What do Kirsten Dunst, Penelope Cruz, Uma Thurman have in common? No, it’s not the fact they are three beautiful actresses. It’s the fact that when you put them on the red carpet, they do nothing but shine. At Cannes Film Festival, people may remember the winner of the coveted Palme d’Or, but they’ll also remember the dresses that sparkled, the flawless faces and the figure-hugging numbers that played with the imagination. Here are my highlights from this year’s full-filled festival on the French Riviera:
Calvin Klein La Croisette beach party
Joanne Black style: Myla dress, YSL heels and Sergio Rossi clutch
Calvin Klein parties are a magnet for beautiful women – which makes them ideal for a bit of style spotting. There were a number of contenders for the best-dressed crown. Standing out from the star-studded crowd were both actress Vanessa Hudgens, who wore a flashy yellow Calvin Klein dress, and Jessica Chastain, whose on-trend orangey red number with red sandals and a white clutch caught more than a few eyes. Close behind were top model Laura Stone in a gold figure-hugging dress, which she matched with some beach-friendly flats, Clemence Poesy sporting a 60’s-style white mini shift dress and festival judge Uma Thurman in an embellished black dress.
Olivia Cole, Joanne Black and Dina Rosenmeier
Duran Duran – Belvedere party @ VIP
Joanne Black style: Jitrois leather dress, Alaia belt, YSL shoes and a Chanel bag
Those who go to see Duran Duran in anything other than a rock chic style do so at their peril. This legendary British band is just made to be followed by leather-clad fans in sexy black numbers. With access to the VIP area back stage, I was well-placed to catch all the fashion action. For a second time, Vanessa Hudgens led the way in a stunning black dress and leather jacket – teamed I’d like to add with the same YSL heels I wore! Jamie Foxx also looked cool dressed all in black – perfect for his turn behind the microphone – and jury judge Jude Law was his stylish self in a grey blazer and white T-shirt.
Joanne Black and William Cash
Charles Finch’s 3rd Annual Filmmakers Dinner @ Hotel du Cap Eden Roc
Joanne Black style: YSL jumpsuit and shoes
Find yourself with an invite to one of Charles Finch’s prestigious soirées and you know you’ve arrived. For his guest list is like no other. Setting the style standard, Charles himself was looking as good as ever in a blue shirt and espadrilles from his new brand Chucs. Add Jane Fonda – who wore a dazzling floor-length off-the-shoulder black gown – Mick Jagger and his fantastic designer girlfriend L’Wren Scott (who looked elegant in her own design) and legendary music producer Richard Perry into the mix and it’s not hard to see why the Filmmakers Dinner is still the hottest ticket in town. It was great to see top new couple Emily Browning and Max Irons getting cosy and I also have to mention Tods’ CEO Diego Della, who showed us how the smart/casual look should really be pulled off – wearing a black and white scarf as a tie, with a black shirt (collar standing up), a navy blazer and jeans.
De Grisogono Dinner
& After Party @ Hotel du Cap Eden Roc
Joanne Black and Goldie Hawn
Joanne Black style: Roberto Cavalli gown and de Grisogono diamond Earrings
Fawaz Gruosi, founder of de Grisogono, is a man who understands beauty. He also understands that when you mix dinner with diamonds, dancing and daring dresses, your parties become a mecca for sparkling fashionistas. This party was less about the clothes and more about admiring the bodies being shown off by them. Supermodel Bianca Balti, who arrived with Fawaz, has such a stunning waistline, it was nice to see it in a fringed white dress with a cut out waist. Karolina Kurkova also opted for the cut out style, revealing a little flesh with her dark chocolate brown dress. But the beautiful bodies didn’t stop there. With Goldie Hawn (in a beige floor-length silk fish skin effect Alberto Feretti dress), Ex Vogue editor Carine Roitfield in a sexy lace number, Naomi Campbell in full-length gown and Georgina Chapman in a short white piece of her own collection, there were plenty of well-toned and well-heeled wonders to observe. Designer Eva Cavalli also deserves a mention for leaving her dress at home, throwing out tradition and sporting a stylish black tux.
AmfAR Cinema Against AIDS L’Oreal Party @ Hotel du Cap Eden Rock
Goldie Hawn dressed by Joanne Black
Lanvin gown
Another party at Eden Roc, another opportunity for Goldie Hawn to show us just what it takes to be a leading lady in the style stakes. Wearing a soft pink Roberto Cavalli one-shoulder gown with diamante round the waist, de Grisogono earrings and a gold Shamballa bracelet, she took centre stage at this stunning event, designed to raise money for AIDS research. Of course, hers wasn’t the only stand-out performance. Also opting for a pale gown with diamante detailing was – the now Princess of Monaco – Charlene Wittstock. Supermodel Karolina Kurkova made an entrance in a short halterneck white Chanel number with gold chains, Gwen Stefani stepped out in a glitzy black halterneck gown with a fish tail and gold belt and L’Oreal model Doutzen Kroes took a turn in an orange mini dress with gold heels, a gold cuff and a blue clutch. And, not to be outdone, the men also gave us something to pour over – actor Sean Penn worked the all-in-black look (complete with skinny tie) and Renzo Rosso sported a trendy tux with a T-shirt and chain.
