This year’s Cannes Film Festival delivered more than red-carpet glamour—it set the tone for global haute couture. Against the sparkling backdrop of the French Riviera, women’s fashion took center stage with a renewed sense of poise, purpose, and elevated extravagance. If 2024 was marked by high-shine fabrics and experimental textures, Cannes 2025 struck a harmonious balance—where refined restraint met fearless fashion. From sculptural silhouettes to enduring elegance, the red carpet celebrated the artistry of world-renowned couturiers such as Zuhair Murad, Georges Hobeika, Kristie Romanos, and Giambattista Valli. These houses proved that fashion is not merely an accessory to cinema but a parallel form of storytelling—one expressed in tulle, organza, and hand-sewn crystal.
This year’s “quiet luxury” trend continued its reign, but not in an understated or forgettable sense. There was a commanding presence in the simplicity—an artful intentionality in the cuts and textures. Even the most subtle pieces—matte silk columns, minimalist sheaths, and soft neutral palettes—functioned as statement makers. Jennifer Lawrence’s strapless Dior gown, inspired by a 1940’s archival piece, epitomized this sentiment with its sculptural bodice and sweeping silhouette. Heidi Klum echoed this streamlined elegance in a pink Elie Saab number, making a bold fashion statement that defied the festival’s newly implemented dress code. The Cannes Film Festival had recently updated its guidelines, prohibiting “voluminous outfits, particularly those with large trains,” to ensure smooth guest movement and seating arrangements. Klum’s choice to wear the elaborate gown was seen as a direct challenge to these restrictions, showcasing her commitment to high fashion and personal expression.
While the festival’s new dress code discouraged voluminous outfits, some stars embraced grandeur within these constraints. Angelina Jolie made a notable return to Cannes, attending the premiere of Eddington in a shimmering nude gown by Brunello Cucinelli. The strapless cashmere and silk ensemble, adorned with delicate sequins, exuded understated luxury. She complemented the look with Chopard diamonds and a wine-red manicure, embodying refined glamour.
Natalie Portman paid homage to fashion history by wearing a custom Dior gown inspired by the iconic 1949 “Junon” design. The strapless dress featured a cascading skirt of fish scales, blending vintage artistry with contemporary sustainability. Portman accessorized with over 20 carats of Tiffany & Co. diamonds, highlighting the enduring allure of classic couture.
Kristen Stewart, marking her directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, challenged traditional red carpet norms. She donned a white satin Bermuda short suit from Chanel, paired with a partially unbuttoned shirt, black tie, and high heels. This ensemble blended androgynous tailoring with rebellious flair, underscoring her distinctive style.
The festival also spotlighted a resurgence of vintage-inspired fashion, emphasizing sustainability. Portman’s Dior gown not only revisited a classic design but also reflected a growing commitment to eco-conscious luxury. Such choices signaled a shift towards timeless pieces that honor fashion’s rich heritage while promoting environmental responsibility.
In essence, Cannes 2025 celebrated a multifaceted approach to fashion, where minimalist and maximalist styles coexisted harmoniously. Each ensemble told a unique story, collectively illustrating couture’s power to evolve, inspire, and redefine elegance on the global stage.
ELYSIAN was honored to be invited by Celebre Magazine to attend Planet Fashion TV’s Sustainability in Fashion Awards Gala during the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival—an unforgettable evening that illuminated the intersection of luxury and environmental responsibility. Our heartfelt thanks to Celebre Magazine for the gracious invitation and to Celia Evans, CEO of Planet Fashion TV, for hosting an event that brought sustainability to the forefront of haute couture.
The gala underscored the importance of ethical fashion within the global design narrative. Industry leaders, innovators, and creatives gathered to spotlight designers committed to reducing fashion’s carbon footprint while elevating artistic expression. Among the evening’s highlights was a stunning runway show by celebrated designer Addy van den Krommenacker, whose work exemplifies the harmony of sophistication and sustainability. The event served as a powerful reminder that elegance and eco-consciousness are not mutually exclusive—but rather, deeply intertwined.