WHO WORE WHAT?.....Cannes Film Festival: Closing Ceremony Red Carpet

WHO WORE WHAT?.....Cannes Film Festival: Closing Ceremony Red Carpet

 Fringed Uma: Actress Uma Thurman arriving at Sunday's Cennes 2017 Film Festival Closing Ceremony, Cannes France

This past Sunday was the Closing Ceremony for the 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival. Cannes 2017 was full of lots of film premieres and fabulous red carpet moments which I covered HERE, HERE and HERE. Now, it was time for the Grand Finale of Cannes 2017 when the Jury gave out the coveted Palme d'Or as well as other top awards, including the Grand Prix, the Best Actor and Best Actress as well as many others. And it was also time for one final Cannes Red Carpet...at least for this year. Let's take a look at Who Wore What...at Cannes 2017 Closing Ceremony:

Uma Thurman in Custom Atelier Versace: The see-through "Naked Dress" is quite popular these days on the red carpet so it was not a shocker to see one on the very fit and statuesque Uma Thurman. Uma--who was the President of the Jury for "Un Certain Regard" selection of films at Cannes 2017--was giving her best Cher/Bob Mackie-like moment (even with the straight center-parted hair!) in this shimmering gold sequined gown filled with thousands of gold sequins draped over her body on a nude based gown. The "stars" of the gown were the shimmying gold beaded fringe that really made for an impacting entrance and red carpet walk into the Cannes 2017 Closing Ceremony. I thought she looked quite spectacular. What was not spectacular were all the fallen gold beads that trailed her as she walked the red carpet...

This is a hand-sewn Atelier Versace gown, after all, so we know EVERY SINGLE ONE of those beads was sewn by hand so I am sure they were all, literally, hanging by a thread. As a designer I have been there, receiving one of my cherished sequined gowns back after a big red carpet event, and to my dismay, seeing how 1/4 of the beads ended up on the (red carpet) floor. I'm sure no one cared at Versace; it's just another day on the "Couture Carpet".

Fan Bingbing in Atelier Versace Spring 2017: Another Atelier Versace Diva was the Chinese actress, fashion muse--and Cannes 2017 Jury member--Fan Bingbing, who decided to wear one of Donatella's Haute Couture designs for the Cannes 2017 Closing Ceremony. Bingbing wore this blue-gray tulle gown from Atelier Versace Spring/Summer 2017 collection. 

Fan Bingbing in Atelier Versace Spring 2017

The gown followed in the "Naked Dress" trend with see-through details juxtaposed with Swarovski crystal-encrusted boning that was strategically hand-sewn throughout the gown, forming a mermaid-like caged silhouette at the bottom...all covered in silk tulle with fan accents. That last part was kind of fabulous: Fan Bingbing wore a gown...with FAN accents! 

Jessica Chastain in Zuhair Murad Spring 2017 Couture: Cannes 2017 Jury member Jessica Chastain went 1940's Old Hollywood Glamour in this ivory silk gown from Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017. The gown featured a sweetheart neckline, sharp cap sleeves, and side pleated cascade folds. Originally, when the style was shown on the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week runway (back in January), it was in black (or more like a "midnight blue").

Jessica Chastain in Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

But for Chastain, it was customized and changed to the white color, which I do think was a wise choice, especially for the porcelain skinned/red haired actress. While the color was changed, the red sequins remained. I thought she looked beautiful (the lipstick color matched the red sequins PERFECTLY!) and I especially loved the open back of the gown and dramatic back overskirt/fall.

Diane Kruger in custom Jonathan Simkhai: Cannes 2017 Best Actress winner Diane Kruger, wore a black gown from U.S. designer Jonathan Simkhai. The gown featured a strapless-like silhouette with fitted bust cups, a fit-to-flare gown silhouette and billowy "Renaissance"-like off-the-shoulder sleeves. While it wasn't so much of a "Fashion" statement (in the likes of the Fan Bingbing's or Aiswarya Rai Bachchan's), it was on par with what "Best Actress" nominees have been doing lately at previous top awards shows...keeping it safe and not too Fashion With a Capital "F" (much to my disappointment). 

Peasant Sleeve Boy: Jonathan Simkhai Fall 2017

In case you might be wondering who designer Jonathan Simkhai is (not a red carpet "household" designer name, although he's dressed MANY celebs), he began his design line in 2010 and in 2015, he was the winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. And he's known for those off-the-shoulder Boho/Peasant Gal-meets-Renaissance sleeve details. It's kind of his "thang". Or at least, it should be now!

