming, in pink Marmar Halim gown.
Angelina Jolie
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Angelina Jolie in 2008 in an olive green maternity dress from Max Azria.
Anne Hathaway
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Anne Hathaway’s Cannes Film Festival debut in 2022, wearing Armani Privé to the premiere of Armageddon Time.
Naomi Campbell
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For the 2010 premiere of Biutiful Naomi Campbell in a custom Roberto Cavalli gold chainmail halter gown.
Elsa Hosk
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Elsa Hosk wearing a surreal, tulle trompe l’oeil couture piece from Viktor & Rolf’s Spring 2023 collection to the premiere of La Passion De Dodin Bouffant in 2023.
Emma Stone
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Emma Stone attended the Kinds Of Kindness red carpet premiere in a plunging Louis Vuitton sequin gown.
Catherine Deneuve
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Catherine Deneuve, 1966, in a Yves Saint Laurent striped t-shirt dress.
Scarlett Johansson
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Scarlett Johansson wearing a pink Prada dress to the premiere of Asteroid City in 2023.
Bella Hadid
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The 2024 premiere of L'Amour Ouf. Bella Hadid steps out in a fitted black gown from Atelier Versace Spring/Summer 2001 collection.
