Every year, the Cannes Film Festival is all about generating buzz: Industry bigwigs descend upon the even to find out who’s hot, up-and-coming, and a fresh new voice in filmmaking. (This year, alone young talents like Jordan Firstman or Kristine Froseth have been such names on people’s lips.) But that being said, there is also an alluring charm to the Hollywood legends milling about the festival—the notable names who have been doing this for years (or decades). And it just so happens that the 50+ crowd has been behind some of the best red carpet looks of the week.
Call it mature style, but these red carpet veterans bring along a certain sense of wisdom, elegance, gravitas and drama to the function. After decades in the spotlight, after all, such big-screen icons have clearly refined what works for them—and they have Hollywood glamour down pat. Take Dame Joan Collins in her white ruffled Stephane Rolland gown, or Jane Fonda in her slinky black sequined Gucci number this past week; These stars have earned the audacity to go bold, and their looks scream capital-F fabulosity as a result.
Seeing celebrities like Isabelle Huppert slip into a bright-red flowing Gucci gown, or Demi Moore in her hot-pink bowed Matières Fécales dress, is especially refreshing, given that ageism in Hollywood is very much well-documented; There is this archaic notion that anyone above 50 needs to suddenly dress demure or conservative, if not entirely slink away from the spotlight. But at Cannes, it’s au contraire: Stars of all ages are rebuking such restrictions and simply having fun with fashion, refuting the idea that self-expression and experimentation come with an age limit.
Even some advanced gents have been delivering impeccable Cannes wardrobes—giving the young, new Hollywood hunks a run for their money. John Travolta, for one, had everyone talking with his saucy little black beret; Why shouldn’t he test-drive a jaunty little chapeau? Love it or loathe it, he’s John friggen’ Travolta, people—he can and should do what he wants! Director Pedro Almodovar has been sporting some casual-cool Loewe looks, while Colman Domingo has gone full peacock mode in his purple sparkly Valentino design.
