Published: May 13, 2026 Last Updated 1 minute ago by Esther Ejoh
Fresh from the Met Gala, stars have descended upon the French Riviera for the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, and the red carpet is already delivering moment after moment of pure cinematic glamour.
Taking place from May 12 to 23 along the iconic Croisette promenade, the festival has long been home to some of fashion’s most memorable moments, epitomizing the unabashed movie-star glamour that defines the event.
This year’s festival blends star power with cinematic excellence, featuring new works from auteurs like Justine Triet, Pedro Almodóvar, Jane Schoenbrun, Ron Howard, and Steven Soderbergh, with stars like Kristen Stewart, Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, and Renate Reinsve set to appear. But while the films are the official reason for the gathering, the red carpet has become an equally anticipated spectacle.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this year’s fashion parade is the festival’s recently instated “nude dressing ban” that came into effect in 2025. The directive prohibits nudity, voluminous outfits, and large trains for “decency reasons”—but that has not stopped celebrities from pushing the boundaries of the dress code in creative and breathtaking ways.
From Hollywood veterans to rising stars, here are the most unforgettable looks from the opening ceremony and jury photo call on May 12.
Demi Moore in Jacquemus at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
Demi Moore made a powerful statement at the opening ceremony, arriving in a stunning Jacquemus creation, accessorized with dazzling Chopard jewelry.
The actress, who has been experiencing a significant career renaissance, looked every inch the movie star in a look that balanced modern minimalism with old-Hollywood glamour.
The Jacquemus design featured clean lines and architectural precision, allowing Moore’s natural elegance to shine through without overwhelming her presence.
Demi Moore in Jacquemus at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival jury photo call.
Later that same day, at the jury photo call, Moore appeared in another Jacquemus ensemble, this time opting for something more relaxed yet equally sophisticated.
Her ability to transition seamlessly from red carpet glamour to daytime chic demonstrated exactly why she remains one of the most respected style icons in the industry.
The pairing of two distinct Jacquemus looks in a single day also highlighted the growing relationship between the actress and the brand.
Ruth Negga in Dior at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
Ruth Negga, the Irish-Ethiopian actress known for her chameleon-like ability to transform for roles, brought her signature understated elegance to the Cannes red carpet.
For the opening ceremony, she wore a custom Dior gown that paid homage to the house’s classic silhouettes while incorporating contemporary details that felt fresh and unexpected.
She accessorized with Chopard jewelry, adding just the right amount of sparkle without detracting from the gown’s clean lines.
Ruth Negga in Celine at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival jury photo call.
Later, at the jury photo call, Negga switched to Celine, opting for a look that was effortlessly cool and distinctly modern.
The contrast between her two appearances—one red carpet formal, one daytime chic—showcased her versatility as a fashion icon.
Negga has consistently proven that she does not need excessive embellishment or revealing cuts to make an impression; her power lies in her poise, her confidence, and her impeccable taste.
Jane Fonda in Gucci at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
Jane Fonda, at 88 years old, proved once again that age is nothing but a number when it comes to red carpet dominance.
The legendary actress and activist arrived at the opening ceremony in a striking Gucci gown, accessorized with Pomellato jewelry. Fonda has been a fixture at Cannes for decades, and her presence this year was a reminder of the festival’s rich history and enduring connection to Hollywood royalty.
The Gucci design featured bold proportions and vibrant details that complemented Fonda’s energy and vitality.
Joan Collins in Stéphane Rolland at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
Joan Collins, the beloved actress and author, turned heads at the opening ceremony in a dramatic Stéphane Rolland gown.
Collins has long been known for her glamorous style and her refusal to fade into the background, and this year’s Cannes appearance was no exception. The Stéphane Rolland design featured architectural elements and bold silhouettes that commanded attention.
At 93, Collins continues to embrace fashion as a form of self-expression and joy.
Chloé Zhao in Gabriela Hearst at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony. .
Chloé Zhao, the Oscar-winning director, brought her signature understated style to the Cannes red carpet, wearing Gabriela Hearst for the opening ceremony.
Zhao, known for her thoughtful and deeply humanistic films, has never been one for ostentatious fashion moments. Instead, she opts for looks that reflect her personality: thoughtful, intentional, and quietly powerful.
The Gabriela Hearst design was elegant without being flashy, allowing Zhao’s talent and presence to speak for themselves.
