3 min readfrom The Zoe Report

The Cannes 2026 Red Carpet Looks Rachel Zoe Loved Most

Our take

As the curtains close on the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, Rachel Zoe reflects on the standout red carpet moments that captivated her heart. From striking silhouettes to exquisite detailing, these looks embody the essence of modern elegance and creativity. Each ensemble tells a unique story, echoing the festival’s celebration of artistry and glamour.
The Cannes 2026 Red Carpet Looks Rachel Zoe Loved Most

The 2026 Cannes Film Festival has left an indelible mark on the fashion landscape, dazzling audiences with a spectrum of sartorial splendor. Rachel Zoe, a stalwart of the fashion industry, has identified a few standout moments from the red carpet that resonate deeply within our collective consciousness. As we transition from the exuberance of the Met Gala to the elegance of Cannes, we find ourselves reflecting on the nuances of style and the emotions they provoke. Zoe’s insights into these ultra-stylish red carpet moments remind us that fashion is not merely about attire; it is an expressive medium that captures the essence of an occasion, much like the sentiments explored in our recent piece, Not Black, Not White: This Is the Dress Color Fashion People Are Wearing From Stockholm to Paris.

The Cannes Film Festival serves as a crucible for cinematic artistry and, by extension, an annual showcase of fashion's most daring and refined expressions. This year's festival, marked by its 11-day effervescence, was filled with moments that transcended mere glamour. As Zoe highlights, the allure of Cannes lies in the interplay of artistry and personal narrative woven into the fabric of each ensemble. The films celebrated here often reflect deep emotional currents, and the fashion that accompanies them plays a crucial role in amplifying these themes. The unique atmosphere of the French Riviera, with its sun-drenched landscapes and star-studded soirées, provides an ideal backdrop for a fashion dialogue that is as rich and layered as the films themselves.

In this context, the significance of Zoe's curated selections becomes clearer. Each look she praises is not only a testament to individual style but also a reflection of broader cultural trends and shifts within the fashion industry. This year, we witnessed a return to elegant silhouettes and bold color palettes that, while contemporary, evoke the classic glamour of bygone eras. These choices speak to a collective yearning for authenticity and connection, themes echoed in our exploration of personal styling dilemmas in articles like Does anyone have any suggestions on how to style this skirt?. As fashion becomes increasingly intertwined with personal identity, the red carpet evolves from a mere platform for display to a canvas of self-expression.

Moreover, the emotional resonance behind these looks highlights a significant evolution in the way we perceive and engage with fashion. Rather than focusing solely on the superficial aspects of glamour, there is a growing appreciation for the stories and experiences that each garment embodies. The Cannes red carpet moments serve as a reminder that fashion is deeply personal and, when done with intention, can evoke profound feelings of connection and empowerment. This sentiment aligns beautifully with the inquiries posed in our piece, Which dress for anniversary in Verona Italy & what kind of light layer to put over it for the cooler nights?, where the essence of dressing transcends mere aesthetics to celebrate personal milestones and experiences.

As we reflect on the captivating moments from Cannes 2026, we are left with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead in the realm of fashion. The interplay between personal expression and collective narrative is evolving, urging us to consider how we engage with style in our own lives. Will future red carpets continue to showcase this blend of artistry and authenticity? The dialogue between fashion and emotion is just beginning, and it beckons us to explore our own identities within this ever-changing landscape.

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Just when you thought the red carpet drama was on hiatus post–Met Gala, the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival swept in on May 12, taking over the French Riviera with all manner of ultra-glamorous premieres and fashion moments. The 11-day affair has been quite the whirlwind, complete with triumphant cinematic wins (Cristian Mungiu’s Fjord took home the Palme d’Or, marking his second Palme win), headline-making pregnancy announcements (here’s looking at you, Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse), and a steady stream of couture looks. Indeed, the festival has been top of mind for every fashion-minded individual, including The Zoe Report’s editor-at-large, Rachel Zoe.

Naturally, the style expert kept a close eye on the red carpet happenings, compiling a mental list of her standout moments. “It was the effortless Cannes cool girls that did it for me this year,” says Zoe. At the top of her MVP roster was the reigning Queen of Cannes, Bella Hadid, who shut down the carpet in a Jane Birkin–inspired Schiaparelli look at the La Bataille De Gaulle: L'Âge De Fer screening. Zoe also highlighted Cara Delevingne’s black ruffled Tom Ford gown at the Gentle Monster premiere, which featured an ultra-sexy backless silhouette and a plunging keyhole cutout in the front.

Ahead, see all of Zoe’s highlights from the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

Poppy Delevingne In Vintage John Galliano

Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

“Poppy kicked off Cannes on the chicest note in this vintage John Galliano gown from his Fall 2007 collection.”

Cara Delevingne In Tom Ford

Earl Gibson III/Deadline/Getty Images

“Cara is absolute perfection in Tom Ford. The backless halter silhouette and soft ruffled detailing strike the perfect balance between sexy and elegant.”

Daisy Edgar-Jones In Balenciaga

JB Lacroix/FilmMagic/Getty Images

“This sparkling draped Balenciaga is the epitome of Cannes cool-girl.”

Penélope Cruz In Chanel

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis Entertainment/Getty Images

“Penélope is the ultimate Chanel muse — she’s had several major style moments at Cannes this year, but this feathered one-shoulder gown from the brand was a definite standout for me.”

Barbara Palvin In Miu Miu

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

“Barbara’s baby bump reveal at Cannes was so special, and she chose the perfect dress for the occasion. This baby blue empire-waist Miu Miu gown was such a fairytale moment.”

Bella Hadid In Schiaparelli

Marc Piasecki/FilmMagic/Getty Images

“Bella really was the Queen of Cannes this year. She delivered one flawless look after another, but this Jane Birkin–inspired Schiaparelli creation was my favorite. The trompe l’œil lace embroidery, the beaded brooch, and the unexpected bow and corset detailing in the back — I loved it all.”

Simone Ashley In Alexander McQueen

Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

“Simone is serving Old Hollywood glamour in this stunning red McQueen gown. I’m obsessed with the pleated skirt detailing.”

Keleigh Teller In Yara Shoemaker

Doug Peters - PA Images/PA Images/Getty Images

“This is just true modern elegance. The beaded detailing on Keleigh’s sculptural Yara Shoemaker dress was so intricate — it looked like a walking work of art.”

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