MEGA’s Best Dressed Women at the Cannes Film Festival 2026

Q: What creative detail made Isabelle Huppert's crimson gown a major talking point at the festival?

Attending the premiere of Histoires Parallèles, legendary French actress Isabelle Huppert made a powerful red carpet statement in a dramatic, pleated crimson gown. The theatrical fashion creation was designed by Balenciaga's creative head, Demna, for the iconic Italian luxury label Gucci.

Beyond the highly anticipated premieres, Cannes continues to secure its legacy as the ultimate runway for red carpet glamour.

By Anya Oxyn May 18, 2026

The month of May continues to deliver a stellar lineup of red carpet style. Post-Met Gala 2026, all eyes shift to the sun-drenched French Riviera for the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where the industry’s most prominent names trade avant-garde statements for pure sophistication. As always, Cannes asks its guests to let true elegance speak for itself, and this year, the stars seem more than happy to oblige.

In no particular order, here are MEGA’S top picks for the best-dressed women.

Maura Higgins

Stylist Kris Fe ensured Maura Higgins looked right at home amid the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera. She wore a strapless black gown featuring a bold white band along the neckline, crafted by New York City designer Andrew Kwon.

Demi Moore

Following an appearance in a structured, sculptural bustier gown by Jacquemus, The Substance star—and Oscar nominee—shifted styles, opting for a lilac Gucci creation.

Ikram Abdi Omar

Making an impact as one of the United Kingdom’s pioneering hijab-wearing models, Ikram Abdi Omar commanded attention in an elegant Stella McCartney ensemble.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga made a striking impression by showcasing two distinct looks: a textured, fringed Dior piece and a sharply tailored suit by Ami Paris.

Isabelle Huppert

For the premiere of Histoires Parallèles, Isabelle Huppert made a bold statement in a dramatic, pleated crimson Gucci gown designed by Demna.

Alia Bhatt

The Bollywood star captured a bright, seasonal energy by stepping out in a structured, coral-toned strapless gown from Tamara Ralph Couture.

Simone Ashley

Actress Simone Ashley made a vibrant statement, confidently showcasing a rich crimson design by Alexander McQueen.

Sara Sampaio

Attending the screening of Fatherland, Sara Sampaio wore a pleated chiffon Miu Miu gown beautifully adorned with cascading crystals.

Uma Jammeh

Love Island alumna Uma Jammeh brought radiant energy to the event, arriving in a shimmering, fringed creation by Naja Saade.

Kelly Rutherford

Embracing classic sophistication for the evening, Kelly Rutherford chose a semi-sheer black gown by Giorgio Armani.

Maika Monroe

Maika Monroe selected a custom Ashi Studio design for both the opening ceremony and the screening of The Electric Kiss.

Barbara Palvin Sprouse

Barbara Palvin Sprouse used the high-profile occasion to debut her pregnancy, glowing in a custom Miu Miu look.

Alexandra Leclerc

Alexendra Leclerc WEARING Paolo Sebastian

Bringing a personal touch to the red carpet, Alexandra Leclerc wore a delicate Paolo Sebastian gown that subtly nodded at her wedding with Formula 1 star, Charles Leclerc.

Photos: GORUNWAY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when was the 79th Cannes Film Festival held?

The prestigious film festival was staged along the sun-drenched French Riviera in France during the month of May 2026. The high-profile event drew the biggest names in global entertainment, shifting international fashion focus directly from New York’s Met Gala to the south of France.

Which New York City designer dressed Maura Higgins for her red carpet appearance?

Love Island alumna Maura Higgins walked the red carpet in a sleek, strapless black gown highlighted by a striking white band along the neckline. The custom evening piece was conceptualized by celebrity stylist Kris Fe and crafted by prominent New York City-based designer Andrew Kwon.

What creative detail made Isabelle Huppert’s crimson gown a major talking point at the festival?

Attending the premiere of Histoires Parallèles, legendary French actress Isabelle Huppert made a powerful red carpet statement in a dramatic, pleated crimson gown. The theatrical fashion creation was designed by Balenciaga’s creative head, Demna, for the iconic Italian luxury label Gucci.

How did Barbara Palvin Sprouse surprise onlookers during her Miu Miu red carpet walk?

The internationally acclaimed supermodel utilized the massive media presence at the star-studded festival to officially debut her pregnancy to the public. She captured the spotlight while glowing in a custom-tailored, elegant white gown created by the Italian high-fashion house Miu Miu.

What personal milestone did Alexandra Leclerc’s Paolo Sebastian gown celebrate?

Alexandra Leclerc (formerly Saint Mleux) walked the red carpet in a delicate, intricately embroidered gown by Paolo Sebastian that featured subtle, custom design details. The ethereal piece served as a beautiful, romantic nod to her recent private Monaco civil wedding to Formula 1 superstar Charles Leclerc.

Anya Oxyn

Senior Fashion Writer

Formerly a stylist who immersed herself intimately within the Philippine fashion circuit for over three years, Anya has refined her transformative, hands-on experience into an insightful voice for MEGA Asia as a Senior Fashion Writer.

Her editorial pursuit possesses three facets: her time as an essayist during her education at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, her extensive experience in digital media and strategic storytelling, and her belief that fashion has a beating heart deeply intertwined with art, culture, society, and humanity itself that is worth uncovering.

Anya’s versatile pen spans a dynamic range of subjects, including emerging local designers, global luxury houses, beauty trends, film and television fashion analysis, cultural op-eds, major events, and beyond.

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