The best Cannes Film Festival dresses of all-time π
Cannes film festival may officially be about the films critics deem worthy of awards and accolades, but we all know it's really about the dresses on those famous French red-carpeted steps. We journey back and recall the women and their outfits that have hit the headlines over the years. From all the colours in the rainbow to metallics and feathers - you think you've seen them all? Think on. Enjoy the show mes amies!
PA PhotosLinda Evangelista - Cannes 2008
At the premiere of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Linda Evangelista proved that sheβs still got it, looking statuesque in this show-shopping asymmetric gold gown by Lanvin.
PA PhotosChloe Sevigny - Cannes 2003
Chloe Sevignyβs film The Brown Bunny caused uproar due to its explicit sexual content when it premiered. The actress herself, however, looked resplendent on the red carpet in this printed column gown with heavily embellished sheer panels.
PA PhotosTilda Swinton - Cannes 2007
Ok, you got us. This isnβt a dress. But regardless, Tilda Swinton owned the red carpet at the Cannes premiere of Oceanβs Thirteen β and had us vowing to dig out our tux's more often.
PA PhotosMilla Jovovich - Cannes 1997
While the worldβs press were enthralled by Bruce Willis planting a kiss on hisFifth Elementco-star Milla Jovovich in Cannes, we were more interested in that stunning liquid gold silk dress.
PA PhotosNaomi Campbell - Cannes 2002
Naomi Campbell was a vision in this sheer black sheath with heavy gold detailing at the 2002 amfAR gala.
Rex FeaturesRose McGowan - Cannes 2008
It takes a lot of attitude to stop a voluminous dress like this Dolce & Gabbana confection wearing you. Fortunately, Rose McGowan had it in spades.
GettySienna Miller - Cannes 2015
The actress wore a glittering, backless Ralph Lauren gown, with her hair pulled back into a messy bun and glossy red lipstick. A classic look for Sienna Miller a Cannes favourite.
PA PhotosCate Blanchett - Cannes 2010
Cate Blanchett created a true fashion moment when she wore a dramatic Alexander McQueen gown with eagle motif - accessorised with Van Cleef & Arpels jewels - shortly after the designerβs death.
PA PhotosSharon Stone - Cannes 1995
In an iconic Cannes moment, Sharon Stone stole the show at the premiere of Unzipped when she did, indeed, open up her Valentino skirt to flash the assembled paparazzi. Fortunately, she was also sporting a pair of hand-beaded Valentino hot pants.
PA PhotosClaudia Schiffer - Cannes 2007
Claudia Schiffer, dazzling in a crystal-studded drop waist at theamfAR gala.
PA PhotosRosario Dawson - Cannes 2007
Rosario Dawson looked a million dollars in shimmering Dolce & Gabbana at the premiere of Death Proof and boy, did that smile say she knew it.
PA PhotosPrincess Diana - Cannes 1987
Diana, Princess Of Wales was the toast of Cannes when she attended with her then-husband, Prince Charles. This pale blue chiffon gown with matching scarf, by Catherine Walker, would go down in history as one of Diana's most famous fashion moments.
GettyFan Bingbing - Cannes 2015
Cannes Film Festival red carpet stalwart Fan looked beautiful in a Marchesa Spring 2015 tulle floral gown.
PA PhotosBeyoncΓ© - Cannes 2006
At the Cannes premiere of Dreamgirls, BeyoncΓ©βs eye-popping print halterneck gown had everyone abuzz β which design house had it come from? It was, in fact, created by her mother, Tina Knowles, especially for the occasion.
Rex FeaturesKarlie Kloss - Cannes 2015
Never one to fade into the background, Karlie wows in a blue floral gown.
PA PhotosNicole Kidman - Cannes 2014
At the premiere of her forthcoming movie Grace Of Monaco, Nicole Kidman looked positively ethereal in an intricate blue gown by Armani PrivΓ©.
Rex FeaturesCate Blanchett - Cannes 2015
Thank you Cate for bringing some drama to the Cannes Film Festival red carpet with this stunning printed Giles gown. And well done for navigating those famous red steps in it.
PA PhotosNatasha Poly - Cannes 2009
At a 2009 screening of Inglorious Basterds, Natasha Poly ensured that we all wanted to be her in this dreamy steel-grey textured Roberto Cavalli gown embellished with black pailette sequins. Swoon.
Rex FeaturesRosie Huntington Whiteley - Cannes 2014
Brit beauty Rosie shone bright at The Search premiere in a pleated icy Gucci gown. This had Hollywood glamour written all over it.
PA PhotosDiane Kruger - Cannes 2012
How to top ten days-worth of dream dresses? With Christian Dior Haute Couture, apparently. Jury member Diane Kruger stopped red carpet traffic in this organza and lace embroidered dress of epic proportions as she attended the Therese Desqueyroux premiere, which was coupled with the seasonβs Closing Ceremony.
