Fashion and Beauty Moments We Can’t Stop Talking About From the Cannes Film Festival
The 76th annual Cannes Film Festival took place between May 16 and May 27, bringing together some of the world’s most prominent stars. As it happens every year, the event became the perfect backdrop for inspiring fashion and beauty moments. Whether on their hotel balconies, the red carpets, or making the iconic montée des marches (stair climbing) at La Croisette, celebrities consistently delivered glamour and style.
From first-timers such as the K-pop darlings Jennie Ruby Jane and aespa to regulars like Elle Fanning and Natalie Portman, Cannes welcomed a wide variety of personalities who showed up and showed out. Below, EnVi looks back at the French film festival and rounds up some of the most compelling fashion and beauty moments from the star-studded event.
Anushka Sharma: Floral Elegance
Alongside fellow L’Oréal ambassadors, Indian film star Anushka Sharma appeared at the premiere of The Old Oak in a look fit for a magazine editorial. High fashion and elegance were the theme of her Richard Quinn gown as it featured ornate beads and pearls along the bodice with a sculpted white neckline that emulated a flower in blossom.
Showcasing her glamorous makeup, Anushka’s hair was slicked back into an asymmetric bun. Flawless glowy skin featuring a wash of peach shimmery blush was the base of this iconic glam. Then, the actress’ naturally alluring eyes were enhanced by terracotta shadow. Glistening champagne pigment was placed on the lid while nude liner highlighted the waterline, adding brightness to the smokey eye. As the final step, peach lipstick was brushed on the lips.
Aoi Yamada: A Pop of Sunshine on the Red Carpet
Known for her one-of-a-kind fashion, Aoi Yamada put a spin on red carpet style. The multitalented artist wore a bold mustard-toned dress with cutouts and chains that was a breath of fresh air at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The avant-garde dancer hailing from Nagano made her montée des marches at the premiere of Perfect Days, cloaked in an edgy yellow dress featuring a bando top and chains to match. Aoi’s blunt platinum bob was perfectly trimmed and hovered around her jaw. Blunt bangs framed the artist’s black winged liner. This bold and brash look was complete with a thin layer of matte scarlet lipstick painted over the lips for an extra pop of color.
BIBI: Minimalist. Sultry. Chic
Making her first Cannes showing, singer and actress BIBI served as the Korean R&B representative at the film festival. Attending the event as part of the cast of Hopeless (Hwaran), the star wore a look that was the definition of minimalist chic. BIBI arrived surrounded by familiar faces from the Korean entertainment industry, dressed in a slinky, backless slip dress. Delicate black straps held the cowl neck on the artist’s shoulders, creating an unexpectedly modern and sexy appearance.
Beauty-wise, antenna bangs draped over her face to add a relaxed lived-in aura and subtle Y2K touch. Meanwhile, BIBI’s glass skin served as the foundation for a minimal makeup that paired mid-tone eyeshadow with sharp black liner — sans her signature crimson dots. In sync with beauty trends, Bibi’s lips were coated in glossy red lip tint for a just-bitten lip look.
Elle Fanning: The Anatomy of Beauty
American actress Elle Fanning is a certified Cannes Film Festival darling. Having served as a jury member, Elle’s name is practically synonymous with the event. Accordingly, her red-carpet showings are highly anticipated and she delivers quality with every appearance. This year, the star kicked off the festival on a high note sporting an Alexander McQueen gown by Sarah Burton. The actress wowed the crowds at the festival’s opening ceremony in a regal bodice adorned with intricate embroideries and crystals. Although this piece was originally featured in the brand’s Fall-Winter 2023 collection, the look was specifically recreated for Fanning with a stunning pale pink skirt.
As a brand ambassador, Elle took the look to another level with L’Oréal beauty and Cartier jewelry. The glam placed emphasis on elegance, featuring winged liner, peachy flush, and pink matte lips. As the cherry on top, Elle’s hair was styled in a romantic double bun hairdo held in place with L’Oréal’s Elnett hairspray.
Fan Bingbing: Ethereal Couture Glamour
Chinese actress Fan BingBing made her long-awaited return to the event with a slew of red carpet appearances. While her lookbook featured a range of show-stealer numbers, her outfit at the Women’s Stories Gala is one for the books. Showcasing the work of South Korean couturier Miss Sohee, Fan Bingbing stole glances with a total white look consisting of a risqué silver top, a long skirt with draped details at the waist, and a long chiffon cape — as seen in Mis Sohee’s inaugural show at Couture Fashion Week.
Beauty was at par with a silver statement headpiece, pearl earrings, and makeup highlighted by a red pout. The actress paired the bold lipstick with a nude, barely-there eyeshadow that contrasted with a dramatic winged eye look. With such an ethereal combination, Fan Bingbing once again proved why she’s rightfully considered the queen of the Cannes Film Festival.
Giselle of aespa: Vixen Makeup Fit for the Red Carpet
Coming fresh off of their comeback, “Spicy,” aespa walked the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival for the first time. Adorned in opulent jewels, the Chopard ambassadors were dressed to perfection in gowns from luxury fashion houses. Giselle — who performs as the group’s main rapper — wore a Cristina Savulescu black strapless dress. Intricate beading along the bust and the waist accentuated her figure.
