The Cannes Film Festival is any fashion lover’s dream. For two weeks in May, the world’s biggest stars dress up to the absolute nines and hit the red carpet day in and day out. Picking from their favorite couture moments or ready-to-wear gowns, the festival is a time for some of fashion’s most extravagant pieces to shine. No precise aesthetic defines the festival’s red carpet aside from a penchant for statements and a bit of adventurous glamour.

Models and actors alike have nailed the assignment over the years, wearing a range of designers including big names like Lanvin, Givenchy, and Alexander McQueen, and relatively more niche labels like Haider Ackermann (Tilda Swinton’s Cannes go-to), Narciso Rodriguez, and Ralph & Russo. As stars begin to descend on the south of France for the 2026 edition, we’re highlighting a few of our favorite statements from the Cannes Film Festival red carpet.

Rihanna, 2025

Just a few weeks after announcing her pregnancy at the Met Gala, Rihanna hit the Cannes premiere for A$AP Rocky’s film, Highest 2 Lowest, in a cobalt blue Alaïa dress.

Alexander Skarsgård, 2025

Alexander Skarsgård was the man of the moment at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025 when he promoted his gay biker drama, Pillion, in an array of out-of-the-box looks. While most men walked the red carpet in traditional black tuxes, the actor opted to wear thigh-high leather boots to complete his Saint Laurent ensemble.

Natalie Portman, 2025

Natalie Portman loves to bring a reimagined, archival Dior dress to the Cannes red carpet. Two years after she attended the premiere for May December in a recreation of the famous Junon dress, she returned in a modern version of the Mexique gown from the Dior fall 1951 haute couture collection.

Simone Ashley, 2025

Sometimes, less is more. Simone Ashley proved that when she attended the Cannes Film Festival in 2025 wearing a gorgeous, white Vivienne Westwood spring 2025 dress.

Isabelle Huppert, 2024

Isabelle Huppert broke the tradition of Cannes red carpet gowns in 2024 when she wore this elevated bathrobe from Balenciaga.

Naomi Campbell, 2024

It’s one thing to wear archive Chanel, and an entirely different thing to wear archive Chanel you modeled on the runway two decades prior. Naomi Campbell did all of that and more in 2024 when she wore this vintage couture look from 1996.

Hunter Schafer, 2024

Hunter Schafer looked breathtaking in this sculptural Armani Privé design.

Jennifer Lawrence, 2023

Jennifer Lawrence loves a flat, and her decision to wear flip-flops underneath her red Dior dress was one of the more memorable pieces of footwear to hit the Cannes red carpet.

Natalie Portman, 2023

For the Cannes premiere of May December, perennial Dior muse Natalie Portman brought the house’s archives to the red carpet. She sported a recreation of one of Dior’s most famous designs, the Junon dress, which was originally created for the house’s fall 1949 collection.

Lily-Rose Depp, 2023

There’s LBDs and then there’s archival LBDs like the one Lily-Rose Depp wore to Cannes in 2023. The actress, in town for the premiere of The Idol, sported a vintage Chanel mini dress, a take on a dress that was first modeled by Helena Christensen back in 1994.

Bella Hadid, 2022

Bella Hadid brought many archive looks to the 2022 festival, but this Tom Ford-era Gucci dress from fall 1996 absolutely takes the cake.

Elle Fanning, 2022

Elle Fanning looked like a modern day princess in a pale pink Armani Privé gown with Chopard jewels fit for royalty.

Viola Davis, 2022

Viola Davis radiated beauty in a canary yellow Alexander McQueen dress, which she accessorized with Boucheron jewels.

Anne Hathaway, 2022

Some would say this Armani Privé dress Anne Hathaway wore to the Armageddon Time premiere began the actor’s current red carpet streak, as she’s hardly had a miss since.

Deepika Padukone, 2022

As a jury member, Deepika Padukone attended many red carpets during the 2022 festival, but the sculptural orange Ashi Studio dress she wore to the 75th-anniversary screening of L'Innocent was our favorite from the event.

Bella Hadid, 2021

The model stole the show in this Schiaparelli fall 2021 couture dress which features a gold necklace shaped like a pair of lungs.

Gemma Chan, 2021

The beautiful details of this Oscar de la Renta gown are what made it a standout during the premiere of OSS 117: Alerte Rouge en Afrique Noire in 2021.

Regina King, 2021

Regina King brought major regal energy in this black Schiaparelli ball gown to the festival’s amfAR Gala.

