Cannes Fashion Through the Years
Our favorite dresses from the famous film festival.
By Abby Gardner
May 16, 2012 2:00 PM
Cameron Diaz, 2002
Sheer and sexy was the look for Cameron while promoting Gangs of New York with Leo, Marty, et al.
Angelina Jolie, 2008
Only Angelina could look this chic while incredibly pregnant with twins. Well done, designer Max Azria.
Angelina Jolie, 2009
Angie showed off a very different body than her pregnant-with-twins moment in nude Versace.
Cate Blanchett, 2006
Cate has long supported Alexander McQueen on the red carpet, especially in the south of France.
Beyoncé, 2006
Bright blue House of Deréon definitely suited B as she promoted Dreamgirls.
Carey Mulligan, 2010
We love Carey's buttoned-up Azzaro which stands out in a sea of skin.
Cate Blanchett, 2010
Few other actresses could pull off this McQueen dress so spectacularly. It was a chic tribute to the designer.
Catherine Deneuve, 1966
You can't do a Cannes retrospective without Deneuve. Excuse us while we now go stream Umbrellas of Cherbourg on Netflix.
Charlize Theron, 2004
Charlize looks lovely in any shade, but this light blue Christian Dior is especially gorgeous.
Claudia Schiffer, 2009
This black D&G dress is very reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn, non?
Penelope Cruz, 2006
This frothy yellow dress is one of many gorgeous frocks Penelope has donned for Cannes.
Diane Kruger, 2009
The intricate details of this ivory silk Marchesa gown are insanely beautiful. As is Diane's pitch-perfect hair and makeup.
Elizabeth Hurley, 1998
It might not be her most famous dress—that would be the safety pins—but it was certainly one of the hot colors of 1998.
Eva Longoria, 2010
Though it's unclear what Eva was doing at Cannes, she does look all sorts of sparkly and pretty in her Naeem Khan gown.
Eva Mendes, 2007
Eva kills it in an animal print that only Dolce & Gabbana could design.
Michelle Williams & Ryan Gosling, 2010
This picture pretty much defines "resort chic", don't you think?
Goldie Hawn, 2008
Flowy and a little bit boho always seems right for Goldie. Though we'd probably ditch the shades.
Gwyneth Paltrow, 2008
This black and blue dress was straight off the Chanel Cruise runway and the low-V looked sexy, yet refined.
Halle Berry, 2006
This Reem Acra dress fit Halle like a glove. And showed off all of her finest assets.
Helen Mirren, 2007
Every red carpet gets a little classier when Dame Helen steps onto it. We especially love this sunny yellow chiffon pick.
Laura Herring & Naomi Watts, 2001
Laura and Naomi vamped it up while debuting their sexy noir film Mulholland Drive.
Jennifer Aniston & Brad Pitt, 2004
Jen trotted out this champagne-colored Versace halter while helping then-hubby Brad promote Troy.
Hilary Swank, 2005
We love when Hilary goes super-feminine with her fashion choices like this quintessentially Chanel choice in 2005.
Jennifer Lopez, 2010
It takes a diva like J. Lo to pull off the pink feathers on the skirt of this Roberto Cavalli gown.
Jessica Alba, 2005
Yes, that's Jessica doing the blonde bombshell updo. But she keeps the fashion simple with this strapless column dress and it really, really works.
Jessica Simpson, 2007
Before she became a mini-fashion mogul, Jess was trying the movie star route. She definitely looked the part in navy blue Hervé Leger.
Julianne Moore, 2008
Not everyone was a fan of this Christian Lacroix Haute Couture gown, but we loved how daring it was.
Penelope Cruz, 2003
It's really all about the amazing statement necklace by Dior.
Kirsten Dunst, 2006
This covered-up Rochas gown was simple yet totally regal. And the pale violet color was divine.
Kirsten Dunst, 2010
We hadn't seen Kirsten look this chic since her last trip to Cannes. But she blew us away with her platinum hair and bright blue Chanel.
Kate Beckinsale, 2010
As a jury member, Kate was all over the festival last year. This draped Temperley London dress was our favorite.
Madonna, 1991
Sometimes we really miss Gaultier-cone-bra-wearing Madge. She was fun to watch!
Madoona, 2008
Okay, Madonna is still fun to watch...just in a different way. The fringe on this Chanel seems perfect for the dance floor.
Marion Cotillard, 2007
Does it get more effortlessly French chic than this? We love this Armani strapless dress and that long necklace as a simple accessory.
Naomi Watts, 2010
Dear Naomi: May we please borrow this Diane von Furstenberg dress for the summer?
Natalie Portman, 2008
This purple Lanvin cocktail dress has just the right amount of ruffles.
Natalie Portman, 2005
A simple black dress and a freshly-shaved head were all Natalie needed to look stunning at the Kiss Kiss Bang Bang premiere.
Nicole Kidman, 2003
We wish Nicole would start wearing more bright colors again. This Christian Lacroix for Emilio Pucci looks fantastic on her ivory skin.
Penelope Cruz, 2004
Pen really shines on the French Riviera. This look avec chapeau is retro chic in a way most wish they could pull off.
Robin Wright, 2009
The former Mrs. Penn shows off her amazing figure in a simple green sheath.
Salma Hayek, 2005
Jury member member Salma looks super sexy in black lace with a red ribbon belted accent.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, 2006
Maybe we'll never get used to seeing Buffy all dressed up, but we love the black and nude pairing and that jeweled belt.
Scarlett Johansson, 2005
In the sea of long gowns, ScarJo's cocktail length Imitation of Christ dress was a breath of fresh air.
Sharon Stone, 1995
The outrageous Sharon Stone brings out her best material (and outfits) for the festival's big AmFar auction each year. It wouldn't be the same without her—or her silver sequin jumpsuits.
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Tilda Swinton, 2004
You can always count on Tilda to bring avant-garde style, here in the form of a very literally Grecian draped gown.
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