The Croisette never asks for restraint, and in 2026, nobody offered it. Cinema's most glamorous week returned with its usual appetite for excess, except this year the red carpet seemed less interested in spectacle for spectacle's sake. Between feather-tipped polka dots, pink organza avalanches, a Bollywood dupatta worn with quiet political grace, and a Formula One driver proving simplicity could still dominate a room, Cannes 2026 reminded us that fashion, much like cinema, works best when it surprises. Here are the looks that had us looking twice.
Alia Bhatt — Soft Glamour & Cultural Storytelling
Alia Bhatt delivered two of Cannes' most thoughtful fashion moments. Opening the festival as a L'Oréal Paris ambassador, she wore a dreamy custom Yash Patil gown hand-painted by Basuri Chokshi as an ode to the French Riviera, paired with Chopard yellow diamonds and Manolo Blahnik mules. By evening, Bhatt shifted into a custom Tamara Ralph peach gown elevated by one quietly powerful detail: a matching chiffon dupatta draped over Western couture with elegance and intention. Together, the two looks became a study in softness, identity, and cultural storytelling done right.
Demi Moore — Jacquemus Takes Over Cannes
Demi Moore opened Cannes with two custom Jacquemus triumphs that instantly positioned her as the jury's undeniable style star. First came a surreal strapless white dress scattered with colourful polka dots and delicate feather wisps, styled with white pumps, cat-eye sunglasses, and sapphire-diamond earrings — playful, sculptural, impossible to ignore. By evening, Moore pivoted entirely: a resculpted silver sequinned gown with a dramatic peplum and liquid-like shimmer that delivered pure old-Hollywood glamour beneath the Cannes lights. Two appearances, one message — Demi arrived to dominate.
Heidi Klum — Elie Saab in Full Bloom
Heidi Klum embraced couture fantasy in a strapless peach Elie Saab gown for the premiere of La Venus Electrique. The structured bodice, plunging neckline, and softly sculpted hips balanced perfectly against the romantic train flowing behind her. But the defining moment sat at the neckline: one oversized floral appliqué bursting with pink, yellow, lilac, and green tones. Part garden, part couture spectacle — unmistakably Heidi.
Jane Fonda — Timeless Cannes Glamour
Jane Fonda returned to the Cannes spotlight with the kind of effortless authority only true icons possess. Making her first public appearance since the passing of ex-husband Ted Turner, the 88-year-old actress arrived in a shimmering black gown whose clean, elegant silhouette let her presence do all the work. Posing alongside Demi Moore before opening the festival with Gong Li, Fonda once again proved that timeless glamour never needs excess.
Gong Li — Balenciaga's Quiet Power Move
Gong Li arrived in a sculpted black off-the-shoulder Balenciaga gown that communicated authority without excess. Structured seams shaped the silhouette with razor precision, while the high-low hem and platform heels gave the look subtle movement and purpose. Functional pockets added an almost radical practicality to the red carpet equation, with cascading diamond earrings providing the only flourish. Gong Li didn't need theatrics. Presence alone did the work.
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu — Effortless, As Always
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu brought her signature Parisian authority to the La Venus Electrique premiere at the Palais des Festivals. The Emily in Paris star once again proved that true red carpet mastery isn't just about fashion, it's about ease, confidence, and knowing exactly how to command a room without appearing to try.
Chang Sisi — The Pink Cloud Cannes Couldn't Ignore
Chinese performer Chang Sisi arrived in magnificent excess. Beneath the spectacle sat a sleek black sequinned strapless gown, though it was almost entirely eclipsed by the enormous pink organza-and-tulle wrap surrounding it — textured with voluminous 3D florals and an expansive train that overtook the Palais staircase. While minimalism floated through much of Cannes 2026, Chang Sisi chose glorious theatricality instead
Carlos Sainz — Cannes' Most Understated Style Victory
Carlos Sainz brought Formula One composure to the Croisette in a sharply tailored Giorgio Armani tuxedo and a discreet Girard-Perregaux watch — proof that simplicity can still be the boldest statement in the room. Attending the opening ceremony and The Electric Kiss premiere alongside Rebecca Donaldson, the newly appointed L'Oréal Paris ambassador leaned into clean, effortless menswear that made louder looks suddenly feel overworked. Naturally, the internet only became more interested once he was spotted chatting with fellow ambassador Alia Bhatt.