Jodie Turner-Smith, 2021

All eyes were on Jodie Turner-Smith in Gucci at the Stillwater screening during the 2021 festival.

Isabelle Huppert, 2021

Huppert, ever the ultimate cool girl, showed up to the Tout S'est Bien Passe (Everything Went Fine) screening in head-to-toe Balenciaga.

Elle Fanning, 2019

Fanning looked like a modern princess in this caped Gucci gown at the screening of The Dead Don’t Die in 2019.

Bella Hadid, 2018

Hadid’s halter neck silver Elie Saab dress stole the show at Cannes in 2018.

Rihanna, 2017

Rihanna stunned in Dior at the premiere of Okja in 2017.

Kirsten Dunst, 2016

Kirsten Dunst made a marigold statement in custom Maison Margiela at the premiere of The Neon Demon.

Liya Kebede, 2016

Liya Kebede opted for something a little different—a green velvet Haider Ackermann dress with one leg hole—at the premiere of The Unknown Girl at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.

Amal Clooney, 2016

Amal Clooney made one of her first red carpet appearances with her husband George at the 2016 festival.

Jessica Chastain, 2016

Jessica Chastain radiated old Hollywood glamour in an Alexander McQueen gown at the premiere of Money Monster during the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.

Chanel Iman, 2015

Chanel Iman stunned in Zuhair Murad at the amfAR gala at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015.

Fan Bingbing, 2015

This Ralph & Russo gown was just one of a number of stellar red carpet looks from Fan Bingbing at the 2015 festival.

Lupita Nyong’o, 2015

At the 2015 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony, Lupita Nyong’o made it her show in an emerald green Gucci dress.

Julianne Moore, 2015

The Mad Max red carpet drew all the best looks, including Julianne Moore’s Givenchy couture in velvet.

Liya Kebede, 2015

It wasn’t her film, but Kebede, in Proenza Schouler, still stole the show at the premiere of Mad Max: Fury Road during the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

Blake Lively, 2014

Blake Lively revealed she almost wore this Gucci dress to the Met Gala in 2014, but last minute decided to save it for The Captive premiere later that same month at Cannes.

Zhang Ziyi, 2014

Zhang Ziyi wore this unique Stéphane Rolland dress on the red carpet of the Grace of Monaco screening during the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

Tilda Swinton, 2013

Tilda Swinton, in her go-to Haider Ackermann, at the premiere of Only Lovers Left Alive at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Jessica Chastain, 2013

Chastain’s ivory, caped Versace gown was classically beautiful, but more importantly, it acted as the perfect base for her Bulgari diamond-and-sapphire pendant. The necklace was a gift from Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor, making it an appropriate accessory for an anniversary screening of Cleopatra at the 2013 festival.

Carey Mulligan, 2013

For the 2013 premiere of her Coen Brothers film Inside Llewyn Davis, Carey Mulligan selected a black-and-white Vionnet look.

Diane Kruger, 2012

This Vivienne Westwood dress looks like it was basically poured onto Diane Kruger’s body.

Naomi Campbell, 2010

Campbell reminded us why models are a fixture on the Cannes red carpet when she stepped out in this custom gold Roberto Cavalli halter dress back in 2010.

Cate Blanchett, 2010

Cate Blanchett wore an Alexander McQueen gown for the premiere of Robin Hood at the 2010 festival.

Angelina Jolie, 2008

Then pregnant with twins Knox and Vivienne, Angelina Jolie looked ethereal in 2008 in a green Max Azria gown.

Linda Evangelista, 2008

Models descend on Cannes every year, but few can pull off supermodel Linda Evangelista’s statement Lanvin at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.

Natalie Portman, 2005

While Portman’s beaded black gown was nice, the major statement of this look was the debut of her V For Vendetta buzz cut.

Tilda Swinton, 2003

Swinton walked Viktor & Rolf’s fall 2003 runway show, acting as the design duo’s muse, so it was fitting she wore a look from the brand’s fall 2002 collection to that year’s Cannes festival.

Cameron Diaz, 2002

Cameron Diaz brought the naked dress to Cannes all the way back in 2002 with the help of Versace.

Naomi Campbell, 2001

Naomi Campbell, a fixture of the festival, attended the annual amfAr gala in a sheer, paneled gown in 2001.

Tilda Swinton, 2001

Per usual, Swinton stood out when she hit the red carpet, this time in a quirky fruit-printed dress by John Galliano for Dior.

