Whereas Cannes is regarded by die hard movie buffs as the film festival by which to gauge the next big movie or two of the year, for the fashion minded Cannes is just another excuse to see what evening wear trends for the summer might be.
So what could be more sizzling than a balmy night in Cannes during the film festival? Beautiful ladies dressed appropriately for the red carpet occasion in dresses we mortals can only dream of. This year, I am in two minds about the dresses seen on the red carpet so far. There was very little sizzle in the selection of carpet gowns.
The Robin Hood premiere saw beauties Kate Beckinsale and Cate Blanchett walk the red carpet. Beckinsale wore a look that has been repeatedly seen before and despite her beauty and poise, was a great boring disappointment. Exaggerated in its ruffles and looking messy, the lilac Marchesa gown had many critics deem it a failure. Blanchett’s gown from the fall 2010 couture collection by the late designer Alexander McQueen was very typical of Blanchett: a mature and sophisticated take on eveningwear.
The black dress layered over layers of tulle netting was perhaps unconventionally dark of Blanchett (who has previously dazzled in bright shades of yellows and blues) but nevertheless, her old school classiness followed through yet again with this McQueen number.
Indian actress Aishwarya Rai wore a lilac blue dress by Lebanese designer Elie Saab. The dress’ scalloped detailing and subtle smattering of sequences only served to compliment the Indian actresses’ beautiful tone of complexion. A well fitting dress, it was sexy and age appropriate.
As for Salma Hayek, her berry number lacked any originality in design, but Hayek’s curves were as always the main attraction in this Gucci number that only served to remind fans of her ample assets.
Evangeline Lily dazzled in a short multicolored cocktail piece by Emilio Pucci. at the premiere of “You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger.” Unconventionally short and dismissive of standard ballgown forms, the fringe detailed number had a lace up tie at the back and was a refreshing burst of color to see amidst the blacks, nudes and greys that have dominated the red carpet thus far.
The real surprise was Marion Cotillard’s sequined jumpsuit by Lefranc Ferrant which she wore to the Chopard 150th anniversary party. Straying from her usual Dior wardrobe options, Cotillard’s edginess came out with this number.
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Aishwarya Rai stuns in Elie Saab. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)
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Evangeline Lilly stands out with bright colors. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