Monica Bellucci in Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Spring 2017: The Cannes 2017 Closing Ceremony host, Italian actress Monica Bellucci wore a black gown from Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Spring/Summer 2017. The Opera-inspired collection was shown in Milan back in January and is the Haute Couture arm of the Italian fashion brand. In other words, these are Made-to-Order designs, one-of-a-kind (unless several clients order it!), and prices begin at about $50,000 per dress and go up and up and up.

Elizabethan Bellucci: Mistress of the 2017 Cannes Closing Ceremony, Monica Bellucci in cut velvet hand-made Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Spring/Summer 2017

Monica's black handsewn cut velvet-and-sequins gown--as it was originally shown on the runway--was Tea-length and featured puffy sleeves...and yes, that Elizabethan ruff collar. For Monica, it was changed--the puffy sleeves were gone, and the length was made longer by adding a black lace tulle layer with gathered tulle crinoline under-petticoat, to exaggerate the Mermaid-like shape. La Diva Bellucci always looks great in black and figure-hugging shapes. And it was an Italian "Double-Double" to have her wear Dolce & Gabbana for this prime hosting gig.

Finally, I wanted to add French actress Eva Green--even though this wasn't from the Cannes 2017 Closing Ceremony...but she looked so chic and the dress was interesting enough to mention it here: 

Eva Green at the "Based on a True Story" Cannes 2017 Film Premiere in Alexander McQueen Spring 2017: Eva Green wore this intricate silver sequins and black and silver lace gown from Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2017 "Celtic"-inspired collection. Following on the Red Carpet Gown Trend of the "Naked Dress", the design featured the HOT HOT HOT see-through look, with an under-corselette featuring black boning, very elaborate--and exquisite--sequined applique over nude tulle work and puffy sleeves (with gathered tulle inside of it to "puff" the cap)...

Details of Eva Green's Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2017 gown--Cannes 2017

This is THE NEXT LEVEL of gowns. Stunning, modern-yet-Edwardian, with nods to the 20's/30's as well, and very red carpet fabulous. A work of gown art.

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress": The Top Ten "Best" According to Miss World Judges...Really?

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress": The Top Ten "Best" According to Miss World Judges...Really?

World Fashion Designer Top 10: Maybe, Maybe Not--Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" Event, Sanya China

Photos courtesy of MissWorld.com

Events leading up to the Finals of the 65th Annual Miss World Beauty Pageant are occurring this past week. The Finals are December 19th but yesterday there was a "Preliminary" event for the Miss World--World Fashion Designer Dress Event, where all the 100+ contestants wore ensembles/gowns made by designers from their home countries. Tomorrow are the Finals of this event where the Miss World Top Model and World Designer Award fashion gala take place.

But at the Preliminary event, the contestants modeled their designs in front of the judges and the Top Ten "World Designer Dresses" were chosen. Here they are in alphabetical order (country-wise).

I'm not so sure these would have been my Top Ten Best Designer Dresses/Ensembles, in fact I would have probably put one or two in my "Uh Oh!" List. Not so sure what "Designer Dress" Kool-Aid the judges were drinking but here were their choices..

Miss Bosnia and Herzegovina Marijana Marcovic: Right away, I have an issue with this big ol' mess being named as Top Ten Miss World 2015 "Best World Fashion Designer Dress". This cha-cha black and silver trimmed design was created by Carmen Line according to the Miss World website. It is tacky and very "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". The pointed strapless neckline is not just obnoxious but would be ripped to shreds by any red carpet correspondent if this was ever worn at a red carpet event. It's BAD.

Miss Brazil Catharina Choi: Catharina wore this midnight blue lace gown designed by Olga Blanc. It's OK; nothing extraordinary. I've seen these styles in the back of an "After Five" Dress section at Macy's. I think that a gown worn at the "Miss World--World Fashion Designer Dress" event should be just a little more Haute and a little less department store-like. Maybe it's just me.

Miss Cote D'Ivoire Andrea N'Guessan: I actually like this mustard yellow jumpsuit with vest/cape design worn by Andrea. It's elegant, contemporary and makes a strong impact. I especially love her accessorizing; the gold earrings, gold belt, and THAT head-turban is EVERYTHING! I just wished that the top was a bit more interesting--an asymmetrical drape/pleat perhaps. The princess-seamed pattern to this silhouette is very "Design School 101".

Miss Guadeloupe Arlene Tacite: Arlene wore this ivory crepe gown with blue sequin applique featuring a strapless bustier designed by Jessica Jordan. I liked this. Once again, it's not very innovative--design-wise but it is quite nice; maybe that's the criteria I need to be considering. At least it fits well and the length is perfect.

