Cannes Film Festival Fashion Review 2023
Between May 16th and May 27th, the 76th annual Cannes Film Festival welcomed esteemed directors, filmmakers, and celebrities from across the globe to preview rising cinematic masterpieces. Fashion and cinema have gone hand-in-hand as early as the 1930s, or start of the Hollywood Golden Age, and this year’s red carpet lineup is proof that such a relationship not only persists, but also thrives.
Here’s a list of the standouts that I think speak volumes to contemporary fashion’s mingling with cinema.
Top 5 Best Dressed
Naomi Campbell in Valentino styled by Jenke Ahmed Tailly
This one’s my personal favorite. The reason why I adore this look so much is because it nods to the evolution of Maison Valentino. Blending the old with the new, it reconciles “Valentino Rosso,” or founder Valentino Garavani’s signature red, with the “PP Pink” that’s associated with current creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. A stroke of genius if you ask me, and come on—it’s Naomi Campbell.
Jasmine Tookes in Zuhair Murad styled by Cary Robinson
The pairing of this marigold-colored gown and Chopard yellow-and-white stone necklace is so perfect it makes me wonder if one was inspired by the other.
Alessandra Ambrosio in Elie Saab styled by Amarsana Gendunova
A handful of stars wore hooded gowns during the festival, but this one takes the cake. Plus, what better way to show off Pomellato high jewelry than a plunging neckline?
Lily Rose Depp in vintage Chanel
Depp stepped onto the red carpet in a dazzling, fitted sequin LBD topped off with a pastel blue, resin rosette. Coco Chanel may have invented the LBD in the 20s, but this look calls back to the house’s Lagerfeld-era in the 90s.
Michael Pitt in Celine
Pitt was arguably the best dressed man at Cannes. Despite his history of dressing down for red carpet events, he rocked an all-black tuxedo paired with Chelsea boots for an overall polished but edgy look.
PhotoBook’s Top Brand: Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani stood out from the rest because of its innovative approach to classic silhouettes. The Italian luxury house is reputed for making menswear more feminine and womenswear more masculine, an effort that’s certainly evident in its Cannes 2023 looks. In particular, the house played with a ‘V’ motif to create sharp edges which juxtaposed soft sequin and beading details. Armani Privé cranked out many show-stopping looks for this year’s festival, but one that I can’t stop thinking about is the plunging gown worn by Irina Shayk. Embroidered with polka dot net flounces and crystal details, this gown’s perfection is only matched by the looks of Marina Ruy Barbosa and Lina Zhang — both of which are also Armani Privé creations.
PhotoBook’s Top Stylists
Molly Dickson styling Sydney Sweeney in Miu Miu and Celine
Dickson knew exactly what she was doing while arranging this Miu Miu ensemble. Sweeney’s messy bun and minimal jewelry is so effortless, it sets off the ice blue dress for an iconic, care-free look. Sydney also embraced laid-back style off the red carpet, featuring a celine sports bra, oversized button down shirt, and low-rise jeans — all topped off with a pair of Miu Miu sunnies.
Amarsana Gendunova styling Alessandra Ambrosio in Paco Rabanne and Giorgio Armani
Gendunova has done it again with this shimmery two-piece set by Paco Rabanne. Ambrosio’s drop earrings, slicked back hair, and smokey eyes render a sleek look which she similarly embodies in an abstract, sheer gown by Giorgio Armani.
Jenke Ahmed Tailly styling Naomi Campbell in Chanel and Balenciaga
Tailly is an under-the-radar stylist who has worked for the likes of Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, and of course, Naomi Campell. His mastery across fashion genres is evident in Campell’s romantic Chanel gown and rapid switch to the futuristic, all-white Balenciaga ensemble she wore just days later.
Natasha Colvin styling Irina Shayk in Mowalola and Gucci
Perhaps the only person as fearless as Shayk is her stylist Colvin. This leather set by Mowalola and lingerie look by Gucci caused a stir on the red carpet — but if you ask me, it was well worth it.
Rebecca Corbin-Murray styling Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga
Hayek served drama at this year’s festival, and I’m here for it. Wearing Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga, each look tells a different story of old-school Hollywood fame.
Article by Meyme Nakash, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine
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