Vogue100 and Kering Group hosted a poolside celebration at renowned hotel The Carlton Cannes, raising a glass to the entertainment industry’s most glamorous film festival. At golden hour under a breezy cabana, guests reached for flutes of Champagne, spritzes, and espresso martinis to toast another year of fashion-filled moments.

In anticipation of the evening’s premiere screening of Histoires Parallèles by award-winning director Asghar Farhadi, ensembles were as dazzling as the paparazzi flashes surrounding the historic venue’s Croissette entrance. Think: everything from glittering sequins, hand-beaded floral gowns, and floaty chiffon layers to tasseled bags, satin gloves, velvet bowties, crystal headpieces, and opera glasses. Soon, many would file into black cars and make their way to the famed red carpet just a few blocks away. But first, the conversation captivated—as did the couture.

“Fashion is, and has always has been, a way to not only express yourself, but to reward yourself,” said Laurent Claquin, chief brand officer at Kering Group, which includes the international luxury houses Saint Laurent, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Boucheron, and is also the organizer of the annual star-studded Caring for Women dinner. “I’m so excited to be here with this group. They’re enjoying so much fashion and they look and feel good and smart and that makes me happy,” Claquin said with a smile, adding to the evening’s electric energy. “This is what fashion is all about.”