The annual Cannes Film Festival may be 70 years old, but it’s still the South of France’s hottest ticket to star-studded old Hollywood-style glitz and glamour. After touching down and some customary yacht action, a galaxy of celebrities started posing near the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès for the opening ceremony and premiere of “Ismael's Ghosts.” The most fashionable movie stars and models didn’t disappoint on the first day with their head-turning, dreamy, custom gowns, whether their looks were risqué, princess-like or just simply unique. As it’s going on until 28 May, there will be tons more sartorially-charged moments from the photo calls, premieres and screenings, so stay tuned!
Scroll down to see some of our favourite looks from Bella Hadid, Hailey Baldwin, Julianne Moore, Uma Thurman and many more.
Red carpet favourite and ultra-successful 20-year-old model Bella Hadid simply stuns in a light pink corset-style Alexandre Vauthier dress with a daring sweetheart neckline and ultra high slash.
“The Beguiled” actress Elle Fanning steals the show with her strapless corseted Vivienne Westwood gown’s fun train, which features a hand-painted unicorn, a shooting star, hearts and the planet Gaia.
For her Cannes Film Festival debut, 25-year-old model Emily Ratajkowski rocks a champagne-hued slinky satin slip dress by Twin Set by Simona Barbieri with a thigh-high slit, criss-cross back and train.
Forty-two-year old French film and TV actress Frédérique Bel opts for a show-stopping green Yanina Couture dress with fringe detail and sequins.
Hailey Baldwin, the 20-year-old model who never fails to turn heads on the red carpet, oozes glamour in a deep purple satin Twinset Simona Barbieri gown with plunging neckline, dramatic peplum and train.
Hailing from Czeck, the newly engaged former Wonderbra model Eva Herzigová, 44, dazzles in an embellished glittering gold gown by Roberto Cavalli Couture with daringly high slash and bare back.
“The Martian” actress Jessica Chastain, who is serving on the Cannes Film Festival jury this year, is resplendent in a dramatic, Gothic-inspired strapless Alexander McQueen dress with intricate embroidery, velvet bodice and ruffled hem.
Not afraid to wear scarlet with her fiery locks, 56-year-old Academy Award winner Julianne Moore wows in an elegant Givenchy Haute Couture high-necked dress with intricate feather detail.
Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis's young model daughter Lily-Rose Depp looks super graceful in a Grecian-style white Chanel gown embellished with shimmering gold leaves and wide cut-out features.
“Murder” star and Cannes Film Festival veteran Mallika Sherawat channels her inner princess on the red carpet this year in a gorgeous flowing light pink number with a floral motif by Georges Hobeika, her favourite.
“Moonlight” star Naomie Harris, 40, slays in a Gucci creation with candy stripes in all colours of the rainbow and voluminous pleated tulle skirt.
Portuguese model Sara Sampaio, who claimed red is her favourite colour on Instagram, poses like a dancing princess in this dramatic red ball gown by Zuhair Murad Couture with its extremely low neckline and fireworks-like embellishment.
Award-winning actress Uma Thurman, who is presiding over the this year's Cannes Un Certain Regard jury, turns up the heat in this beautiful off-the-shoulder light pink gown by Atelier Versace with subtle satin lining, pleats and thigh-high slit.
German model and actress Barbara Meier, 30, slays in a shimmering silver/light blue Ziad Nakad stunner with an ultra low neckline, sheer detail, stylish belt and mermaid-like train.
British-Thai actress Araya A. Hargate, who shows us how to strike with a baby bump, wears a white figure-hugging column gown by Ralph & Russo with extravagant coordinating silk cape covered with crystals and ostrich feathers.
“House of Cards” actress Robin Wright, who was styled by Kemal Harris, looks divine in this modern black long-sleeve sparkly mini dress with boxy shoulders by Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent.
This isn’t the first time French actress Clotilde Courau, who is married to Emanuele Filiberto, Prince of Venice, kills it on the Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet in an Elie Saab creation, this one featuring a sheer bodice, gold and pink sequins, statement belt and tulle.