PA PhotosNaomi Watts - Cannes 2015
If you can't wear feathers at Cannes, where can you? Naomi looked beautiful in an embellished Elie Saab Spring 2015 Couture gown.
PA PhotosPenelope Cruz - Cannes 2011
Penelope Cruz looked positively dreamy in lilac tulle-wrapped Marchesa.
PA PhotosNicole Kidman - Cannes 2013
Nicole Kidman channelled her on-screen character, Grace Kelly, wearing this elegant Valentino Haute Couture gown, at the Nebraska premiere.
PA PhotosAngelina Jolie - Cannes 2009
Amid rumours of turbulence in their relationship, Angelina Jolie accompanied Brad Pitt to the premiere of Inglorious Basterds in this flesh-toned Versace dress β and proved that sex was not very far from her mind at all.
Rex FeaturesMichelle Williams - Cannes 2010
Michelle Williams powder pink Chanel Couture gown divided critics when she wore it to the Cannes after party for Blue Valentine. We thought it was as near to red carpet perfection as you can get (especially with that super-chic pixie crop in the mix).
Rex FeaturesCarey Mulligan - Cannes 2013
Carey Mulligan went as far away from her Gatsby wardrobe as possible at the film's premiere, wearing a simple pink gown by Christian Dior with her hair centre-parted and poker straight.
GettyKarolina Kurkova - Cannes 2015
Alexis Mabille Couture took reworking of a shirt to the next level with this breathtaking gown.
PA PhotosKirsten Dunst - Cannes 2011
Kirsten Dunst was right on the red carpet money β this Chanel Couture dress required no further adornment. Swoon.
PA PhotosKerry Washington - Cannes 2007
Kerry Washington was simply stunning in Jean Paul Gaultier Couture.
PA PhotosFreida Pinto - Cannes 2012
A multi-coloured bodice and pink satin, split skirt sounds like a fashion disaster but on Freida Pinto, it was anything but.
GettyMiranda Kerr - Cannes 2015
At a Cannes Film Festival party, Miranda was pretty pink with a custom Emanuel Ungaro plunge-neck gown.
PA PhotosFan Bingbing - Cannes 2011
When it comes to Cannes style, no story would be complete without red carpet stalwart Fan Bing Bing β here, in an incredible neo-Gothic bustier gown by Elie Saab.
PA PhotosKarlie Kloss - Cannes 2014
If anyoneβs got a body for a sheer dress itβs catwalk queen Karlie Kloss, and the Victoriaβs Secret girl was certainly working it in a colour block Valentino lace gown at the Grace Of Monaco premiere.
Rex FeaturesAudrey Tautou - Cannes 2013
With this gorgeous pink and red Prada gown Audrey Tautou could be our favourite Cannes look ever β the actress wore it to the Closing Ceremony and Zulu premiere.
PA PhotosKristen Stewart - Cannes 2012
Kristen Stewart proved she could take fashion seriously. At the premiere of then-beau Robert Pattinsonβs film Cosmopolis, she made sure all eyes were on her in this plunging Reem Acra cherry-red gown.
PA PhotosNoemie Lenoir - Cannes 2003
Noemie Lenoir turned more than a few heads in this abstract, orange-skirted gown at the Cannes Opening Ceremony. Loved it or hated it, you certainly wouldβt forget it β and thatβs the point, non?
PA PhotosEva Green - Cannes 2007
Oh, to have an occasion to wear Christian Dior Couture. We lived our dream vicariously via Eva Green in this Geisha-inspired gown at Cannes.
PA PhotosLaetitia Casta - Cannes 2001
Model Laetitia Casta earned her share of column inches in 2001, opting for this oriental-style get-up β replete with a flower in her hair β to wear to the Cannes premiere of Moulin Rouge. Which was, of course, set in, er, Paris.
PA PhotosPenelope Cruz - Cannes 2005
The flowers, the ruffle, the sash.... Penelope Cruz lived our childhood dreams of being a princess for real when she wore this Valentino Couture gown in 2005.
Rex FeaturesUma Thurman - Cannes 2014
Looking better than ever at a 20th anniversary of Pulp Fiction event, Uma pulled off 2014's hottest colour, lighting up the red carpet in yellow Atelier Versace.
PA PhotosAngelina Jolie - Cannes 2007
We thought Uma Thurman had hit peak yellow until we remembered Angelina Jolie in this canary yellow knot-front Emanuel Ungaro gown, scoring a heavy-duty style hit. Is there anything this woman canβt wear?
Rex FeaturesIrina Shayk - Cannes 2014
Irina Shayk turned heads in this hooded silk Atelier Versace gown. Striking!
PA PhotosKim Kardashian - Cannes 2012
Kim Kardashian opted for a formidable formal pairing β canary yellow gown and red lip β for the biggest fundraising event of the festival, the amfAR Cinema Against Aids gala. The star took a moment to show off her eye-popping Elie Saab look to dramatic effect beside the Riviera as she headed into the exclusive Hotel Du Cap.