Naturally, the look was elevated with Chopard jewelry including drop earrings, a cuff, and a statement ring from the brand’s Red Carpet Collection. In the beauty flanks, her blunt midnight black bangs, smokey winged liner, and blurry maroon lip made for the perfect vixen look.
Guan Xiaotong: Youthful Regal Elegance
Chinese actress and Valentino brand ambassador Guan Xiaotong dazzled in an Haute Couture number at the premiere of Jeanne du Barry. The star, who is a fixture at the film festival, opted for a black and silver piece that featured a large ton-sur-ton flounced skirt and an embroidered strapless bodice. The show-stopper was paired with a set of high jewelry from Fred Paris’ Chance Infinie Faith in Destiny collection.
Accompanied by Laure Calvel, President of Lancaster Beauty, the Chinese icon walked the red carpet in glam created by the brand. Guan Xiaotong’s makeup included a monochromatic peachy eye look, bold red lips, and voluminous eyelashes. An updo hairstyle topped off the fashion and beauty, bestowing a chic, youthful edge.
Hande Erçel: A Galore of Trends
Turkish megastar Hande Erçel proved to be attuned to the latest fashion and beauty trends with her first attendance at the Cannes Film Festival. Taking cues from the runways, Hande rocked popular bold colors such as neon green, orange, and vibrant purple. However, her appearance at the AmfAR Gala was, perhaps, the most notable one. The actress sported a black piece from Valentino Urban Riviera that echoed the bow trend taking over fashion and beauty right now. The slip dress featured a large embroidered bow at the front and was paired up with Nite-out pumps with matching bow details.
Meanwhile, the beauty featured a bold iteration of the “spider leg” eyelash trend, contoured cheekbones, and well-defined brows. Keeping it classy, Hande wore nude matte lipstick that matched the color of her nails and the Valentino Locò bag she carried. To finish off the look, she let her straight hair fall down her shoulders freely.
Jennie Kim: Balletcore with a Chanel Twist
With the premiere of the highly anticipated series The Idol, BLACKPINK’s Jennie Kim made her Cannes Film Festival debut in an all-Chanel ensemble. The theme of the look was balletcore and Jennie’s white and lace corset dress — featuring a white puffy skirt — fit the theme to a tee. Another trendy element adding to the balletcore allure was a singular black bow that sat atop the rapper’s head.
On the other hand, her makeup was entirely created with Hera Beauty products by makeup artist Nina Park. Jennie’s eyeshadow consisted of a soft smokey eyeshadow and inner and outer winged liner, inspired by her onstage signature bold smokey eye. Peachy nude blush was swept on the cheeks for an angelic flush. Glossy warm nude lips were the final touch to this romantic ensemble.
Karina of aespa: South Korean Elegance by Choi Jaehoon
aespa’s leader and main dancer, Karina represented her home country with a gauzy black gown by Korean designer Choi Jaehoon — who also dressed IU for her Cannes Film Festival debut. The structured black dress featured translucent edges that beautifully framed a Chopard rubellite and diamond necklace previously worn by Rihanna in 2014.
Additionally, elegant curtain bangs draped over the sides of her face highlighting the red lipstick that matched the pear-cut gem on her jewelry. Honing in on the latest beauty trends, Karina wore sultry, seductive eye makeup that channeled the popular siren eye. If you look closely enough, you’ll notice that the star also took the ever-popular all-black manicure to the red carpet.
Kylie Verzosa: A Touch of Feathers
Filipino actress and former Miss International 2016, Kylie Verzosa wore a praiseworthy Marc Bumgarner dress covered in floating feathers from the waist down. The dramatic skirt was paired with a modern black bodice with trendy cutouts.
Pristine mahogany waves of hair cascaded over her shoulders revealing the beauty queen’s glamorous makeup look. Strong brows gave structure to her blown-out brown smokey eyes. Then, golden highlighter was dusted along all the high points of the face for a Hollywood-approved glow. The Filipino fashion mogul’s cheeks were sculpted with a little bit of bronzer and peachy blush. The finishing touch to this stellar makeup was a pinky-nude glossy pout.
Manushi Chhillar: Making a Corseted Statement in Fovari
Indian actress and model Manushi Chhillar made her first-ever appearance at the Cannes Film Festival wearing FOVARI by Yara Shoemaker. The former Miss World winner made her debut on the opening night of the festival in a floor-length white gown. With a tulle skirt leading into a gorgeous train and corseted torso, the dress embraced feminine beauty. According to Manushi’s Instagram, the dress was also “ethically sourced and sustainable,” bringing a much-needed nod to more environmentally-conscious red carpet fashion.
To complement the strapless neckline, Manushi wore the Diamonds and Emeralds Necklace by Renu Oberoi, whose jewels were arranged in the shape of flowers. A similar pop of color could be noted in her shoes, courtesy of Sophia Webster. The hot pink butterfly appliques brought a playful, girly touch of color to the sophisticated look. In contrast to the fashion, Manushi’s glam remained minimal. Defined brows framed a toned-down makeup whose main point was a glossy pout.
