The best dressed at the 79th Cannes Film Festival

The 2026 Cannes Film Festival has officially wrapped, and so has our annual tradition of playing red carpet critic from our couches. Over the last two weeks, we saw everything from jaw-dropping couture moments to looks we’re still trying to process. But today, we’re only focusing on the winners.

From naked dressing refusing to retire to princess-core gowns floating across the French Riviera in full swing, let’s break down the red carpet looks that actually turned heads and got the internet talking.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Cheney Chan

Closing the Cannes 2026, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walked the red carpet in an all-white couture ensemble by Chinese designer Cheney Chan. The sharply tailored tuxedo featured crystal-embellished lapels, intricate lace-detailed trousers and a sculptural feathered boa that added theatrical movement to the look. Styled by Mohit Rai, the look was a masterclass in power dressing, inspired by Cheney Chan’s signature “Feng Ya Qi” aesthetic.

Alia Bhatt in Danielle Frankel 

While Alia Bhatt’s entire Cannes wardrobe was worth taking notes from, she saved the best for the last. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, Bhatt’s custom Danielle Frankel’s steel-blue gown (adapted from the label’s Adira dress) featured a delicate spaghetti-strap bodice that flowed into a voluminous skirt layered with silk satin, honeycomb lace and Chantilly lace. The Victorian-inspired lace collar added a slightly gothic softness to the Cinderella-coded silhouette.

Bella Hadid in Prada

Balla Hadid’s custom Prada couture look leaned heavily into old Hollywood glamour. The strapless grey satin column gown featured crystal embroidery along the neckline and flowed into a soft train, layered with a matching cape finished with bomber-style sleeves. Styled with dazzling Chopard diamonds, the look marked a sophisticated shift in Hadid’s Cannes wardrobe this year. 

Barbara Palvin in Miu Miu

At Cannes 2026, model Barbara Palvin’s custom Miu Miu fit doubled as her pregnancy reveal. Styled by Marc Eram, the powder-blue plissé voile gown featured an empire-waist silhouette, softly pleated cap sleeves and a dramatic feather-trimmed hem that floated as she walked. The ethereal look beautifully highlighted her baby bump while staying true to Miu Miu’s signature style. She paired it with black patent sandals, floral Chopard jewels and soft Hollywood waves, making for one of the best maternity reveal outfits.

Daisy Edgar-Jones in Balenciaga

Daisy Edgar-Jones walked the carpet in a shimmering Balenciaga gown from Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection. Worn for the premiere of Fjord, the semi-sheer draped silhouette featured a daring thigh-high slit and soft fluid detailing that subtly played into Cannes’ ongoing naked dressing trend. Styled by Dani Michelle, the actor paired the look with a dramatic Boucheron diamond tie necklace worn backwards, with soft glam and champagne-toned heels to complete the look.

Aditi Rao Hydari in Tony Ward Couture

Turning away from the sea of predictable neutrals, Aditi Rao Hydari walked the carpet in a metallic lime-green gown from the Tony Ward’s Spring/Summer 2025 Couture collection. Featuring a sculptural one-shoulder silhouette, sweeping cape detail and a daring thigh-high slit, the look stood out for its fluid movement and architectural detailing. Soft waves, barely-there jewellery and luminous makeup allowed the couture moment to take centre stage. 

Diana Penty in Amit Aggarwal

Diana Penty’s custom couture creation by Amit Aggarwal rendered in a dramatic red hue, reimagined traditional Ikat weaving through Aggarwal’s signature architectural lens with fluid metallic textures, corded industrial techniques and 3D sculptural detailing. The asymmetrical silhouette, voluminous draping and intricate glass bead glitch embroidery made it resemble wearable art, while Diana’s sleek wet-look hair and statement burgundy choker added a dose of French-chic drama to the futuristic ensemble.

Which one is your favourite?

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