Bjork, 2000

Marjan Pejoski, the designer of Bjork’s pink tulle gown for the 2000 festival, would go on to make the Icelandic singer’s famous Swan Dress for the Oscars just a year later.

Catherine Zeta-Jones, 1999

Catherine Zeta-Jones looked like the prom queen of Cannes in this pink Thierry Mugler gown with a structured bodice.

Sharon Stone, 1995

Sharon Stone had some fun showing off her beaded Valentino romper with a skirt overlay at the 1995 festival.

Madonna, 1991

Madonna, in Jean-Paul Gaultier, with Alex Keshinian, the director of the film In Bed With Madonna, at Cannes in 1991.

Elizabeth Taylor, 1987

The legendary actor really brought the ’80s energy in this red Nolan Miller gown with a cinched waist and some over the top shoulders.

Princess Diana, 1987

All eyes were on Princess Diana when she walked out in this baby blue, strapless Catherine Walker dress at the festival in 1987.

Jane Birkin, 1974

Jane Birkin opted for a dancerly dress in 1974.

Train travel is timeless. So was Simone Ashley’s velvet stunner of a dress. The Devil Wears Prada 2 star was one of several celebrity guests aboard the Belmond British Pullman luxury train on May 9, to celebrate the new private dining car, Celia. To fit the glamorous vintage aesthetic, Ashley opted for a textured gold velvet dress with an asymmetrical neckline from Donna Karan’s fall 2001 collection.

She paired the dress with dramatic gold chandelier earrings that just brushed her shoulders. Over top, Ashley wore a shaggy boho coat in a charcoal and white pattern with a fluffy collar and cuffs. She left her hair down in beachy waves and wore smokey eyeliner with a nude lip.

Supermodel Stella Tennant originally debute the dress (sans coat) on Karan’s New York Fashion Week runway.

As for the matter of this luxury dinning car, Celia was imagined by Baz Luhrmann and his wife and creative partner Catherine Martin. The British Pullman is composed of restored 1920s and 1930s carriages, maintaining classic Art Deco interiors. It runs seasonally, taking guests on excursions to Oxford, Canterbury, and Bath. This is not the train’s first collaboration with a filmmaker. The British Pullman also features the Cygnus carriage, which was designed by Wes Anderson.

Guests for the special night boarded at London Victoria station for a champagne reception. They then enjoyed a three-course menu, music, and cocktails, followed by an after-party at Mark’s Club.

The big event was co-hosted by Anna Wintour, and also attended by Roger Federer, Tom Ford, Stella McCartney, Alexa Chung, Emma Corrin, Mirka Federer, Anna Shaffer, Harry Lambert, Jonathan Yeo, Francesca Hayward, Valene Kane, Julia Hobbs, Tish Weinstock, and Cesar Corrales.

Ashley has been lending her sparkle to red carpet events the past few months, as The Devil Wears Prada 2 has rolled out across Europe and the U.S. But her look at the Met Gala on May 4 was especially jaw dropping. The star wore a draped chain gown from Stella McCartney.

She accessorized with diamond earrings and bracelets from De Beers and a pair of silver Stuart Weitzman heels. In an interview with Vogue UK earlier this year, she shared, “The older I get, the more confident I feel. I’m loving a ’90s vibe at the moment—it makes me feel so chic.”

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Sugared + Bronzed Sunless Tanning Water

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Lux Unfiltered Summer Skin Gradual Self-Tanning Cream

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Iconic London Prep Set Tan Mousse

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Self Glow by James Read Endless Summer Gradual Tan Moisturizer

For a tan that feels more like skincare than self-tanner, this is the one to keep on rotation. Endless Summer is designed as a true daily moisturizer first, with a subtle, buildable tint that develops over time. It melts into the skin like a body cream, delivering that soft, sunlit warmth that looks completely natural. You can use it daily to build depth or maintain an existing tan, and because the payoff is so controlled, it’s nearly impossible to overdo. The result is that understated, “I’ve been in the sun a little” vibe: polished, hydrated, and easy to keep up.

Bali Body Self-Tanning Body Milk

Bali Body’s Self Tanning Body Milk has a fluid, milky texture that melts into the skin like a lightweight lotion, making it easy to spread evenly without the usual streak stress. Your tan will be deep, but it’ll still look soft and natural—plus, this product is packed with hyaluronic acid (to pull in moisture for a smoother and more even finish) and ceramides to help lock that hydration in.

