Cannes Brings Some Fashionable Vigor to the Scene

The iconic and much-lauded Cannes Film Festival is an event that stirs the hearts and creative minds of film makers and artists worldwide each year. Showcasing scores of films from the relatively unknown to the big-named and high-profiled, the festival has become one of the industry's most important and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. This is great news for film students and professionals as well as movie buffs, as pictures which otherwise might not receive a wide reception compete for the coveted Palm d'or prize and a place in cinematographic history. This year's event, drawing to a close over the weekend, has been collecting accolades from critics and commentaries for its showcase of many excellent films. While famed director Quentin Tarantino's new release has stolen a fair share of the spotlight, pieces by emerging film makers have come together to show a great deal of promise, and speculation over which film will win is rampant.
While he focus of Cannes is undoubtedly on the pictures shown over the course of the event, the presence of silver screen stars and industry professionals means a red carpet is in order, and Cannes doesn't disappoint. Able to rival events such as the Oscars and Emmys in terms of fashion appeal, Cannes brings out some of the best designer pieces and special occasion looks to be glanced at all year. This week has been no exception; though the late spring heat has called for creatively cool cuts and materials, the glamour of the red carpet has been going full-sail as stars show up to grace their premieres with elegance and promote participating films.
While many red carpet events held so far this year have reflected the mood of the financial markets with somewhat subdued tones and a nod to the understated, fashion at Cannes has fully embraced the spirit of the season and hasn't been holding back. Strapless dresses in nearly every color of the rainbow paraded into the premieres, showing off gleaming collarbones perfect for accentuating with fun or refined costume jewelry necklaces. Playing with color and shape, designs ranged from the tailored to the toussled, yet seemed universally free and fluid, evoking a sense of timelessness and prosperity that has been noticably absent from many celebrity shindigs in recent months.
Adding to the vitality of Cannes' incidental fashion showcase was Angelina Jolie, who appeared on the arm of beau Brad Pitt for his premiere of Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds. Exuding grace and motion, the superstar wore a faint pink Versace frock that whispered against the standout-red of her high impact lipstick. Alas, no necklace took part in the ensemble, but dainty earrings set a sweet jewellery tone and let off a bit of sparkle. As the festival prepares to name its winner and pack up the show 'till next year, we're anxiously awaiting the results of the contest -- and any last-chance shows of treasures from the stars' jewellery box troves.