The Luxe Report

With 12 days of movie premiers, after parties, pre-parties and every other type of party under the sun, the 2012 Cannes Film Festival was one extended Red Carpet affair. Here are the major trends we spotted during Cannes and our pick for which celebrity rocked the look best.

Flowing One-Shoulder Gown: Diane Kruger vs. Nicole Kidman

When Diane Kruger stepped onto the Cannes Red Carpet on Day One wearing a gauzy, ethereal mint green Giambattista Valli, she definitely set the festival’s fashion tone. We love the Indian influence in the gown’s one-shoulder cut and saree-esque draping. And with pastels trending for summer, Diane’s dress is both classic and timely.

At the premier of her film The Paperboy, Nicole Kidman wore a goddess gown with airy draping similar in style to Diane’s dress. The standout feature of this blush pink Lanvin dress? The crystal-studded chain that acts as a shoulder strap wrapping all the way around the back of the backless gown.

Luxe pick: Diane Kruger in Giambattista Valli

Sheer Black Evening Gown: Eva Longoria vs. Freida Pinto

The A-Listers went all out during the Cannes Opening Night Dinner — and in the case of Eva Longoria and Freida Pinto, that meant sheer black evening gowns. Eva opted for a sleeveless, floor-length Alberta Ferretti gown with black and white vertical detailing and all-over black mesh. Whereas Eva’s dress was all about mesh and lace, we love how Freida’s Versace gown used gorgeous sequins and beading to create drama. The sheer long sleeves and neckline of Freida’s dress made it a complete showstopper. (And did we mention that it also features a thigh-high slit, a look that’s been trending ever since Angeline Jolie rocked it at the Oscars?)

Luxe pick: Freida Pinto in Versace

Thigh-High Slit: Jada Pinkett Smith vs. Freida Pinto

Thigh-high slits were everywhere on the Cannes Red Carpet, but two ladies took the look to the next level by pairing the daring cut with punchy neon color palates.

Jada Pinkett Smith pulled out all the stops at the Madagascar 3 premier, wearing a neon orange Versace gown with a powerful, Gladiator-esque gold border along its neckline. And if the dress’ backless cut wasn’t enough to turn heads, its thigh-high slit certainly did the job.

We spotted another Altier Versace gown with a prominent slit on Freida Pinto. The Slumdog Millionaire actress’ apple green gown on Day Two was the perfect mix of skin and sophistication. We love how the dress has a high-cut neckline and girly lace bodice to keep the daring super-high slit looking tasteful.

Luxe pick: Freida Pinto in Altier Versace 

Long Train: Naomi Watts vs. Eva Longoria

When it comes to the elaborate Marchesa gown showdown, it’s a close call. Naomi Watts looked absolutely ethereal in her retro beige Marchesa number. Between its fanciful feather detailing and extended tulle train, this short-sleeved gown made major impact. Her flapper-inspired finger waive hairdo was the perfect touch.

Eva also worked the Red Carpet in a heavily embellished Marchesa gown during Tuesday’s screening of Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom. We couldn’t stop awing at the gown’s six-foot train and gorgeous hand-appliqued crystals. And it’s definitely a bonus that it looked as intricate from the back as it did the front.

Luxe pick: Eva Longoria in Marchesa

Polka Dots: Sonam Kapoor vs. Jessica Chastain

Cannes was all about the stunning sequins this year, but two fashionistas opted for polka dot prints: Sonam Kapoor and Jessica Chastain. Although the volume of Sonam’s Naeem Khan gown was a little too much for our liking, the dress had gorgeous saree-inspired draping and an artistic polka dot pattern that saved it from being a fashion miss. It was definitely one of our favorite Sonam outfits from Cannes this year, balancing youth and sophistication in a way only Naeem Khan can pull off.

Jessica Chastain went with a playful polka dot print during the photo call for Madagascar 3. Her knee-length Dolce & Gabbana dress was a perfect pick for summertime daywear, but on the Red Carpet, it felt a little underwhelming. Cute, just not Cannes-worthy.

Luxe pick: Sonam Kapoor in Naeem Khan

What were your favorite looks from Cannes? Did you spot any Indian-inspired silhouettes on the Red Carpet? Luxemi loves hearing what celeb looks have you head over heels!