· By Pamela James

Black Dresses Redefined Glamour at Cannes Film Festival 2023

Among the dazzling array of colors at the star-studded night and a sea of flashbulbs illuminating the Cannes Film Festival, one hue reigns supreme, delighting our hearts and minds with its magnetic charm—Black! 

But we should have been prepared to witness such fame of color black at this summer’s red carpet. Why?  

Because the festival's poster featured the iconic Catherine Deneuve in black ensemble. And it only make sense that celebrities took —(a ton of) inspiration from it.

From sultry silhouettes to mesmerizing embellishments, these marvelous black ensembles hold an enigmatic aura that only a black dress can evoke.

Are you ready to be captivated? 

Here are 14 irresistible black outfits from the Festival de Cannes that are sure to become this season's fashion trends-

1. Dua Lipa in Celine

Dua Lipa was enthralling in a stunning one-shoulder black Celine gown with asymmetrical slashes. The satin creation featured intricate cutouts along her midriffs, an alluring open back, and a sultry thigh-high slit that showcased her toned legs. 

The singer accessorized with exquisite Tiffany & Co. jewels, including a diamond bracelet and yellow-gold detailed drop earrings. 

Her dark mane was swept up into a chignon, framed by dramatic cheekbone-grazing bangs styled by celebrity hairdresser Rio Sreedharan. 

Makeup artist Samantha Lau enhanced her beauty with a subtle smoky eye and a nude-pink lip. 

Dua Lipa Wore Celine At Cannes - Paloma St James

Image source: Getty Images

2. Rosie Huntington-Whitely in Valentino

Whitely made a thoughtful choice for her outfit at festival de Cannes from the Valentino Spring 2023 couture collection. 

Her backless black dress included a striking white bow at the hip and a daring ultra-high side slit. The ensemble showcased a combination of full-sleeve and sleeveless detailing that gave off modern-sophistication vibes. 

Completing the monochrome look were sleek black heels, while dangling diamond earrings and elegant silver bracelets. 

Her half-up, half-down hairstyle looked effortlessly glamorous, and the makeup embraced a clean matte finish with softly blushed cheeks. 

A captivating combination of soft smokey eyes, sleek eyeliner, mascara-laden lashes, and a neutral matte pout rounded off her appearance.

Rosie huntington-whitely wore Valentino at Cannes 2023

Image source: Getty Images

3. Anok Yai in Balenciaga

Anok Yai, the often sought-out model, dazzled in a one-shoulder gown by Balenciaga couture. The design featured ruching, an asymmetrical hemline, and a dramatic train at the side. 

Complementing the gown, Anok sported a flapper-style bob for a modern twist. The sheer tulle mermaid skirt beautifully showcased her curved figure, while Boucheron jewelry refined look further. 

Anok Yai effortlessly embodied elegance and modernity with her look at Cannes 2023, making a lasting impression as a true fashion icon that she is.

Anok yai wore balenciaga at cannes 2023

Images source: Getty Images

4. Rosé in YSL

K-pop idol Rosé bewitched onlookers in a sleek black Saint Laurent gown as she made her debut at Cannes Film Festival on 17 May 2023. As a brand ambassador for the French luxury fashion house, she effortlessly showcased their timeless elegance. 

With her iconic light-pink hair elegantly styled in a neat bun and minimalist earrings adorning her ears, Rosé exuded simplicity and sophistication. 

The media value of her Cannes red carpet appearance reached an impressive $6.6 million, solidifying her status as a prominent Asian celebrity at the star-studded event.

Rosé in YSL at Cannes 2023

Images source: Getty Images

5. Laura Harrier in YSL 

The White Men Can't Jump actress showcased an elegant black floor-length gown by Saint Laurent. The strapless ensemble featured a draped matching sash that encircled her neck and cascaded down her back, accentuating her graceful silhouette. 

With a plunging scooped neckline and subtle ruched details on the bodice, Harrier's dress exuded sleek & refined style. 

She tastefully accessorized Bulgari jewels, including dangling diamond earrings and a statement ring. 

Harrier opted for a middle-parted hairstyle, sweeping her hair behind her ears to highlight the ensemble. 

Laura Harrier in YSL  at cannes 2023

Images source: Getty Images

6. Calista Flockhart in Zuhair Murad

The 58-year-old actress gracefully donned a charming long A-line skirt that cascaded with fluid elegance, effortlessly capturing attention of paparazzies with every graceful movement. 

Paired with the skirt, she chose a structured bodice in alluring black tulle, which artfully embraced her figure and accentuated her innate beauty.

The intricately designed bodice revealed a plunging neckline. Crafted from delicate fabrics, it draped her silhouette with an exquisite balance of femininity.  

We must say, Calista's choice of this ensemble seamlessly blended classic charm with a modern twist.

Calista Flockhart in Zuhair Murad at Cannes 2023

Images source: Getty Images

7. Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Schiaparelli 

Phoebe totally stunned us in a black mermaid dress from the French-Italian house's SS23 couture collection. 

The slinky bodice exuded 90s slip dress vibes, while gathered material at her feet created a dramatic silhouette. Opting for a minimalist approach, she let her black opera gloves speak for themselves. 

