Cannes Was A Surprising Source Of Wedding Dress Inspiration
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect wedding dress, inspiration can strike anywhere—even on the Cannes red carpet.
This year, the Croisette delivered no shortage of black-tie glamour, with celebrities turning heads despite a surprise ban on “overly voluminous” gowns and naked dresses. But for those with nuptials on the brain, it was Swedish model Elsa Hosk who truly stole the show, arriving at the premiere of Vie Privée (A Private Life) in a look that had us saying je veux.
Hosk, who tends to keep a low profile for most of the year, has made something of a tradition out of her Cannes appearances—arriving, nailing the assignment, and slipping quietly back out of the spotlight until a Victoria’s Secret runway calls. This time, she stepped onto the Croisette in a creamy Anastasia Zadorina gown, featuring a cinched bodice with soft draping across the bust, an asymmetric detail at the hips, and a feather-trimmed skirt that brought just the right amount of drama.
She paired the look with a delicate diamond necklace and drop earrings by Chopard. Her beauty look is equally worthy of a bridal moodboard. Makeup artist Harold James gave her a soft spin on Old Hollywood glamour, think smoked-out brown liner, a peachy nude lip and flush, and brushed-up brows. Hairstylist Hyungsun Ju added a contemporary edge with a sculptural updo and an exaggerated, almost architectural, side-swept fringe.
Hosk was just the beginning. She was swiftly followed by a parade of stars in frothy white confections, snatched waists, and explosively voluminous gowns, each one as worthy of a wedding aisle as it was of the red carpet. Among the standout bridal moments? Bridgerton’s Simone Ashley in sculptural Vivienne Westwood, Elaine Zhong looking every bit the queen in regal Elie Saab, and Margaret Qualley in a frothy, fairytale-like Chanel.
These are the looks currently making their way onto our Pinterest boards.
The Cannes Red Carpet Gowns Going On Our Bridal Moodboards
Ashley’s spring/summer 2025 Vivienne Westwood gown, with a ballgown skirt that hung just above her ankles and a corset top with a winged neckline, immediately went viral. Perfect for a garden party daytime wedding.
Margaret Qualley looked radiant in a custom Chanel gown inspired by a dress Claudia Schiffer wore on the houses’ 1996 runway. Pure romance.
Zhou Ye wore a sculptural Alexis Mabille gown with a stacked pearl choker.
Elaine Zhong looked breathtaking in Elie Saab spring/summer 2023 couture. From the three dimensional floral appliques to the delicately feathered bustline this gown is perfect for the bride wanting to serve some regal drama.
Somali Norwegian model Rawdah Mohamed served sculptural elegance in Cheney Chan autumn/winter 2024 at Cannes. The geometric, fine tailoring inspired gown was an entirely modern take on bridal.
Deutch looked old Hollywood in a frothy Chanel confection.
Ariana Greenblatt wore Cong Tri for her Cannes debut. The backless gown featured a trail of diamantes and was perfect for the bride looking for something slinky and sexy.
Jennifer Lawrence wore a tiered Dior gown.
Palvin picked up on the feathered dress trend with this Miu Miu column gown.
King wore a dreamy blush pink Miu Miu gown with a structured bodice and subtle train.
For a bride after some drama, Sky Hankey’s Oscar de La Renta gown fit the bill.
Emma Stone showed the power of modern minimalism in a Louis Vuitton silk crêpe gown column gown with an architectural satin bib. She styled the dress with Louis Vuitton high jewellery including the houses emerald Seduction Earrings and a star cut diamond.
This asymmetric cream Alaïa gown worn with a sky high half pony and plenty of diamonds was a positively regal serve from 90s catwalk queen Campbell.
Jolie is known for her understated aesthetic and looked elegant in this Tom Ford by Haider Ackermann sheath dress as she stepped out to serve as the godmother of the prestigious Trophée Chopard at the awards ceremony. We love her choice of pointed toe heel.
Leonie Hanne’s Milla Nova gown was 80s extravagance and we kind of love it.
Author and entrepreneur Lena Mahfouf served inspiration for brides looking for a non-traditional two piece.
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