The Cannes Film Festival, officially known as the Festival de Cannes, is one of the world’s most prestigious and exclusive international film festivals. Held from May 12 to May 23 this year, the 79th annual festival transformed the scenic resort town of Cannes in the south of France into a massive cultural and commercial hub for the global film industry.
Alongside Venice and Berlin, Cannes is part of the “Big Three” film festivals, but it is widely considered the most glamorous, famous for its strict formal dress codes and iconic red-carpet premieres at the Palais des Festivals. Unlike public-facing festivals, Cannes is primarily an industry-only event where accredited filmmakers, actors, and journalists gather to preview new films across all genres.
Along with the history, there are still amazing moments for the fans at home to tune into, whether that’s shocking red carpet moments, actor debuts, and more. However, apart from the new films, the fashion seems to be the second most looked at item that the audience looks forward to. Here are some of the best looks from this year’s festival.
To start off, Sofia Carson dropped jaws on the carpet, in her elegant blush pink, custom miu miu gown. It was described to beautifully merge classic Hollywood glamour with modern couture, featuring a structured, fitted piece, delicate layered textures, and a voluminous skirt that flowed into a dramatic train. She completed the look with Chopard diamond jewelry, soft pink-toned makeup, and her signature sleek, sculpted side-parted bob, making it one of the most gracefully tailored and praised appearances of the festival.
Next off, Daisy Egdar-Jones turned heads, at the “Fjord” premiere in a custom, semi-sheer Balenciaga gown from the fashion house’s Fall 2026 collection. Designed with a high neckline, a knotted waist drape, and a dramatic, trailing cape, the look beautifully balanced modern fashion with classic trends. She elevated the look with crystal-embellished sandals and a Boucheron diamond necklace playfully styled backwards down her spine, solidifying it as one of the most unforgettable and discussed fashion moments of the festival.
According to many platforms like the New York Times, John Travolta was one of the most talked about actors from the festival. He had a viral style shift (his new haircut) to celebrate his feature directorial debut, “Propeller One-Way Night Coach.” Stepping into the spotlight alongside his daughter, Ella Bleu, the 72-year-old icon completely went outside the box with a tailored black three-piece suit paired with circular glasses, a freshly dyed beard, and a classic wool beret in various colors (ivory, black, and navy).
Lastly, Jordan Firstman made conversations, for his feature directorial debut, “Club Kid.” For the daytime premiers, he wore a monochrome burgundy Prada look with purple-tinted sunglasses, later switching to a sharp, high-sheen black tuxedo for the evening premiere. Beyond his bold style, Firstman was the talk of the festival: his film earned a 7-minute standing ovation, and sparked a massive studio bidding war that resulted in a global deal with A24.
Ultimately, fashion is prime to Cannes because it brings cinema and culture together. The red carpet acts as an extension of the movies themselves, turning clothing into a powerful tool for storytelling and self-expression. By capturing global media attention, these iconic looks promote the films, drive the luxury fashion industry, and help bolster Cannes as the world’s most glamorous celebration of art.
