The Cannes Film Festival has always been as much about fashion as it is about cinema, and the 2026 edition was no exception. Sculptural couture, archival references, playful prints, and high-shine embellishments turned the red carpet into a spectacle of sartorial storytelling.
Across the Croisette, stars leaned into fun and fantasy. From Demi Moore to Bella Hadid, these are the five looks that defined the week for me, each one capturing a different side of Cannes, from nostalgic glamour to sleek modernity.
5. Demi Moore
Demi Moore was the undisputed queen of Cannes this year, wearing an array of show-stopping looks, from sheer Gucci gowns to glittering Jacquemus dresses. My favourite had to be this joyful polka dot number, also by the French fashion house, where she proved the playful print is so much more than retro.
First seen on the Jacquemus autumn/winter 2026 runway, the gown featured a dramatic fishtail hem and was designed to look like the polka dots were quite literally jumping off the fabric.
While polka dots can sometimes feel overly saccharine or vintage-inspired, the 63-year-old Hollywood star transformed the print into one of the festival’s most fashion-forward moments.
With her undone hair, fresh-faced skin and understated accessories, Demi allowed the gown to remain the focal point, and it effortlessly captured the spirit of Cannes – bold, celebratory and impossible to ignore.
4. Barbara Palvin
Barbara Palvin looked every inch a princess in this gorgeous powder blue gown by Miu Miu, which perfectly complemented the dreamy atmosphere of the Riviera red carpet. The delicately pleated dress, complete with sheer sleeves, feather-trim detail and flowing chiffon layers, elegantly skimmed her baby bump.
The model chose the Cannes red carpet to announce her pregnancy - her first child with husband Dylan Sprouse - making for a particularly memorable appearance. She completed the ensemble with minimal jewellery and softly waved hair.
3. Joan Collins
Joan Collins looked incredible in a bespoke sculptural creation by French designer Stéphane Rolland. Not everyone could pull of such a commanding silhouette, but the 92-year-old style icon oozed glamour in the white Haute Couture gown, which was reportedly inspired by the shape of an orchid, and featured Rolland’s signature architectural draping and dramatic shape.
Joan accessorised the look with black opera gloves and layers of dazzling diamonds, adding a classic Hollywood red lip.
2. Alexandra Leclerc
Sequins and embellishments are a mainstay at Cannes, so as always we were spoilt for choice, but my favourite high-shine moment of the festival belonged to the new Mrs Leclerc. Alexandra (formerly Saint-Mleux), who married Formula One driver Charles Leclerc earlier this year, has always dressed impeccably, and this custom gown by Paolo Sebastian was absolutely stunning.
Embroidered with crystals, micro-sequins and delicate floral appliqué, the champagne-toned dress shimmered under the lights and moulded to her body like liquid metal, falling to romantic layers. There were echoes of 90s couture, and diamond jewellery by Messika, along with a sleek chignon completed the look.
© FilmMagic1. Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid was my standout at Cannes this year, and is building a legacy defined by the impact of each carefully constructed fashion moment at the festival. Who could forget the iconic Schiaparelli lung dress she wore back in 2021?
Five years on, the 29-year-old supermodel stepped out in the brand once again on the 2026 Cannes red carpet, this time wearing a plunging lace gown, which was an updated silhouette of the same style worn by Jane Birkin in 1969.
The bespoke piece was designed by the maison's creative director Daniel Roseberry and is said to have been hand embroidered with trompe l'oeil lace by 130 artisans across 22,000 hours. It also featured a black jewel embellishment just above her navel, corset lace detailing, and a tiered mermaid train.
I love how Bella let the dress do all of the talking, completing the look with her hair in a slicked back up-do, minimal fresh-faced makeup and a pair of classic diamond earrings.
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