Every year celebs flock to the French Riviera for the famous film festival, and while the movies may be the main focus, the fashion always steals the show. At the 72nd annual event, set against the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, the biggest red carpet trend was a surprising one. Instead of bold colors and extravagant ensembles, A-listers picked more neutral-toned looks and simple silhouettes with metallic accents. We documented all the gowns, dresses and outfits as they made their red carpet debut, but now that the festival has come and gone it’s time to whittle the looks down to our picks for best dressed!
One of the standout style stars was Elle Fanning: The 21-year-old actress made history as the youngest juror in the history of the Cannes Film Festival, and her looks at the 12-day fete was epic too. It started at the jury photo-call (on May 14), where the blonde beauty picked a pretty Dior Haute Couture organza shirt with embroidered bib and oversized wide-leg pants. She went on to wear a stunning silk embroidered Gucci design, a lace-encrusted Valentino Haute Couture number, and closed out the festival in a crystal embellished strapless lace and tulle Reem Acra gown paired with a tulle and crystal cape.
“The Cannes red carpet is the most glamorous in the world,” Eva Longoria tells Us. “There are more fashion risks that you can take because it’s a more global stage than any other red carpet, so you usually see art pieces walking down the carpet along with great classics.” The actress wore a sparkling Cristina Ottaviano creation to the screening of Rocket Man. “I am a huge fan of beaded dresses, but I loved that this had a sheer panel that held up the unique neckline,” she says of the frock. Designer Cristina Ottaviano tells Us the gown took over 300 hours to complete. “We mixed French cut beads and sequins to create depth and texture. We also used actual chains on the neckline and throughout the gown for movement and dimension,” Ottaviano revealed.
From Tilda Swinton’s custom chainmail Haider Ackermann to Selena Gomez’s leather and satin Louis Vuitton separates, scroll through to see more can’t miss Cannes A-list looks that we’re awarding the title Best of the 2019 Festival.
