Why the Cannes Film Festival is the epitome of red carpet fashion Model and businesswoman Bella Hadid, dripping with the most exquisite diamonds on the planet, posed for photographers last week while walking the red carpet at a Cannes Film Festival event. Like so many other actresses, celebrities, muses, models, and people on the fringes of fashion, Ms. Hadid was a guest of Chopard, the Swiss haute jeweller and wristwatch, and she arrived on the Côte d’Azur for what is undoubtedly the most well-known red carpet for fashion and jewelry in the world.
With jewelers earning tens of millions of euros in media impact value (MIV) when their names are listed next to the most well-known and attractive faces, luxury brands have grabbed center stage at Cannes. With Ms. Hadid, Chopard became one of the festival’s top red carpet partnerships, securing thousands of media placements and earning millions of euros in MIV. Chopard also created the hashtags #theredcarpetjeweller and #chopardlovesfilm.
Cinematic Elegance Why the Cannes Film Festival is the epitome of red carpet fashion
Actors are always photographed as soon as they disembark from the airport in Nice, and pictures of their outfits are carefully selected in the media coursesy of fashion’s connection to the paparazzi. Due to its close ties to the film business, fashion also reflects this golden age of cinema, with many celebrities choosing ensembles that recall the glitz and glamour of vintage Hollywood while adding a contemporary touch. There’s also opportunity for individuality; with her black Haider Ackermann for Jean Paul Gaultier spring 2023 haute couture gown, Cate Blanchett is said to have subtly expressed her support for Palestinian fashion. The red carpet contrasted with the green and light pink border gave the impression of being the colors of the Palestinian flag.
The ideal moment and buzz
The ten-day event creates a buzz that is unmatched globally and is a major performance driver for luxury and fashion firms. In contrast to the Met Gala, which is invariably themed and frequently features more costume dressing than haute couture, the French Riviera’s refined location elevates the overall environment and accentuates the magnificent red carpet appearances. The weather is also favorable in late May, right before summer, so it’s a good time to wear more daring and avant-garde ensembles.
The Cannes Film Festival takes place over almost two weeks, in contrast to the Oscars, which are a one-night affair, and the Met Gala, which is a single evening. This prolonged period results in a constant focus on fashion by providing designers and celebrities with numerous chances to present a broad range of fashion statements, from couture to stylish daywear. The multicultural mix of visitors, which includes models, directors, and worldwide stars, adds to the red carpet’s unique and varied spectrum of looks. Because of this diversity, various fashion influences and cultures are able to mingle together, creating a richer and more diversified exhibition of fashion.
Strong relationships exist between the festival and high-end fashion labels including Chanel, Dior, Valentino, and Saint Laurent—the latter of which has multiple credits in film production. These collaborations frequently result in one-of-a-kind creations made especially for the occasion, raising the bar for fashion standards and introducing distinctive pieces that might start new trends.
While the famous staircase at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès offers a dramatic entrance that begs for breathtaking photo opportunities, the Met’s stairs have left many of its attendees immobile due to their extreme looks, frequently requiring assistants to carry or aid celebrities up its steps. Going up the steps is now a renowned event in and of itself, with fashion on full display in front of eager photographers and the shimmering Mediterranean.
The French Riviera elevates the mood overall, adding even more beauty to the red carpet presentations.