Luna Bronze Glow Tanning Moisturizer

Luna Bronze’s Glow Tanning Moisturizer builds color over a few days, giving you full control over the depth; you can stop at the slightest hint of warmth or layer it up for a more noticeable tan without ever overshooting. That gradual payoff is exactly why it works so well for fair complexions. Instead of depositing too much color at once, it adds a sheer, believable tint that enhances your natural tone. It’s also ideal as a maintenance product—something you can use in between self-tanning sessions to top up your color and extend how long your tan lasts without having to perform a full reapplication.

Loving Tan Two-Hour Express Self-Tanning Lotion

Looking for color on a deadline? This one actually delivers. Loving Tan’s Two-Hour Express Lotion is made for those last-minute moments when you can’t wait overnight. You apply, let it develop for a couple of hours, rinse, and you’re left with a warm, even bronze that continues deepening.

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Dior Solar The Self-Tanning Drops

If you want your self-tanner to feel invisible in your routine, this is the elevated version. Dior Solar’s Self-Tanning Drops are designed to be mixed directly into your moisturizer or serum, so you’re essentially turning your existing skincare into a custom self-tanner. The result is a gilded sheen that looks fully integrated, not sitting on top of your skin.

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Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are still making a fashion splash in New York a week after the 2026 Met Gala. This time, they modeled their coordinated couple’s look for Mother’s Day, enjoying a dinner at Italian restaurant Cucina Alba, per TMZ.

The Fenty Beauty founder was almost entirely in black, with a buttoned blazer over a lace bustier and a loose pair of wide-legged black pants. Her accessories added a touch of color and texture, with white and gray snakeskin pumps, a small beige Chanel purse on gold hardware, and a large burgundy handbag. She had on a gold pendant, gold chain, and oversized red-tinted sunglasses.

Not to be outdone, Rocky wore a red-lined suede trench with red oval sunglasses. Underneath, the edges of a black button-down shirt could be seen at the cuffs. He wore the statement coat with denim jeans, black boots, and a brown leather handbag.

For the Met Gala last Monday, Rihanna wore a sparkling silver custom Maison Margiela gown with custom Jennifer Behr metallic curls, celebrating the “Fashion Is Art” theme. The rapper wore a pink Chanel suit with black piping.

Rocky and Rihanna share three children, RZA Athelston Mayers born in May 2022, , Riot Rose Mayers welcomed in August 2023, and their youngest, Rocki Irish Mayers, who arrive only eight months ago in September 2025. The couple actually announced their third pregnancy at the 2025 Met Gala one year ago.

Not even a year old yet, little Rocki recently made her magazine debut on the cover of W in a costume couture Dior diaper.

“She has changed a lot because she became a mother in that time span, and that certainly changes you,” Rocky told the magazine about how his partner has changed since they first met. “But this woman has always been magic.”

After music and Callum Turner, Dua Lipa’s big love is literature. In London over the weekend, she celebrated the book world in a dress that decidedly belonged to the romance fantasy genre. The diaphanous white tulle frock had a halter neckline and pleated bubble skirt. The fabric was covered in gold polka dots, adding some sparkle to her layers as she took the stag to open the ceremony for the 10th anniversary of the International Booker Prize, which honors the English translation of novels from across the world.

She wore her long dark hair down and straight and accessorized with a diamond snake bracelet and several gold rings. The pop star went for a more natural makeup palette with a coral pink lip and subtle white eye shadow.

Lipa shared photos from the night on Instagram to model her outfit and her presence at the podium, writing, “Last night I did the introduction speech at the 10th anniversary of the International Booker Prize. An honour to speak about books and translated fiction, something I hold very dear to my heart in front [sic] of writers, translators, judges and book lovers. Thank you for having me @thebookerprizes.”

Lipa’s love of books is well known. She founded the Service95 Book Club and was named the curator for the upcoming Southbank Centre’s 2026 London Literature Festival just last month. She’s also attended the Booker Prize before, giving a keynote speech in 2022.

“Reading is a passion that has taken many forms for me,” Lipa said at the time. “Like countless other London school children, my early obsessions included Roald Dahl and Malorie Blackman, both of whom gave me little pearls of wisdom that still guide me today.”

She added, “Today, touring commitments take me all over the globe and life is often hectic. Sometimes, just to survive, I need to adopt a tough exterior. And at these times, it is books that soften me.”