GettyMarion Cotillard - Cannes 2015
We admire Cotillard's ongoing refusal to ever go down the safe route. Accessories were kept minimal while her Jean Paul Gaultier column dress stole the show.
Getty ImagesLupita Nyong'o - Cannes 2015
Why wear off-the-rack, or even off-the-catwalk, when you can wear a Gucci one-of-a kind green gown? Lupita stole the show at the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
GettyToni Gaarn - Cannes 2015
Model Toni Gaarn in this Elie Saab watercolour gown reminded us of the infamous Jennifer Lopez Versace dress, so yeah - love it.
Rex FeaturesKate Moss - Cannes 1997
Kate Moss wore this simple, cheongsam-inspired evening outfit with typically pared-back hair and makeup, out and about in Cannes on the arm of then-boyfriend, Johnny Depp.
PA PhotosDiane Kruger - Cannes 2004
For the premiere of [i]Troy[/i Diane Kruger pulled out all the stops in this white feather-trimmed Chanel Couture gown and lashings of Chopard jewellery.
GettyChanel Iman - Cannes 2015
Well if you're going to wear a plunging princess gown by Zuhair Murad Couture, Cannes is the place to do so.
Rex FeaturesChloe Moretz
Another photo opportunity; another Chanel outfit for Chloe. The actress got into the Riviera spirit with a nautical trouser suit and straw hat.
Rex FeaturesMarion Cotillard - Cannes 2014
Marion Cotillard gets a gold star for her medieval style Alexander McQueen gown, complete with layered accessories.
PA PhotosMarion Cotillard - Cannes 2013
Marion Cotillard was the picture of elegance at The Immigrant premiere. Everything, from her white Dior Resort gown to her slightly curled under up-do, was perfectly polished.
Getty ImagesMadonna - Cannes 1991
In a Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra and miniskirt, Madonna led the way for risquΓ© dressing up on the red carpet. Oh how we would have loved to have been to that party.
GettyZoe Kravitz - Cannes 2015
Top of our best-dressed list on a regular basis is Zoe. This stunning silk Valentino couture Grecian-inspired gown still has the Zoe edge we've come to admire in her styling.
GettyKarlie Kloss - Cannes 2015
Kloss nails red carpet style, this time in glittering Tom Ford.
Getty ImagesJoan Smalls - Cannes 2015
Joan Smalls would look sublime in a bin liner. This white mesh two piece gives your average ballgown a run for its money.
Rex FeaturesDoutzen Kroes - Cannes 2015
Doutzen tapped into the white trend with this one-shouldered side-split daring gown.
Rex FeaturesNatalie Portman - Cannes 2008
In a prophetic wardrobe choice, Black Swan star Natalie Portman attended amfAR in ballerina-perfect white ruffles by Givenchy.
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Rex FeaturesJennifer Lawrence - Cannes 2013
Monochrome was the order of the day in 2013 for Jennifer Lawrence, who woe this stunning two-tone strapless gown by Dior.
Rex FeaturesZoe Saldana - Cannes 2014
At the Grace of Monaco premiere, Zoe Saldana was ethereal in a pleated white Victoria Beckham gown, featuring an asymmetric ruffle detail and gold link chain belt. Gold jewels and crimson lips ensured it was a scene-stealing look. Go Zoe!
PA PhotosBlake Lively - Cannes 2014
After a very glamorous turn on the Met Gala red carpet in early May, Blake and husband Ryan Reynolds once again stole the show at the Cannes Film Festival in his 'n' hers monochrome outfits. (Here's nine more times Blake was our Cannes pin-up).
PA PhotosGwen Stefani - Cannes 2011
Gwen Stefani made a dazzling case for her own label, LAMB, at the Cannes amfAR Gala.
GettyJoan Smalls - Cannes 2015
Joan Smalls in a Givenchy gown is pretty much everything.
Rex FeaturesCara Delevingne - Cannes 2013
Cara Delevingne went as far away from her Gatsby wardrobe as possible, wearing a simple pink gown by Christian Dior and her hair parted in the centre and straight.
Rex FeaturesNicole Scherzinger - Cannes 2015
Nicole Scherzinger looks incredible in this simple yet beautiful black gown.
Getty ImagesJourdan Dunn - Cannes 2015
The model looked sheer perfection in Ralph & Russo.
Rex FeaturesLara Stone - Cannes 2014
Lara Stone's embellished Versace two-piece is a bold and striking choice. We like a little experimentation on the red carpet.
Rex FeaturesMarion Cotillard - Cannes 2012
Cannes is home territory for Marion Cotillard so no wonder she likes to experiment a little with her look. This dramatic Christian Dior Couture tulle gown with chunky patent belt, was one such experiment that really paid off.
