It’s been a little over a month since the Cannes Film Festival 2023, and since the festival’s founding in 1946, it is widely acclaimed not only for premiering top films across genres but also for its star-studded red carpet. From Princess Diana to Marylin Monroe, this festival’s seen it all.
We’re back with another segment of Who What Wear, where we dissect fashion’s biggest moments of the month, but this time, I decided to switch things up a bit. Instead of me going on a tangent of what’s good and what’s not, I asked y’all, our readers, to vote for the top 5 Cannes 2023 looks. So, join me as I attempt to analyse this year’s film festival’s red carpet.
1. Stella Maxwell (in Atelier Versace)
Stella Maxwell brought some serious theatre to the late evening premiere of ‘The Idol’ with this Atelier Versace Spring 2023 gown. A beautiful blend of the label’s signature safety pin style with 90s glamour, my first impression was that it almost looked like the devil-esque counterpart to Anne Hathaway’s angelic Met Gala look this year. I would definitely have believed it if someone had told me they were counterparts in a single collection. From the plunging neckline to the sculpted wrap style of the dress, the outfit screamed bold. The safety pins - originally inspired by the punk subculture - definitely gave me a nostalgic feel, but what I truly loved about the dress was how it felt both de-constructed, yet complete. The dress, though made of a thin lustrous fabric extending into feathers, achieved the illusion of grease and sultriness (in the best way). This felt very on point for the premiere, especially considering the rave party vibe of ‘The Idol’.
2. Brie Larson (in Chanel Resort 2024)
Part of the Cannes Jury this year, Brie Larson wore a grey and white ensemble as she stepped out onto the red carpet prior to the premiere of ‘Perfect Days’. I’m going to be really honest, when I first saw this look, I felt it looked fun, but very incomplete. The monogrammed tank style blouse and miniskirt, which further extends into a layered lace evening length skirt was elegant and chic, but felt too casual for a red carpet. The design also felt rather half-done, with the lace seeming almost too bottom-heavy, despite being a light and airy material. I looked up the original runway look of the outfit and then realised that Larson’s styling missed out on a key element- the sleeveless vest. Had the vest been included in the Cannes look, it definitely would have elevated the dress and made it seem a tad bit more formal, making it more apt for the event.
3. Lily-Rose Depp (in Chanel 2022/23)
Attending a photocall for her show, ‘The Idol’, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Lily-Rose Depp picked an "iridescent tweed" pleated A-line mini from Chanel's Métiers d’Art 2022/23 collection. Tweed, being a Chanel staple, perfectly complemented the show's vibe. Sleek cat eye sunglasses and sling-back kitten heels (all Chanel) finished the look. The entire ensemble felt especially significant, considering Depp’s ambassadorship with Chanel. The lack of accessories and simple makeup made the look feel playful yet elegant. Absolutely loved it!
4. Natalie Portman (in reimagined Dior)
Natalie Portman made an appearance on the red carpet for the 2023 Cannes Film Festival supporting her new film, ‘May December.’ The Dior Beauty ambassador wore a Dior Haute Couture embroidered tulle Grand Gala gown, which was a special recreation by Maria Grazia Chiuri of the iconic ‘Junon’ dress designed by Monsieur Dior in 1949. Much like the original dress, the skirt of ombre pearls felt like an abstraction of peacock feathers. Styled with diamond earrings and a sleek bun, the outfit was definitely highlighted. I, for one, am glad the dress is a recreation of the historic dress, unlike the Kim Kardashian Monroe Dress Tragedy of 2022.
5. Elsa Hosk (in Viktor & Rolf Spring 2023 Haute Couture)
Elsa Hosk always serves looks on the Cannes red carpet, and this year was no exception. Dressed in a look from Viktor & Rolf Spring 2023 Haute Couture, Hosk certainly turned heads. The strategically constructed tulle dress that’s just oh so slightly askew, with a fitted beige bodice, questions the traditional method of wearing a ballgown. Styled with a silver choker and matching icy blue eyeshadow, Hosk truly dazzled.
Well, there we have it! Top 5 of your favourite looks from Cannes 2023. Feel I missed out on your favourite outfit? Let me know in the comments below:)