FASHION
RED CARPET REPORT: CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2025
By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 25 May 2025
This year’s Cannes Film Festival made a lot of noise, both before and during the main event. From celebs showing off their best airport style to the controversial last-minute red-carpet rule against nudity, the conversation has been non-stop. While the headlines were hot, the looks on the night were even hotter. Want to know who we crowned as 'best dressed'? Of course you do! Here are the stars who deserve a standing ovation – not only for cinematic excellence, but for their outfits, too.

Picture: Getty
ELLE FANNING
IRL Disney princess Elle Fanning has proven she’s incapable of not serving. She showed up to the Sentimental Value premiere all smiles in a stunning Armani Privé gown that grabbed everyone’s attention. Adorned with floral applique and sequins, its retro sweetheart bust and subtle fishtail silhouette paired seamlessly with Elle’s signature minimal makeup. And we’re not even mad at the lack of jewellery – her face card is the only accessory she needs.
GET THE LOOK:
Similar: ARRANGE embroidered floral lace maxi dress in dusky blue, £180
Similar: AllSaints Bryony maxi dress in bloom soft blue, £129
Similar: TFNC sequin strapless maxi dress in iridescent gold, £75

Picture: Getty
MELISSA HOLDBROOK-AKPOSOE
Everyone’s favourite stylist – @melissaswardrobe – made her Cannes debut, and it’s one for the history books. Proving that buttermilk yellow’s the shade of the season in formalwear too, she looked breathtaking in an Alonuko Bridal dress, which featured a ruched bodice and sleek skirt. Don’t mind us, just taking notes for wedding season.
GET THE LOOK:
Similar: ASOS DESIGN Bridesmaid maxi dress in soft yellow, £130
Similar: ASOS DESIGN ruched maxi dress in yellow, £72
Similar: Anaya Cami maxi dress in pale yellow, £70

Picture: Getty
ELSA HOSK
Crowned by the internet as Cannes red-carpet royalty, supermodel Elsa Hosk gave us a masterclass in 60s Hollywood glamour at the Vie Privée premiere. Donning a custom feather-trimmed gown by Anastasia Zadorina, she looked flawless from all angles. We’re particularly loving how the draped bodice matches her swooping hair – is it too early to say we’re counting down the days until her 2026 Cannes appearance?
GET THE LOOK:
Similar: Lace & Beads bow off shoulder tulle maxi dress in ivory, £110
Similar: Forever New Bridal knot front pleated maxi dress in ivory, £125
Similar: ASOS DESIGN maxi wedding dress with draped sleeves in ivory, £165

Picture: Getty
RIHANNA [AND A$AP ROCKY]
The latest addition to Rihanna’s pregnancy fashion hits: her cobalt blue Alaïa gown and matching pumps. The mogul made a surprise appearance at A$AP Rocky’s Highest 2 Lowest premiere in a cut-out maxi with knots on the side and an asymmetric cut. Topping off the look was a side-sweeping updo and A$AP by her side – they even shared a sweet moment on the stairs as a downpour of rain hit the festival. Shall we say – they were under her umbrella…
GET THE LOOK:
Similar: Flounce London maxi dress with fishtail skirt in cobalt, £72
Similar: ASOS DESIGN premium jersey maxi dress in dark blue, £68
Similar: ASOS DESIGN maxi dress with drape wrap skirt in blue, £55

Picture: Getty
DAKOTA JOHNSON
Fringing is a huge trend this summer, and it looks like Dakota Johnson got the memo. This shimmering dress by Gucci is a high point in her already-impressive red carpet archive. While she swapped out a traditional full-volume dress for something on the simpler side, she didn’t sacrifice impact. Plus, the pink dress against her brown hair gave us a valuable lesson in colour theory.
GET THE LOOK:
Similar: Miss Selfridge bandeau ruched drop waist summer midi dress in pink, £36.99
Similar: Omnes Amdra Bridesmaid Dress in pink, £99
Similar: Oh Polly Palermo embellished corset midaxi dress in blush, £135

Picture: Getty
HONOURABLE MENTION: BELLA HADID
Important hair news: Bella Hadid’s got honey-blonde hair now, so expect to see tons of brunette-to-blonde transformations on your feed soon. The supermodel’s pit-stop at Cannes had all eyes on her, and not only because of her sleek black dress. ‘Ditch the blush, grab the bronzer,’ said Bella’s makeup artist Nadia Tayeh on IG. So it's bronzed cheeks and kohl-lined eyes for summer? We heard you loud and clear.
GET THE LOOK:
Charlotte Tilbury Rock N Kohl - Bedroom Black, £25
Sculpted by Aimee Liquid Lights Bronzer, £18
MAC Connect In Colour X6 Eye Shadow Palette- Intimate Nudes, £32
Kylie Cosmetics The Smokey Palette, £27