Red carpet highlights from Cannes

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the red carpet was a dazzling showcase of high fashion and bold statements, with celebrities embracing both classic glamour and avant-garde flair. The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès became a runway of its own, as stars arrived in couture creations that captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Rihanna made a dramatic entrance in a custom white gown featuring a sculptural silhouette and a sweeping train, paired with diamond accessories that shimmered under the Riviera sun. Her look was a masterclass in modern elegance, blending high fashion with her signature edge.

A$AP Rocky complemented Rihanna’s ensemble with a sleek black tuxedo that featured subtle embellishments and a contemporary cut. His look was polished yet fashion-forward, proving that menswear can be just as impactful on the red carpet.

Jennifer Lawrence turned heads in a vintage-inspired red gown with a fitted bodice and full skirt, reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. The Australian audience, known for its appreciation of timeless style, would have admired the understated sophistication of her look, which was completed with minimal jewellery and a soft updo.

Bella Hadid brought high drama to the carpet in a sheer black dress adorned with intricate lace detailing and a plunging neckline. Her bold fashion choice was balanced by classic styling, including a sleek bun and bold red lip, making her one of the most talked-about attendees of the evening.

Other notable appearances included Cate Blanchett, who wore a sustainable gown crafted from repurposed materials, and Timothée Chalamet, who opted for a backless suit that challenged traditional menswear norms. These standout moments added to the festival’s reputation as a global fashion stage where creativity and individuality shine.

The red carpet at Cannes 2024 was not just about the clothes—it was a celebration of personal expression, cultural influence, and the enduring allure of cinematic glamour. Each look told a story, contributing to the festival’s legacy as a premier destination for fashion and film.

Celebrity style standouts

Among the most captivating style icons at Cannes this year, Rihanna reaffirmed her status as a fashion powerhouse. Her white sculptural gown was not only a red carpet highlight but also a defining moment in celebrity fashion. The ensemble’s architectural lines and dramatic train were a bold departure from traditional silhouettes, showcasing her fearless approach to style. Paired with oversized diamond earrings and a sleek updo, the look struck a balance between avant-garde and timeless elegance.

A$AP Rocky’s fashion choices continued to push boundaries while maintaining a refined aesthetic. His black tuxedo, accented with subtle embroidery and a modern cut, was a refreshing take on classic menswear. The rapper’s attention to detail—down to his patent leather shoes and layered jewellery—demonstrated a deep understanding of fashion as a form of self-expression. His coordinated appearance with Rihanna was a standout moment, reinforcing their reputation as one of the most stylish couples in the entertainment world.

Jennifer Lawrence’s red gown was a nod to vintage glamour, but her styling choices gave it a contemporary twist. The fitted bodice and voluminous skirt created a striking silhouette, while her choice of minimal accessories allowed the dress to take centre stage. Her soft makeup and elegant chignon added to the overall sophistication of the look, making her one of the evening’s most refined presences. For Australian fans, her ensemble echoed the kind of effortless grace often admired on local red carpets.

Bella Hadid’s daring black lace gown was a masterclass in balancing sensuality with sophistication. The sheer fabric and plunging neckline were offset by the intricate detailing and structured design, creating a look that was both provocative and polished. Her bold red lipstick and slicked-back hair added a touch of old-school glamour, proving that she knows how to command attention without sacrificing elegance.

Other celebrities also made bold fashion statements that resonated with audiences. Cate Blanchett, a favourite among Australian fashion lovers, wore a gown made from upcycled materials, blending sustainability with high fashion. Her commitment to eco-conscious style was both inspiring and visually stunning. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet’s backless suit challenged traditional menswear conventions, offering a fresh and fearless take on red carpet dressing. His look sparked conversation and admiration, particularly among younger fashion enthusiasts.

These standout celebrities didn’t just wear clothes—they made statements. Their choices reflected not only personal style but also broader trends in fashion, from sustainability to gender-fluid design. At Cannes 2024, they proved that the red carpet remains a powerful platform for creativity, individuality, and cultural influence.

Glamour and elegance on the Riviera

The French Riviera has long been synonymous with luxury and sophistication, and this year’s Cannes Film Festival elevated that reputation with a parade of glamour that felt both timeless and refreshingly modern. The backdrop of the Mediterranean coastline, with its sun-drenched promenades and historic architecture, provided the perfect setting for fashion moments that exuded elegance and artistry.

Rihanna’s appearance was a standout example of Riviera glamour reimagined. Her sculptural white gown, with its dramatic train and architectural lines, captured the essence of high fashion while embracing the relaxed opulence of the Côte d’Azur. The diamonds she wore sparkled like the sea itself, and her poised presence on the red carpet was a reminder of how style can transcend trends to become iconic.

Jennifer Lawrence brought a softer, more romantic interpretation of elegance to Cannes. Her vintage-inspired red gown, with its classic silhouette and rich hue, echoed the golden age of cinema. The simplicity of her styling—delicate jewellery, natural makeup, and a graceful updo—allowed the craftsmanship of the dress to shine. It was a look that resonated with the Australian love for understated luxury and effortless beauty.

