Oh, the Cannes Film Festival… Its film screenings, its long-awaited climbs of the steps, and its panoply of filmmakers who have come from all over the world to defend their works.
Of course, La Croisette is the great mass of cinema, but it is also the communion of jet set and an unmissable event for those who want to establish their fashion credibility. Because who says Cannes red carpet, says glamour, sophistication and extravagance.
In short, since its creation in 1946, the great celebration of the 7th art is also a famous fashion event.
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The Cannes Film Festival, the fortnight of fashionistas
Launched in 1946 in a post-war context, the Cannes Film Festival is a showcase for everyone: actors and directors, professionals who come to buy films to screen them in their theaters, for their host city… but also for fashion designers. They are the ones who sublimate our favorite stars.
Officially, there is no dress code on the Cannes red carpet. But unofficially, the guests are ordered to wear a chic outfit.
In its early years, the red carpet welcomed majestic evening dresses in taffeta or tulle worn by style icons such as Grace Kelly, Lady Di, or even Elizabeth Taylor.
These outfits that ooze opulence are a reflection of the cinema of the time when the most luxurious clothes pierced the screen. On the Croisette, princess dresses and pumps have always been favored by women and this look is still relevant today. And on the men’s side then?
“Someone who goes to Cannes and goes like ‘I don’t wear a tuxedo’, I don’t think that’s good.” swayed Vincent Lindon in an interview in 1993. For him, the required outfit corresponds to “a tuxedo and a bow tie” and indeed, it is THE infallible outfit for these gentlemen.
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The Croisette red carpet, a style competition
Sober elegance is king in Cannes. But over time, the style of its guests has been influenced by the trends imposed by fashion houses. In the 80s and 90s, the terrible children of fashion revolutionized the wardrobe of Mr. and Mrs. everyone, and that of the stars in Cannes.
The steps of Cannes become the ideal place to carry out a transcendent fashion happening capable of agitating all photographers.
1991. Madonna goes to Cannes for the presentation of the documentary In Bed With Madonna which follows the Queen of Pop on one of her tours. As she walks the red carpet alongside director Alek Keshishian, on the top of the stairs, Madonna drops her pink bathrobe to reveal her evening look: a conical bra and white Jean Paul Gaultier boxers.
When Victoria Abril walks the red carpet wearing a blazer oversize in 1997, the flashes of the photographers crackle. Seen from the front, it’s a boyish look that translates the personality of the Spanish actress, but seen from the back she only wears boxer shorts under her black jacket! It is still to the most ingenious of French designers that we owe this look.
While some personalities have fun with fashion, others use it to convey messages during this event followed around the world.
Such was the case in May 2015, when the 16 actresses who co-wrote the essay Black is not my job climbed the steps leading to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes. Coming to question the stigmatizing roles that are attributed to black women in the cinema, all were dressed in Balmain by Olivier Rousteing.
A choice that was not left to chance since he is the first black artistic director appointed to head the French house.
In short. What are we waiting for to consider the month of May as a Fashion Month fully fledged?
In the following slideshow, find the most beautiful looks in the history of the Cannes Film Festival.
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