The 2023 Cannes Film Festival
Yes, it’s a film festival. How about the fashion, though?!
The Cannes Film Festival, albeit an event dedicated to previewing much anticipated films for the year, is also another showcase in the world of fashion. The exotic, affluent and glamorous location of Cannes is a fantastic opportunity to create and execute looks that reflect the environment and spirit. Here are my favourite looks so far (in no particular order.)
1. Adriana Lima
Adriana wore a timeless Tamara Ralph piece that encapsulates the entire Cannes Film Festival spirit. She kept it classic with the body-hugging black dress base with a curvaceous, low cut that accentuates her divine figure (it is reminiscent of Angelina Jolie’s black slit dress at the 2012 Academy Awards.)
Adriana Lima wearing Tamara Ralph at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival
Credit: Getty Images
She then elevates the look with a royal yellow sash that is very Pageant Queen-esque. This element evokes such esteem and regality that is perfectly fitting for the event. I adore how the sash starts as an element on the top half of the garment, then bleeds into the rest of the dress as its own, trapesing the red carpet as the dress’ finish. The choice to sleek back her hair was superb as it subtly compliments the affluence of the look, while not removing the attention from the dress itself – a busy hairstyle coupled with this dress would have been too busy. Finally, the thick black cat-eye was also an excellent aesthetic choice, as it effortlessly heightens her natural feline facial features whilst also amplifying the dominance of the black dress.
2. Luma Grothe
Brazillian model Luma Grothe masters the balance between grunge and chic. Firstly, I think her hairstyle is divine. The messy short fringe updo is a perfect homage to the less-classic and more fashion-forward trends that we’ve increasingly seen make appearances at high-profile entertainment events. It is the New-Age of glamour that is intentionally messy and not as upkept as Old Glamour. However, she maintains the classic feminine image with a bralette-corseted top that flourishes down into a gorgeous pink finish.
Luma Grothe wearing PINKO at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival
Credit: Getty Images
The baby pink garment, accessorised with a matching set of sparkly white and pink necklace, earrings and bracelets, evokes a ballerina image that, if styled with a completely Old Glamour hairstyle, would be beautiful, but boring. I love the cut-out corset that only leaves the frame, as it, again, commits to the grunge aesthetic that threads the fine line between grime and chic. Stunning.
3. Rahi Chadda
Model Rahi Chadda wore a show-stopping suit from HOMOLOG Paris, a label founded by Chinese designer Emily Cheong. The fashion house is known for its East Asian influences that are steeped in history and are intricately woven into the designs, and it was wonderful to see an Asian man wearing this at a Western event.
Rahi Chadda wearing HOMOLOG Paris at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival
Credit: Getty Images
I think the colour and textural coordination of the jewellery was exquisite. The bedazzled floral formations that hang off the suit blazer so seamlessly add a layer of divinity, and is echoed through the jewels in his necklace. The tutu ruffles that grow from the waist down resemble that of water and tides, serving to salute the symbolism and sanctity of water in many Asian cultures as well as the iconic location of Cannes that is encapsulated by serene blue waters. The water imagery is underscored even more by the wet look of his hair and dewy makeup that is almost reflective. Superb. My only criticism is that the colour of the suit is too similar to that of the carpet, dulling the striking nature of this piece. This look deserves its moment.
4. Gemma Chan
Gemma Chan has such an undefeatable face. She oozes gentleness, softness and elegance, and her white look at the festival was no exception. She wore a Louis Vuitton white high neck dress that fanned out to just touch the red carpet.
Gemma Chan wearing Louis Vuitton at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival
Credit: Getty Images
This dress alone, frankly, is quite boring and forgettable, but what makes it work is its subtle nod to two Old Glamour icons: Anna May Wong and Audrey Hepburn. Intentional or not, I instantly was reminded of them which inherently elevates this look from dull to timeless.
Picture 1: Audrey Hepburn at the 1960 Cannes Film Festival (Credit: Getty Images)
Picture 2: Anna May Wong (Credit: Ronald Grant)
I love the floral texture that coats the flare of the dress as it adds variation and dimension to a simplistic garment. Finally, her Hepburn-May Wong hairdo has a slight tilt to it as it has a slight ruffle and mess to it (similar to Luma Grothe’s approach) – perhaps Gemma’s contribution to New Age glamour at Cannes.
5. Fan Bingbing
Esteemed Chinese actress Fan Bingbing made such an impactful statement with her culturally momentous dress. The garment conveyed imagery of a tiger amongst a forest embroidered on a white background – as if the dress itself is a canvas.
Fan Bingbing at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival
Credit: Getty Images
The imagery is a direct salute to Ancient Chinese artwork, especially that of Hu Zaobin who’s work often depicted tigers, and her wearing it at one of the most prestigious Western film festivals is fundamentally a statement. To commit even further to the ensemble, she wears a modernised take on one of the hairstyles from the Qing Dynasty, and red lipstick and cool-toned eye makeup that references the makeup worn by performers in the Chinese Opera.
Picture 1: A woman from the Qing Dynasty (Credit: Unknown)
Picture 2: Hu Zaobin’s painting ‘Righteousness Permits No Turning Back’ (Credit: Hu Zaobin)
Picture 3: A Chinese Opera performer (Credit: Unknown)
As a Chinese woman myself, it was really special to see an Asian woman loudly and proudly representing the culture, despite being in a very Western setting. Characters like Fan Bingbing (and Rahi Chadda) do so much with fashion choices like these, making these otherwise exclusive and privatised events feel more welcoming. Fashion that is both deeply individualistic, yet somehow speaks to a wider culture is the epitome of glamour. And what is Cannes if not glamour?