Cannes Film Festival: The Best-Ever Red Carpet Looks

last updated 30 January 2018

We are now (very impatiently) counting down the hours until the annual glam-fest, otherwise known as the Cannes Film Festival, which kicks off on May 17.

As ever, we will see a number of Hollywood names jet/speedboat into the French Riviera for the two-week event, so while we eagerly anticipate what gowns the likes of Kirsten Dunst an Elle Fanning wear this year, we’re presenting 33 of the most glamorous vintage Cannes moments of all time, because, well, they're just too darn gorgeous to miss.

This is the 70th year of the festival, and over the years everyone from Sophia Loren to Jerry Hall to Kendall Jenner has walked the famous red carpet, meaning there's no shortage of looks to swoon over

Go through the gallery below to see our favourite archive fashion moments from Cannes Film Festival.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758805-1462435093 — Brigitte Bardot, 1954

Classic 1950s style from Brigitte here: nipped-in waist on a full-skirted midi and a rather covetable off-the-shoulder top.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758838-1462435098 — Sophia Loren, 1955

Who doesn't love layers of tulle? Sophia Loren kicks back in seriously glamorous style.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758837-1462435098 — Brigitte Bardot, 1956

Brigitte again! This time she's frolicking on the beach wearing an era-defining sundress, looking far more relaxed than today's jetset.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758804-1462435093 — Elizabeth Taylor, 1957

Dressed like the Hollywood royalty she was, Elizabeth Taylor topped off her clavicle-baring gown with a crown!

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758807-1462435093 — Sophia Loren, 1959

Sophia Loren looking more holiday-ready in this shift dress ensemble. This would make a great Instagram snap for now, don't you think?

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758809-1462435093 — Zsa Zsa Gabor, 1959

Soaking up the sun in an elegant dress and matching courts, Zsa Zsa Gabor's Cannes look hasn't aged.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758835-1462435097 — France Anglade, 1960

French actress France Anglade knows the power of a pair of heart sunglasses in a photo, no matter the decade.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758836-1462435097 — Vanessa Redgrave, 1960

In a zig-zag dress and pointed slingbacks we'd really like to get our hands on, Vanessa Redgrave looks understated and chic.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758834-1462435097 — Audrey Hepburn, 1960

A dramatic entrance for Audrey Hepburn in head-to-toe satin and those striking gloves.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758833-1462435097 — Sophia Loren, 1961

In one of the most flattering dresses we think we've ever seen, Sophia Loren looks suitably starry in lace and diamonds.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758832-1462435097 — Catherine Deneuve, 1966

In op-art stripes, Catherine Deneuve definitely looks every part the '60s goddess.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758831-1462435097 — Jane Birkin, 1968

One of Cannes' key icons, Jane Birkin, is captured quayside with George Harrison, wearing her classic basket and babydoll dress combination.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758830-1462435097 — Raquel Welsh, 1968

Can you think of anything more fabulous than riding in on a vintage motorcycle with all-white accessories to complement a natty skirt suit?

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758829-1462435097 — Jane Birkin, 1974

Jane's back! The basket is still very much in play, but there's a fancier, embellished dress and a new addition of one Monsieur Serge Gainsbourg.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758806-1462435093 — Jerry Hall, 1983

Going with the nautical theme of Cannes, model Jerry Hall chooses a sailor-style blazer and accessorises with plenty of '80s-friendly gold jewellery.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758808-1462435093 — Jane Fonda, 1989

Yes, Jane Fonda always looks impressive in a fitted dress, but we can't help loving this casual get-up—super '80s.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758828-1462435096 — Kate Moss, 1998

Here's Kate Moss doing what Kate Moss does best: disheveled chic. The simplicity of the dress is inspiring for us all, Cannes red carpet or no Cannes red carpet.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758827-1462435096 — Kate Moss, 1999

This marabou trimmed LBD will always turn heads. Kate Moss knows just how a simple piece with statement detailing is always more effective than anything showy and OTT.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758826-1462435096 — Bjork, 2000

Who could forget this pink confection of a creation? There's no one quite like Bjork for injecting something unexpected onto a red carpet.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758825-1462435096 — Charlize Theron, 2004

Charlize Theron has never not looked like a complete glamazon, but this slinky number from Dior is particularly memorable.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758824-1462435096 — Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, 2004

Oh, the good old days! Here's Jen 'n' Brad looking rather delicious in matching monochrome.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758823-1462435096 — Diane Kruger, 2012

We remember this Dior look from Diane Kruger like it was yesterday—but it was four whole years ago!

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758821-1462435095 — Cara Delvingne, 2013

For her role in The Great Gatsby, Cara Delevingne shook off the sweatpants and made a very smouldering Cannes appearance in a black lace gown from Burberry.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758818-1462435095 — Carey Mulligan, 2013

What a couple! We mean Carey Mulligan and this minimalist Vionnet dress, not Carey Mulligan and Justin Timberlake. Although…

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758820-1462435095 — Nicole Kidman, 2013

Cannes isn't sponsored by Dior, but boy oh boy, haven't there been a lot of incredible moments from this French fashion house over the decades? Here's another stunner, courtesy of Nicole Kidman.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758819-1462435095 — Sharon Stone, 2013

In a fishtail gown from Roberto Cavalli, Sharon Stone looked like a complete goddess with sun-kissed skin, underwater-inspired jewellery and swept-back hair.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758817-1462435095 — Blake Lively, 2014

The blonde bombshell for the modern age, Blake Lively will forever stay in the history books in this plunging, embroidered gown from Chanel.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758816-1462435095 — Lea Seydoux, 2014

Styled by her sister, Camille, Lea Seydoux has worn many a fabulous Prada look over the past few years—including this satin gown that hints to Hollywood days gone by.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758814-1462435094 — Rosie Hungtington-Whiteley, 2014

Who needs excess jewellery or dramatic hair and makeup when your Gucci dress is as stunning as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's?

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758812-1462435094 — Cate Blanchett, 2015

Cate Blanchett brought a sci-fi spin to the usually classic Cannes red carpet in this enormous, and enormously impressive, Giles creation.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758813-1462435094 — Fan Bing Bing, 2015

Fan Bing Bing can always be trusted for doing something alternative when it comes to event-wear. This floral garland-topped look from Marchesa was no different.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758811-1462435094 — Sienna Miller, 2015

Sienna Miller's 2015 Cannes jaunt was spectacular: This was one of our key moments at the time, a patchworked, kite-effect gown from Valentino.

dreamy-the-tk-most-gorgeous-cannes-looks-of-all-time-1758810-1462435094 — Kendall Jenner, 2015

Kendall Jenner caused jaws to drop when she made a swooping Calvin Klein–clad entrance to the Amfar Gala at last year's Cannes Film Festival.

Next up, see your guide to Riviera style when you can't buy Chanel everything.

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Emma is a freelance fashion editor with over 15 years experience in industry, having worked at The Telegraph, Grazia and, most recently, British Vogue. Emma was part of the founding team of Who What Wear UK, where she worked for six years as Deputy Editor and then Editor—helping shape the team into what it is today is one of the biggest privileges of her career and she will always see herself as a Who What Wear girl, contributing to both the US and UK sites. Whether she's writing about runway trends or spotlighting emerging brands, she aims to write about fashion in a way that is democratic and doesn't promote over consumption.