Beyond the foamy curtain of the Côte d’Azur lays the scene of cinema’s annual cult gathering—Cannes, a festival like no other. It is an event that has captivated audiences for the past 67 years with its unique and intoxicating brand of Mediterranean glamour.
Besotted by champagne soaked parties, historic hotels, and delectable French fare, it is a veritable paradise of indulgences for the beautiful, rich, and famous (which is at least what reading Assouline books on the topic will lead you to believe). The level of exclusivity on the Cannes red carpet guarantees that only a negligible percentage of the population will ever be granted access beyond its velvet ropes, which of course only adds to its prestigious reputation.
As a spectator, watching the ascent of the stars on the Palais steps is a fantastic means of vicariously experiencing the hyperbolic pageantry to surround the film mecca. For nearly seven decades, the festival’s ever-present flash of paparazzi bulbs has immortalized countless gowns that have made their debut on its red carpet. Here, we take a look at some of the most iconic moments to have defined and preserved its illustrious legacy.
Photography by AGIP/RDA/Getty Images
Photography by Jerome Brierre/RDA/Getty Images
Photography by Tony Barson/WireImage
Photography by Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Photography by Venturelli/Getty Images
Photography courtesy of Burberry
Photography courtesy of Dior
1/10
Cannes Red Carpet Sophia Loren 1954
Sophia Loren, 1954
The original queen of the Cannes circuit, Sophia Loren caused a stir among Festival photographers wherever she went, even managing to turn a simple act like reclining on a beach chair into a full-blown photo opp. Here, counters the primness of her pleated nautical style dress by hiking it up to reveal a hint of salacious shin (scandalous by 1950s standards, no doubt).
2/10
Cannes Red Carpet Brigitte Bardot Picasso 1956
Brigitte Bardot, 1956
An industry ingénue at the time, Brigitte Bardot in the mid-fifties was all about girlish gowns and a flirty fringe of bangs, as evidenced in this photo while she watches Picasso at work in his Vallauris studio during the 1956 Festival. The famed artist allegedly refused to paint the French beauty despite her persistent requests, although for the life of us we can’t fathom why.
3/10
Cannes Red Carpet Princess Diana 1987
Princess Diana, 1987
Princess Diana made the kind of royal entrance only she could when she stepped out on the 1987 Cannes red carpet in a powder blue, ruched Catherine Walker frock. The scarf softly draped around her neck was the perfect complement to the gown’s gossamer layers and delicate hue.
4/10
Cannes Red Carpet Madonna 1991
Madonna, 1991
In stark contrast, Madonna expounded on the merits of conical braziers in 1991, wreathing herself in a pink cloak, which she disrobed upon reaching the top of the Palais steps to reveal a risqué Jean-Paul Gaultier creation beneath. The ensemble was especially appropriate considering she was there to attend a showing of her Truth or Dare documentary.
5/10
Cannes Red Carpet Sharon Stone 1995
Sharon Stone, 1995
Never one to shy away from controversy, Sharon Stone caused a commotion when she opened the skirt of her metallic Valentino gown in 1995 to expose a pair of sparkling hotpants. Needless to say, the premiere of Isaac Mizrahi’s Unzipped could not have received any better press.
6/10
Cannes Red Carpet Nicole Kidman 2003
Nicole Kidman, 2003
Looking every inch the smoldering vixen in a sweeping Emilio Pucci printed gown, Nicole Kidman took the festival by storm at the 2003 premiere of Dogville. With her icy blonde locks slicked back into a high ponytail and arms stacked with sparkling cuffs, she was the personification of early aughts red carpet glamour.
7/10
Cannes Red Carpet Monica Bellucci Dior 2009
Monica Bellucci, 2009
Few stars are more quintessentially Cannes than Monica Bellucci. Pictured here in an off-the-shoulder silk Dior gown, the Italian actress’ killer curves, diamond collar and pout made this red carpet moment nothing short of unforgettable.
8/10
Cannes Red Carpet Diane Kruger Vivienne Westwood 2012
Diane Kruger, 2012
Known for her uncanny ability to simultaneously channel Old Hollywood glamour and contemporary insouciance, Diane Kruger’s gilded Vivienne Westwood gown at the 2012 Armour premiere was, quite simply, next level (not to mention it gave her an impossibly tiny waist). To balance out the look, she accessorized only with a pair of chandelier earrings and small silver clutch.
9/10
Cannes Red Carpet Cara Delevingne 2013
Cara Delevingne, 2013
Dripping in Chopard jewels and with a set of what could easily be described as the most audacious brows to ever grace the Cannes red carpet, Cara Delevingne stole the show at The Great Gatsby premiere in a custom black lace Burberry dress. Bewitching seems like an understatement.
10/10
Cannes Red Carpet Carey Mulligan 2013
Carey Mulligan, 2013
Gatsby star Carey Mulligan gave us major Gwyneth at the Oscars in an iridescent pale pink princess gown by Christian Dior. Pairing the look with Tiffany & Co. drop earrings and a statement red lip, Mulligan looked every bit the timeless movie star alongside director Baz Lurhmann.
. The level of exclusivity on the Cannes red carpet guarantees that only a negligible percentage of the population will ever be granted access beyond its velvet ropes, which of course only adds to its prestigious reputation.
As a spectator, watching the ascent of the stars on the Palais steps is a fantastic means of vicariously experiencing the hyperbolic pageantry to surround the film mecca. For nearly seven decades, the festival’s ever-present flash of paparazzi bulbs has immortalized countless gowns that have made their debut on its red carpet. Here, we take a look at some of the most iconic moments to have defined and preserved its illustrious legacy.
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