Last Week, Stars Went for Red Carpet Elegance and Sharp Tailoring

Last week, the opening of the Cannes Film Festival and the occasion of network television’s “upfronts” (where highlights of future series are debuted to advertisers amid glittery spectacle) could have resulted in some OTT fashion statements on the red carpet. However, something surprising, subtler and more impactful occurred. At Cannes, for example, smart tailoring made its mark with Chloë Sevigny arriving to the festival in a pinstriped Mugler blazer and bike shorts. The actress, whose film The Dead Don’t Die opened the festival, managed to set the tone for daywear for all who followed. And for the premieres, where ballgowns and skin-reveals can be the norm, there were instead real and clever spins on personal style. Take Tilda Swinton’s futuristic chainmail and crystal Haider Ackermann, a stunning continuation of a decade’s worth of collaboration between designer and muse. Or Cannes jury member Elle Fanning’s exuberant wearing of a saccharine-sweet floral Valentino: overkill on anyone else, perfect on this youthful talent who knows her own mind.

Back in Hollywood, rising stars opted for left-of-field fashion choices when promoting their latest projects. At the premiere of her horror film Ma, Diana Silvers stood out in crystal-embellished Miu Miu with strategic cutouts. In pastel Thom Browne suiting, Belgian actress Eline Powell enlivened Walt Disney’s upfronts, bringing catwalk direction and glam to a corporate presentation. Smart women, brilliant choices.