Bella Hadid’s ensemble was a bold yet refined take on Riviera chic. The sheer black lace gown, while daring in design, was executed with such precision and balance that it felt entirely appropriate for the setting. Her sleek hairstyle and bold lip added a touch of retro glamour, reminiscent of Cannes icons like Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot, yet with a distinctly modern edge.

For many attendees, the glamour extended beyond the red carpet and into the streets of Cannes, where off-duty looks continued to impress. Flowy linen dresses, tailored blazers, and statement sunglasses were spotted on stars strolling along La Croisette, blending high fashion with the relaxed elegance that defines the region. Australian fashion lovers would have appreciated the effortless mix of resort wear and couture, a style ethos that aligns closely with the country’s own fashion sensibilities.

Even the men embraced the Riviera’s sartorial spirit. A$AP Rocky’s tuxedo, while formal, featured subtle flourishes that nodded to the locale’s flair for the dramatic. Timothée Chalamet’s backless suit, meanwhile, was a bold reinterpretation of classic tailoring, perfectly suited to the festival’s reputation for pushing boundaries while maintaining a sense of refinement.

Throughout the festival, the interplay between tradition and innovation was evident in every look. Whether through sustainable fashion choices, gender-fluid designs, or vintage-inspired silhouettes, the stars at Cannes 2024 embodied a kind of glamour that felt both aspirational and accessible. It was a celebration of style that honoured the past while embracing the future—an approach that continues to resonate with audiences around the world, including those in Australia who value both elegance and individuality in fashion.

Red carpet highlights

The Cannes Film Festival red carpet was a masterclass in high fashion this year, with a parade of couture that blended old-Hollywood glamour with modern edge. From sweeping trains to sculptural silhouettes, the French Riviera became a runway for some of the most daring and elegant looks of the season.

Rihanna made a dramatic entrance in a custom white Valentino gown, featuring a voluminous skirt and structured bodice that nodded to classic bridal couture. She paired the look with opera gloves and diamond drop earrings, creating a striking contrast between softness and strength. Her presence was nothing short of cinematic.

Jennifer Lawrence turned heads in a crimson Dior Haute Couture gown, complete with a full skirt and delicate spaghetti straps. The look was elevated with a matching sheer shawl draped effortlessly over her shoulders, giving the ensemble a timeless, romantic feel. Her minimal makeup and sleek hair allowed the dress to speak volumes.

Bella Hadid brought a sultry edge to the red carpet in a vintage Versace black gown from the early 2000s. The plunging neckline and thigh-high slit were balanced by the gown’s elegant draping and subtle shimmer. She accessorised with a bold choker and strappy stilettos, channelling a modern femme fatale vibe.

Other standout moments included Elle Fanning in a custom Alexander McQueen gown adorned with crystal embroidery, and Naomi Campbell in a silver sequinned Chanel number that caught the light with every step. The red carpet was a celebration of craftsmanship, individuality, and the enduring power of fashion to captivate.

Celebrity style standouts

Among the most buzzed-about style icons at Cannes this year, Rihanna once again proved her sartorial prowess. Off the red carpet, she embraced a more avant-garde aesthetic, stepping out in a sculptural Rick Owens ensemble that fused streetwear with high fashion. The look featured exaggerated shoulders and a cinched waist, paired with futuristic sunglasses and her signature confidence. It was a bold reminder of her ability to blur the lines between music, fashion, and art.

Jennifer Lawrence continued her fashion evolution with a series of refined yet daring looks throughout the festival. At a Chopard event, she wore a sleek black column dress by The Row, accented with a dramatic cape and minimalist jewellery. The look was understated but powerful, showcasing her shift toward a more mature, directional style that still feels accessible to her fans.

Bella Hadid, a perennial fashion favourite, delivered multiple standout moments. She was spotted in a sheer, body-hugging Alaïa dress that played with texture and transparency, highlighting her statuesque frame. Later, she opted for a tailored Saint Laurent suit with exaggerated lapels and a plunging neckline, proving her versatility and fearless approach to fashion. Her choices reflected a confident embrace of both femininity and androgyny.

Other notable mentions included:

• Hunter Schafer in a custom Prada feathered gown that floated ethereally on the Croisette, cementing her status as a rising fashion muse.
• Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in a minimalist Victoria Beckham slip dress, paired with sculptural gold cuffs and a sleek bun—effortless and elevated.
• Adèle Exarchopoulos in a daring cut-out Mugler number, bringing Parisian edge to the Riviera with a cool-girl twist.

These women didn’t just wear clothes—they told stories through their styling, each look a curated expression of identity, confidence, and artistry. For the Australian fashion set, their choices offer a masterclass in balancing drama with wearability, and pushing boundaries while staying true to personal style.