The Breakdown: Best Looks of Cannes 2023

From Natalie Portman to Naomi Campbell, this year’s film fest is more glamorous than ever.

Elle Fanning in Alexander McQueen (Credit: Harper’s Bazaar).

Every year, hundreds of celebrities descend upon the famed Côte d’Azur—specifically, Cannes—to attend the culturally significant and exquisitely lavish Cannes Film Festival. A sort of weeks-long Oscars or Golden Globes, many of the year’s most highly anticipated films premiere here. And, while the feature films are technically the highlight of the event, it’s the red carpet fashion that takes center stage.

Here, I breakdown my favorite looks from the festival so far. Whether they’re out on the town for a bit of retail therapy or gracing the red carpet in a full-length stunner, these celebrities nailed south of France-chic.

Natalie Portman in Dior

Natalie Portman in Dior (Credit: Elle).

The face of Dior’s iconic Miss Dior fragrance, Natalie Portman served as a show-stopping ambassador for the house in this stunning number. A recreation of the famous Junon dress, designed by Christian Dior himself for the AW 1949/1950 collection, the exquisite garment was Dior’s first attempt to directly recreate a dress from its archives, according to W Magazine.

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen (Credit: Elle).

As the wife of Kering Group Chairman François Henri-Pinault, Salma Hayek Pinault has no shortage of designers eager to dress her. Choosing from the conglomerate’s impressive array of luxury labels, Hayek graced the Cannes carpet in an aubergine Alexander McQueen number, complete with a ruched trumpet skirt, puff sleeves, and a perfectly executed deep-V.

Caro Daur in Schiaparelli

Caro Daur in Schiaparelli (Credit: Elle).

One of the most fashionable influencers on social media today, fitness fanatic and fashionista Caro Daur made an appearance in a full Schiaparelli ensemble, comprised of a blue silk and gold-painted Schiaparelli gown and matching gold-toe heels. The look stood out on the carpet, showcasing the typically avant-garde and effortlessly luxurious designs of British designer Daniel Roseberry, the creative director of the eponymous French brand.

Ester Expósito in Acne Studios

Ester Expósito in Acne Studios (Credit: Elle).

In a Y2K twist, Élite star Ester Expósito exuded cool-girl glam in this gauzy, cotton candy co-ord by Acne Studios. Wearing her hair in long, loose waves and completing the look with a diamond choker, Ester looked the epitome of Côte d’Azur chic.

Gigi Hadid in Zac Posen and Messika Jewelry

Gigi Hadid in Zac Posen (Credit: Elle).

Is there no red carpet Gigi Hadid can’t conquer? In the ultimate display of the newly-coined ”quiet luxury” aesthetic, the model shut down the red carpet in a beige Zac Posen trumpet gown and dripping in layers of Messika jewelry. Subtle but sublime and effortlessly chic, Gigi’s look gave credence to the idea that less truly is more.

Naomi Campbell in Valentino

Naomi Campbell in Valentino (Credit: Elle).

Catwalk queen Naomi Campbell dared to bare in an age-defying Valentino gown. Complete with diamond-shaped cutouts and a feathery pink cape, the supermodel exuded old-world glam with a touch of modern femininity.

Karlie Kloss in Dior

Karlie Kloss in Dior (Credit: Elle).

The newly-pregnant supermodel looked regal on the red carpet in a Grecian-inspired ochre number by Dior. Complete with a matching cage headdress and Chopard jewels, Kloss glowed as she made her way into the theater.