The most glamorous film festival existent did not disappoint this year, world crisis and all. For twelve days (May 13-24) Cannes was the scene of international art cinema and glamorous style. The movies might have been controversial but the outfits were breathtaking and that was unanimously agreed. Big screen's lovely muses from around the world paraded on the red carpet starting new trends in fashion and beauty. Armani Privé, Atelier Versace and Marchesa couture houses were favored.
Sheer gowns with thigh-high slit wow the audience (men, especially) but simple hair-do, make up and minimal jewelry keep this look lady-like.
Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace, Rachel Weisz and Evangeline Lilly, both in Valentino.
One of the prettiest trends: romantic gowns with soft draping and cascading filmy layers/tiers in lavender hues.
Abbie Cornish wearing Toni Maticevski's design, Devon Aoki in Alberta Ferretti and Penelope Cruz in Marchesa
Speaking of colorful outfits, the 2009 Cannes Film Festival was quite the rainbow with quieter or bolder hues.
1st row: Tilda Swinton, in Haider Ackermann, Michelle Yeoh, in Versace and Shu Qi, in Cavalli
2nd: Eva Green, in Christian Dior, Devon Aoki, in Roberto Cavalli and Marion Cotillard, in Christian Dior, also
Another lovely trend (hope it will last a while) is the lace dress suited both for day/casual and for evening/formal events. Well the sparkling embroidery makes the difference.
Rachel Weisz, in Christian Dior, French actress Anna Mouglalis, in Chanel, Evangeline Lilly, in Valentino and Isabelle Huppert, in Armani Privé
Retro inspiration went back as the jazz-age for some of the red-carpet outfits in Cannes. Diane Kruger wasn't the only one that oozed old-school glamour.
Diane Kruger in Marchesa, Rinko Kikuchi, Laura Ramsey, Lilly Cole in Alberta Ferretti
Ankle-length evening dress is another retro style, this time it's the 80s. Well, Asia Argento looks more like a futuristic geisha than a power diva in her Armani Privé dress. Best thing about this trend is that you can flaunt fabulous heels and still be classy.
Anna Mouglalis wearing Karl Lagerfeld's design, Elizabeth Banks, Asia Argento and Hungarian actress Andrea OsvartThe volume trend never went away; it morphed into couture structured tiers. Eva's dress is simply mesmerizing.
Eva Longoria in Atelier Versace, Hillary Swank, in Giorgio Armani and Elizabeth Banks in Armani Privé
The romantic look never goes out of date neither; a full skirt with multiple ruffles and frills looks best balanced down by a tight top/bodice and a simple updo.
Kerry Washington in Monique Lhuillier, Chinese actress Tan Zhuo and topmodel Natasha Poly, both in Roberto Cavalli
And one of my favorite trends: the understated style using soft nude neutrals or the "little white dress". The secret to an ultra-chic look is sleek hair and eye-catching accessories.
Robin Wright, in Narciso Rodriguez, Abbie Cornish, Zoe Saldana in Lanvin and Penelope Cruz in Dolce&Gabbana.