Natalie Portman: Blooming in Dior
Natalie Portman, no stranger to prestigious red carpets, is a familiar face at the Cannes Film Festival. The actress has successfully navigated the film industry for decades, becoming a household name for many. For this year’s festival, Portman brought an iconic piece of Dior history back to life. Attending the premiere of May December, the actress wore a recreation of the Junon dress from the Fall-Winter 1949 Haute Couture Collection. Originally designed by Christian Dior himself, the embroidered tulle piece was carefully reconstructed by Maria Grazia Chiuri for Natalie’s red carpet moment. The structured strapless bodice lent the piece a timeless elegance, but the real show-stealing point was the skirt, with complex layers — each decorated with glimmering blue appliques — that resembled the blooming petals of a flower.
To match her regal gown, MUA Miwoo Kim created a classy but modern glam with Dior Beauty products including a shimmery nude eyeshadow and a metallic finishing nude lipstick. As she made her montée des marches, Natalie embodied Dior’s mature, feminine grace, and reminded onlookers of her status as one of the brand’s most treasured ambassadors.
NingNing of aespa: Italian Resort Glam
Alongside her bandmates, K-pop singer NingNing stole the spotlight at the premiere of La Passion De Dodin Bouffant. Exemplifying Italian glamour, NingNing appeared in a printed volume ballgown by Atelier Versace. This statement piece featured a large asymmetric flared skirt and was paired with strappy, platform pumps and glittering heart-shaped jewelry to add to the drama.
Following beauty trends, the vocalist rocked a top knot with wispy baby bangs. Feline-inspired liner and a swipe of tomato-toned lip tint were the finishing touches to this slightly edgy red carpet ensemble.
Pia Wurtzbach: Old Hollywood Glamour
Representing L’Oréal, Former Miss Universe 2015 and avid Super Junior fan, Pia Wurtzbach took old Hollywood glamour to Cannes. The Filipino fashion icon graced the Indiana Jones and The Dial Of Destiny red carpet engulfed in a midnight black structured gown and flouncy dramatic cape by Mark Bumgarner. For the occasion, the star sported equally show-stopping beauty and hair. Her dark chocolate locks were sculpted into luxurious Hollywood waves. The lengths of her hair were draped over her right shoulder to open up the face and fully showcase the dramatic makeup.
Arched brows framed a sultry smokey eye look created with matte, cocoa eyeshadow diffused all around the eye area in a winged shape. Deep brown and black pigment complemented the makeup, adding glamorous depth. Enhancing her naturally sculpted features, Pia’s cheekbones and jaw were grazed with contour and bronzer for that red-carpet refinement. Finally, cherry red lipstick with a touch of gloss was the finishing touch to this look created by makeup artist Mickey See.
Raline Shah: An Electric Blue Dream
Indonesian actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Raline Shah, stunned from every angle at every appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. Among her most notable looks was an electric blue waterfall dress by Indian designer Gaurav Gupta. The piece hung just below Raline’s shoulders creating the perfect frame for an elegant beauty look. A set of matching Chopard floral earrings and necklace were the icing on the cake of this outfit.
On the beauty front, the Jakarta native took to the red carpet wearing a chic high bun and bangs decorating the edges of her face. Raline’s makeup focused on black feline-flicked eyeliner accentuated with icy glitter in the center of the lid and inner corners. This graceful look was complete with a few swipes of nude terracotta lipstick.
Viola Davis: Glamorous Opulence in Valentino
Viola Davis is another regular attendee at the Cannes Film Festival. Throughout the course of her career, the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner has secured her spot as one of Hollywood’s most influential talents. With years of experience at various types of events, Davis has mastered the art of red-carpet dressing. The American actress consistently delivers outfits in vivid and neutral colors, with flattering cuts and creative accessories that lean toward the “Old Hollywood” look. For this year’s festival, Davis wore a white custom Valentino gown as she smiled alongside Julius Tennon. As per Valentino, the extravagant piece was designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli uniquely for Davis. Key points from the look included the ostrich feathers decorating the cape and the one-shoulder detailing. Paired with jewelry from Chopard, Davis found the perfect balance between opulence and class.
To complement this perfect red carpet look, celebrity makeup artist Autumn Moultrie opted for lilac eye shadow, manga lashes, and heavy eyeliner on the waterline. The glam, courtesy of L’Oréal, also included glossy rose lips and peachy cheeks. Another highlight of the look was the textured hair styled by the Academy Award-winning Hairstylist, Jamika Wilson.
Winter of aespa: White Angelic Glow
Known for her signature classy bob and blunt bangs, aespa’s Winter took an approach that contrasted with her bandmates’ outfits. The lead vocalist arrived on the red carpet in a strapless gown cascading with chiffon flowers. The dress by Maria Lucia Hohan was tastefully accessorized with a sapphire and diamond-encrusted necklace and large earrings.
The makeup was dramatic and consisted of gray smokey eyes, inner and outer corner wings, and an overlined deep cherry lip. Winter’s classic bob was pinned back into a refined Y2K-inspired spiky bun while her classic bangs were on full display.
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