Miss India Aditi Arya: I expected much more from a Miss World India. Seriously. This gold and ivory sequined column gown designed by Monisha Jaising is, again, just OK, but nothing spectacular. I could see this dress at a department store...or in the Downtown L.A. Garment District.

Miss Indonesia Maria Harfanti: Maria wore this blue and ivory gown which evokes a possible "Ming Vase" inspiration. The gown was designed and created by private clientele designer brand Windy Chandra Couture. It's nice but certainly not on the scale of an UBER fabulous Guo Pei creation.

Miss Italy Greta Galassi: Greta wore this golden and silver/pewter colored satin-and-sequined gown from Erasmo Fiorentino. The design featured some cut-out's and peek-a-boo's. It had a hint of "Art Deco" but I just don't understand why this ended up as a Top Ten. The sketch was better than Greta wearing it. I think on a dark-skinned contestant, this might have had a bit more of an impact, but on her, it was a "meh".

Miss Mongolia Anu Namshyrin: Anu wore this white illusion, chiffon and silver sequin gown designed by Tserenlkhagva Khuyag-Ochi. It featured sheer sleeves, 80's shoulders, and a drop waist silhouette. This was a bit wedding gown vibe to the dress; too cutesy and too Mother-of-the-Bride--or maybe the father's Mistress(!)...at a Russian millionaire's wedding. Just saying.

Miss Puerto Rico Keysi Vargas: Keysi's black nude netting/illusion with black sequin applique gown , designed by Jose Karlo, was one of the better ones chosen in the Top Ten Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" event. I loved the architectural aspect of the design and sharp shoulder/front detail, as well as the contrast fabric knit long sleeve top section. I just wished the sequined lace applique would have started a little lower in her hips/thigh area; it was just a little too close to her "Uh Oh" regions.

Miss Vietnam Tran Ngoc Lan Khue: Not sure how this rather plainly-designed ombre-hued blood red-to-yellow gown ended up as one of the Top ten best. The off the shoulder dress was designed by Ly Qui Khanh. I think this was rather basic and not memorable. And certainly not "Best World Designer Dress" material.



*UP NEXT: MY CHOICES for BEST Miss World 2015 "World Designer Dresses"...and the OH DEAR!

WHO WORE WHAT?.....Cannes Film Festival 2017 Day 1-3: Top 10 Best Dressed

WHO WORE WHAT?.....Cannes Film Festival 2017 Day 1-3: Top 10 Best Dressed

Belle of the Cannes Ball: Bollywood Diva and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at 2017 Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet "Okja" Screening, Cannes Frances

This week is the 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival and you know what that means: RED CARPET FABULOUSNESS!!!! The Cannes Film Festival--and its very long red carpet--has always been a Fashion Extravaganza--but lately, in the last few years with the advent of Victoria's Secret Supermodels and random international actresses/fashion influencers, the Cannes Red Carpet has become the equivalent of the Academy Awards-meets-The Met Ball when it comes to Couture. Maybe there's something about being in the South of France...or that it is after all, Cannes, but...it has gotten the reputation of being a Red Carpet Heaven when it comes to actresses/models displaying extraordinary style.

Prom Queens: Dakota Fanning in Vivienne Westwood Couture, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Michael Cinco Couture and Araya A. Hargate in Olivier Theyskens--70th Annual Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet, Cannes France

For this 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, there seems to be a main Style Trend: 90's Prom-a-Licious. Lots of BIG BALLGOWNS, lots of late 80's/early 90's silhouettes, lots of POUF's (where's Christian Lacroix when you really need him??) long gloves and Prom-like necklaces. Here are my Top Ten Red Carpet Goddesses of Day 1-3:

Aishwayra Rai Bachchan in Michael Cinco Fall 2017: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dropped the COUTURE Mic with this stunning baby blue silk organza/applique gown from Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco and his Michael Cinco Couture Fall/Winter 2017 "Infanta Maria Theresa" collection...

Gown Fab: If there was ever a moment to wear this--and wear it for free (as opposed to the $100,000+ it probably costs to order it!), it would be the Cannes Film Festival so...Kudos to Aishwarya and her Stylist for choosing this for her. #Love

Deepika Padukone in Brandon Maxwell: Styled by  A-list celebrity stylist Elizabeth Salzman (who styles Gwenyth Paltrow and Uma Thurman), Denmark-born Bollywood Indian actress and L'Oreal Global Ambassador Deepika Padukone, wore this green gown from Lady Gaga favorite designer Brandon Maxwell on Day 2 of the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. The one shoulder gown was daring, sexy and column fabulous, featuring a high side-front slit opening, and beautiful back drape "fall" detail. One of the BEST LOOKS from 2017 Cannes Days 1-3.

