The 79th annual Cannes Film Festival has once again proven that fashion is as central to the Croisette as cinema itself, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s most influential red-carpet stages. This year’s red carpet leaned into sculptural couture, textural experimentation, and archival-inspired ensembles, as stars balanced classic glamour with architectural silhouettes. From tailored power dressing to dreamy ethereal gowns, Cannes 2026 delivered a full spectrum of modern red-carpet expression, highlighting the evolving language of contemporary couture. Ultimately, the festival reinforced that what is worn is just as compelling as what is screened, setting the stage for a standout display of style across the Croisette, and we’ve rounded up the standout stars who graced this year’s red carpet for the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, an occasion that offers the perfect excuse to arrive in their best-dressed looks.
Chloé Zhao
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Director and screenwriter Chloé Zhao had a range of striking looks during Cannes this year, but the most impactful was wearing Daniel Roseberry’s Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 collection for the screening of Paper Tiger. The ‘Isabella Blowfish’ consisted of a transparent suit that was a reproduction of a puffer fish or blowfish while subtly referencing fashion icon Isabella Blow, as the spikes are uniquely made from resin-coated organza, adding to the couture piece’s surrealist edge. The suit is also entirely made from structured tulle which retains its shape, and underneath, there’s hundreds of layers of transparent illusion tulle, stacked behind to create a shadow effect to form a soft, blurred silhouette underneath the outer structure.
Bella Hadid
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Supermodel, Bella Hadid made her first appearance on the red carpet this year wearing a custom Prada column gown, complimented by a cape with co-ordinating bomber sleeves. She accessorized the ensemble with Chopard diamonds and white pointed-toe stilettos, elevating the look with a refined sense of glamour. The custom Prada creation channelled timeless appeal and Old Hollywood elegance.
Hoyeon
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Hoyeon served one of the night’s most memorable looks as her Cannes debut appearance by wearing a chic antique grey slip dress embroidered throughout with aged silver glass tubes, created custom for her by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton. The ensemble underscored Louis Vuitton’s signature blend of contemporary silhouettes and meticulous detailing, elevating her debut into a fashion statement. Ultimately, she paired it with timeless pieces from the brand’s High Jewellery collection.
Salma Hayek
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Mexican American actress, Salma Hayek stepped out in a sweeping, fully feathered Gucci creation by Demna. She completed the elegant, romantic look with a sleek, pulled-back updo and statement emerald earrings, adding a vivid jewel-toned contrast to the softness of the ensemble, keeping her glam and accessories to a minimum, allowing the sculptural intricacy and boldness of the look to take full focus.
Alexa Chung
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Chung attended the screening of The Man I Love wearing a custom Dior satin gown designed by Jonathan Anderson, featuring a navy skirt adorned with delicate floral embroidery. She completed the look with jewellery from Messika, bringing a refined finish to her red-carpet appearance. The ensemble balanced soft romantic detailing with a structured silhouette, making for a quietly striking moment on the carpet.
Taylor Russell
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Lost in Space actress, Taylor Russell stunned in a custom Dior look. Soft, etheral draping created a silhouette that moved with effortless and airy fluidity. Her red-carpet ensemble featured a soft white dress with a green waist accent detail, highlighting the piece’s structure and texture. Russell continues to deliver her reputation of fashion-forward red carpet moments.
Simone Ashley
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Simone Ashley served one of the night’s most memorable looks by wearing an Alexander McQueen red strapless gown styled by Rebecca Corbin-Murray, from their Autumn/Winter 2005 collection. Previously worn in 2011 by Gisele Bündchen for the Met Gala, this time Ashley reinterpreted the archival piece by accessorising hers with Chaumet jewellery.
