Cannes is usually just a gorgeous parade of one amazing dress after another, and this year certainly didn’t disappoint. After much discussion, four of our fashion editors picked their favorite gowns from the gala — and in one case, avoided gowns altogether. Check out our picks below, then see all the looks from Cannes by night and day, plus the amfAR gala, to decide whose ensemble takes your top spot.
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Style Editor Pamela Edwards-Christiani: Jessica Biel drank a little glam-goddess juice before she put this look together for the Cannes premiere of Inside Llewyn Davis on May 20th.
Her strapless, stone-colored embroidered Marchesa gown, with an under-skirting of stark white feathers, was gorgeous; but her accessories (Justin included) took her look to goddess territory.
What truly dazzled? The pièce de résistance: A snake of diamonds and emeralds that coiled around her neck, which was an iconic Bulgari Serpenti piece, worn by Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra in 1963. The necklace is now part of a Cannes exhibition of all the jewelry worn by Elizabeth Taylor in the film.
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Style Director Andrea Lavinthal: While the rest of the stars are trying not to trip over the hems of their floor-length gowns, Olivia is partying it up in this edgy black Roberto Cavalli mini at a bash on the designer’s boat.
And even though it’s fully beaded, I’d bet it’s super-comfortable, like wearing a fancy long-sleeve T-shirt.
As for those heels, I think proper yacht etiquette dictates that you remove your shoes before boarding the boat, but I’m sure Roberto will make an exception for Olivia’s Aquazzura feathered pumps.
Todd Williamson/Invision/AP
Style News Editor Alex Apatoff: It’s been my personal mission to get Jessica Chastain out of her favorite nude and white gowns and into something seriously stunning and jewel toned — and I’ve been pushing purple on her for months.
So I considered it a bit of a personal victory (and yes, I know it had nothing to do with me) when she stopped traffic at the All Is Lost premiere in a ravishing custom Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci gown in a rich violet hue.
From the unbelievably intricate detailing, to the way it played up her shape and coloring, to that “oh, this old thing?” ponytail, the whole look was absolute perfection. And now I’m wondering what other celebrity I can will into wearing color with my mind. Jennifer Aniston, I’m coming for you!
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Associate Editor Brittany Talarico: Anything Solange puts on lately makes me giddy, but when she hit the super-long red carpet at the premiere of The Great Gatsby, I literally let out a yelp and stared in awe for a solid five minutes.
It’s an unofficial rule of the film festival to show up in a gown that has a statement-making train. Not only did Solange get the memo, but she raised the bar with her Stéphane Rolland creation featuring a flowing trail of fabric with feather embellishments!
Not to mention the sheer paneling, a skinny gold belt and Chopard globe danglers that made the ensemble a home run from every angle. Yes, she nailed the winning trifecta of sleek, sexy and chic. crowning her my Queen of Cannes. The End.
Tell us: Who looked loveliest at Cannes? Did we miss your favorite? If so, tell us in the comments below!