Araya A. Hargate in Olivier Theyskens Spring 2017: British-Thai actress--and recent Red Carpet Darling--Araya A "Chompoo" Hargate, was very much on the 90's prom Trend Vibe when she delighted the 2017 Cannes Red Carpet Paparazzi in this black strapless gown from French designer Olivier Theyskens--formerly of Nina Ricci,  Rochas and Theory. He has his own namesake line now and Araya seems to be the perfect muse for it--at least for one day at Cannes. I thought she looked quite elegant, sexy and 90's Prom Retro--the gloves, the shape of the gown...the necklace...it was all On-Trend!

Araya A. "Chompoo" Hargate in Ralph & Russo Spring 2017 Couture: Araya landed in my Top Favorite 2017 Cannes Red Carpet Looks of Day 1-3 TWICE, and here's my second pick--this look of a white gown with white silk cape covered with crystals and ostrich feathers--from British design line Ralph & Russo and their Spring 2017 Couture collection. She's got a bit of a baby bump and looked quite beautiful and dare I say sexy-appropriate! Love the Cannes Drama of that cape. This is how you show up to Cannes darlings!

Sara Sampaio in Zuhair Murad Spring 2017: Portuguese model--and Victoria's Secret Angel--Sara Sampaio--dazzled at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival in one of my favorite gowns so far--this fire-red design from Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad and his Spring/Summer 2017 Couture collection. The ballgown featured "fireworks"-like hand sewn sequins over a silk organza and crinoline tulle base with a full A-line shape skirt and semi-plunging neckline. As you can see, the silk satin draped waist piece was removed and I think that was a good idea!

Fan Bingbing in Elie Saab Spring 2017 Couture: Next up on my Day 1-3 2017 Cannes Red Carpet Favorite Looks is this blue gown worn by Chinese actress and Fashion Diva Fan Bingbing. The gown is from Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab and his Spring/Summer 2017 Couture collection. I absolutely love this dress; the delicate torso hand pleating is gorgeous as well as the soft yet drama-fab look of the attached gathered neckline cape. She looks like the Empress of a country...at a black tie official dinner event! 

Elle Fanning in Vivienne Westwood Couture: Actress and one of the newest L'Oreal Brand Ambassadors Elle Fanning, looked marvelous and so on the 90's Prom Fab Trend with this white strapless ballgown from Vievienne Westwood Couture. The gown was custom-made for her and the artwork was hand painted, naturally.  Westwood's team said that it took 10 people to work on the dress and it took more than 300 hours to finish over the course of ten days. It was very pretty and so Grace Kelly-at-Cannes-like...for the 21st Century.

Julianne Moore in Givenchy Couture: American actress Julianne Moore looked like a modern fashion Diva, in this red gown from Givenchy Couture Spring/Summer 2017 that she wore for the 2017 Cannes Opening Night Gala and "Ismael's Ghosts" (Les Fantômes d’Ismaël) Screening. The gown--in its original form--was in a light peach color, but for Julianne , it was created in a strong Red Carpet RED! The dress featured hand applied feathered applique and if you look closely, she was wearing matching silk lace pants under it. I loved it! It was directional, fashion-fab and unique, in a good way! Moore would probably have never worn something like this in the U.S. (too "out there" for that market!) but I give her points for "going there" in Cannes France.

Uma Thurman in Atelier Versace Fall 2016: What U.S. actress Uma Thurman is wearing on the 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival Opening Night "Ismael's Ghosts (Les Fantômes d’Ismaël)" Screening Gala is my 9th favorite Red Carpet look of 2017 Cannes Film Festival Day 1-3. Thurman chose a pink body-hugging gown from Atelier Versace Fall/Winter 2016 collection. The pleated drape across her off-the-shoulder neckline was exquisite as well as in the front of the dress. The gown was fitted to a 1/4" of her life! She looked DIVINE!

Lily Collins in Johanna Ortiz Spring 2017: Lastly, I wanted to give "2017 Cannes Red Carpet Props" to the beautiful Lily Collins in this chic and fashion-forward ensemble from designer Johanna Ortiz which she wore for the "Okja" photocall in Cannes. Colombian designer Ortiz is known for her "Oscar de la Renta"-like poufs and ruffles and I absolutely loved this striped top and sequined pencil skirt outfit on the lovely Lily Collins at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. She dazzled and looked Muy Chic!