Stellan Skarsgård in Bottega Veneta at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
Stellan Skarsgård, the veteran Swedish actor, brought masculine elegance to the Cannes red carpet in Bottega Veneta. While much of the attention at Cannes naturally focuses on the women’s fashion, the men also use the red carpet to make style statements.
Skarsgård’s choice of Bottega Veneta demonstrated a commitment to modern tailoring and luxurious materials. His look was classic without being boring, sophisticated without being stuffy.
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu in Saint Laurent at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, star of the hit series “Emily in Paris,” represented French chic on the Cannes red carpet in a Saint Laurent gown.
Leroy-Beaulieu has become an unexpected fashion icon thanks to her role as the stylish Sylvie Grateau, and her real-life red carpet choices have only reinforced her status.
The Saint Laurent design was effortlessly elegant, featuring the sharp tailoring and understated sexiness for which the brand is known.
Alia Bhatt in an unnamed designer at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
Alia Bhatt, the Indian actress and producer, made her mark on the Cannes red carpet with a look that celebrated her heritage while embracing global fashion trends.
Bhatt, who has become a fixture at international film festivals in recent years, continues to represent Indian cinema with grace and style.
Her opening ceremony look was a masterclass in cultural fusion, blending traditional elements with contemporary silhouettes.
Kelly Rutherford in Giorgio Armani at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
Kelly Rutherford, beloved for her role in “Gossip Girl,” brought classic American elegance to the Cannes red carpet in a Giorgio Armani gown. Rutherford has become a regular fixture at the festival in recent years, known for her polished and sophisticated style.
The Giorgio Armani design was timeless and refined, featuring the clean lines and luxurious fabrics for which the house is known.
Heidi Klum in Elie Saab at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
Heidi Klum, never one to shy away from a bold fashion moment, arrived at the opening ceremony in an Elie Saab creation that captured the essence of old-Hollywood glamour.
Klum has built a reputation for taking risks on red carpets around the world, from her extravagant Halloween costumes to her daring Met Gala looks.
For Cannes, however, she opted for something more classic and refined, demonstrating her range as a fashion icon.
Caroline Daur in Roksanda at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
Caroline Daur, the German model and influencer, brought a contemporary edge to the Cannes red carpet in a Roksanda gown.
Daur represents a new generation of fashion personalities who blur the lines between traditional celebrity and digital influence.
The Roksanda design was bold and sculptural, featuring the house’s signature use of colour and volume.
Maura Higgins in Andrew Kwon at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.
Maura Higgins, the Irish television personality and model, made her Cannes debut in an Andrew Kwon gown.
Higgins, best known for her appearance on “Love Island,” represents the festival’s embrace of reality television stars alongside traditional film actors.
The Andrew Kwon design was dreamy and dramatic, featuring a silhouette that recalled old Hollywood while feeling thoroughly contemporary.
The 2026 Cannes Film Festival has already delivered some of the most memorable red carpet moments in recent memory, and the festival is only just beginning.
As more stars arrive and more films premiere over the coming days, fashion enthusiasts around the world will be watching closely to see how celebrities interpret the festival’s new dress code while still making bold, memorable statements.
The opening ceremony demonstrated that restrictions can actually inspire creativity; rather than relying on nudity or excessive volume, celebrities are finding new ways to command attention through architectural silhouettes, unexpected fabric choices, and masterful tailoring.
Demi Moore’s double appearance in Jacquemus, Ruth Negga’s Dior-to-Celine transition, and Joan Collins’ triumphant Stéphane Rolland moment all proved that true style is not about how much skin you show or how large your train is. It is about confidence, personality, and the ability to use clothing as a form of self-expression.
As the festival continues through May 23, the world will be watching to see what other unforgettable fashion moments unfold along the Croisette. One thing is certain: the 2026 Cannes Film Festival is already being remembered as a landmark year for red carpet fashion.
Photo: Getty Images
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Esther Ejoh is a Fashion Editor at Fashion Police Nigeria, where she writes all things fashion, beauty, and celebrity style, with a sharp eye and an even sharper pen. She’s the girl who’ll break down a Met Gala look one minute, rave about a Nigerian beauty brand the next, and still find time to binge a movie or get lost in a novel. Style, storytelling, and self-care? That’s her holy trinity.