Embodying old Hollywood allure, Phoebe rocked this Schiaparelli gown with spaghetti straps and monochrome black gloves for a vintage charm. 

Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Schiaparelli  at Cannes 2023

Images source: Getty Images

8. Kristine Dunst in Chanel

Dazzling on the Cannes red carpet, the Spider-Man star embraced a strapless silhouette in her attire for Power of the Dog premier. The gown showcased a gauzy draped skirt with a captivating side slit and a flounced hem. 

Enhancing the simplicity of the piece, Dunst adorned herself with a gleaming diamond statement necklace and stud earrings, infusing her look with a burst of sparkling glamor.

To complete her ensemble, Dunst elegantly slipped into a pair of glossy sleek heeled sandals, adding the perfect finishing touch. 

Kristine Dunst in Chanel at Cannes 2023

Images source: Getty Images

9. Anais Demoustier in Dior 

Anais Demoustier presided at Cannes Film Festival as the president of Caméra d’Or Jury.

Embracing luxury from the house of Dior, the French actress donned a mesmerizing Dior Haute Couture dress that emanated a strikingly simple silhouette.

This glorious creation had a sleek and tailored bodice, accentuating Anais’s slender waist and framing her shoulders with grace. From the bodice, the fabric cascaded into a flowing skirt, effortlessly pooling around her feet as she moved. 

But what truly caught our eye was the masterful combination of structure and fluidity that created an alluring balance.

Anais Demoustier in Dior at cannes 2023

Images source: Getty Images

10. Iris Law in YSL

Iris Law, the  model and daughter of Jude Law, graced the Cannes premiere of Monster in a mesmerizing all-black ensemble from Saint Laurent's fall 2023 collection. 

Her look exuded sensual elegance as she wore a sheer, lace-trimmed camisole top with a velvet strip along the chest. Tucked into a belted see-through skirt, she added transparent black tights and sleek leather slingback pumps. 

Unique touches included black leather gloves, a chunky gold bangle, and matching gold hoop earrings. 

With glossy black pumps featuring an angular gold heel and buckle, Law exuded a confident and edgy style.

Iris Law in YSL at cannes 2023

Images source: Wire Image

11. Ludivine Sagnier in Michael Kors

The 43-year-old actress strutted the prestigious steps for the film Monster by Hirokazu Kore-eda. 

Her standout ensemble featured an asymmetrical black floor-length dress from Michael Kors, which included a modestly sheer petticoat that revealed tantalizing glimpses of her skin infusing an ultra-sexy allure to her outfit. 

With her passion for the brand, Ludivine Sagnier opted for a minimalist chic look that epitomized a true show-stopping glamor on the Cannes red carpet.

Ludivine Sagnier in Michael Kors at cannes 2023

Images source: Getty Images

12. Soo Joo Park in YSL 

Soo Joo Park, a vision of fearless style, stole the spotlight at Cannes 2023. Defying convention, she graced the red carpet stairs in a custom YSL creation adorned with sparkly lattice sequin embellishments. 

The mesmerizing column dress showcased her avant-garde fashion sense. But what truly took our breath away were her striking Chopard emerald earrings that electrified pop of color to the ensemble.

Saint Laurent Baliqua sandals completed her daring and unforgettable look.

Soo Joo Park in YSL at cannes 2023

Images source: Getty Images

13. Sara Sampaio in Sophie Couture Gown

At the Killers of the Flower Moon premiere in Cannes 2023, Sara Sampaio made our jaws dropped in a voluminous multi-layered black gown from Sophie couture.

The lower portion of the dress gracefully fanned outward, added drama and concealing her toned legs.

To elevate her ensemble, the Portuguese supermodel adorned herself with sparkling jewelry to infuse extra elements of shimmer and shine to her look.

Her gorgeous brunette hair cascaded down her back, perfectly complementing the dark tone of her attire.

Sara Sampaio in Sophie couture gown at cannes 2023

Images source: Getty Images

14. Gong Li in Maison Alaïa

In a daring fashion move, Gong Li defied the summer heat with a striking all-black ensemble by Alaïa. The unexpected choice of a turtleneck and ball skirt for a sunny film festival on the French Riviera piqued curiosity. 

Whether it was a testament to her signature all-black style or a nod to gothic glamor, the turtleneck left us  intrigued. Perhaps its purpose was simply to serve as a backdrop for the tantalizing Imperio de Cartier High Jewelry necklace. 

However, this bold fashion statement showcased her fearless approach to style and leaving us wanting to unravel the reasoning behind her captivating choice.

Gong Li wore maison alaia at Cannes 2023

Images source: Getty Images

 

Final Thoughts

As we conclude our journey through the ultimate world of black dresses at the Cannes Film Festival, we are left speechless by its mesmerizing elegance. 

These exquisite creations, each more captivating than the last, showcased the epitome of modern luxury and timeless sophistication. 

Until we meet again, you take inspiration from the above list of show-stopping outfits. We’d love to hear how you incorporate these styles in your wardrobe. So drop in the comments right below & for more future updates on style, fashion, news on Avant grade fashion events, make sure to subscribe our blog now!