Lusiana Hamidun
The Cannes Film Festival, a beacon of cinematic achievement and high fashion, has once again drawn the world’s attention to the French Riviera. Among the glittering attendees, supermodel Bella Hadid has consistently captivated audiences, not only with her star power but also with her meticulously curated fashion choices. Reflecting on her past nine years gracing the iconic red carpet, Hadid recently declared Cannes her "favorite week," a sentiment underscored by a remarkable portfolio of looks that showcase her evolving style, a profound appreciation for vintage couture, and a daring approach to modern glamour. This comprehensive exploration delves into Hadid’s sartorial journey at Cannes, examining the designers, the historical context of her selections, and the broader impact of her fashion statements.
A Decade of Defining Moments: Hadid’s Cannes Red Carpet Highlights
Bella Hadid’s relationship with the Cannes Film Festival red carpet is a narrative of consistent sartorial excellence, marked by a discerning eye for both iconic archival pieces and contemporary showstoppers. Her early appearances set a tone of sophisticated elegance, gradually evolving into bolder statements that cemented her status as a fashion force.
Her 2018 appearance, for instance, featured a custom Dior gown in a delicate pale pink hue. This choice was indicative of a growing trend among celebrities to collaborate with designers for bespoke creations that perfectly complemented their individual style and the grandeur of the event. The year 2022 saw Hadid embrace a more daring aesthetic with a vintage Gucci gown by Tom Ford, notable for its daring cut-outs. This selection signaled a confident embrace of fashion-forward designs that pushed boundaries while retaining an air of classic allure.
A particularly memorable ensemble from 2025 showcased a Saint Laurent black outfit that masterfully navigated the festival’s dress code, demonstrating Hadid’s ability to be both compliant and strikingly stylish, even within stringent guidelines. The year 2019 proved to be a rich year for her vintage explorations, including a lace Dior couture gown and an 80s-era Versace peplum dress. The latter, a vibrant asymmetric red Roberto Cavalli gown, held particular significance, eliciting a fond recollection from her sister, Gigi Hadid. Gigi’s comment, "Every time I see that red dress, it feels like the first time," speaks volumes about the enduring impact and emotional resonance of these fashion moments. This shared sentiment highlights the personal connection Hadid has with her wardrobe choices, elevating them beyond mere aesthetic appeal.
The Vintage Vanguard: Hadid’s Off- and On-Red Carpet Embrace
Beyond the red carpet, Bella Hadid’s commitment to vintage fashion has been increasingly evident in her street style and festival appearances. This year, her off-duty looks at Cannes have been a testament to her deep appreciation for fashion history. She was spotted in a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier dress, a pristine example of the designer’s avant-garde vision. Further cementing her vintage prowess, Hadid donned a Prada blue suit from the Spring 1999 collection, a piece that speaks to the enduring appeal of Y2K fashion. Complementing this was a pink plaid two-piece set by Chantal Thomass from 1988, a charming nod to the era’s playful silhouettes.
Hadid’s immersion in vintage extended to specific runway seasons, drawing particular inspiration from the Spring 2003 collections. She showcased an Alaïa pale pink dress, an Elie Saab floral-embellished top, and a striking baby blue Louis Vuitton mini dress designed by Marc Jacobs from that same influential season. These choices are not merely about wearing old clothes; they represent a thoughtful engagement with fashion narratives and a desire to reinterpret iconic designs for a contemporary audience.
A Symphony of Designers: Red Carpet Masterpieces and Archival Treasures
This year’s Cannes Film Festival has seen Bella Hadid further elevate her red carpet game, blending custom creations with meticulously sourced archival pieces. Her appearances have been characterized by a sophisticated interplay of modern silhouettes and timeless craftsmanship, often adorned with statement jewelry that amplifies the overall impact.
One standout look included a custom Prada gown, distinguished by its dramatic train and matching cape. This ensemble exuded an air of regal grandeur, a testament to Prada’s evolving haute couture capabilities. Another breathtaking moment arrived with an Elie Saab couture gown, a piece plucked from the brand’s rich archives. The intricate gold detailing on this dress showcased Elie Saab’s signature opulent aesthetic, highlighting the enduring beauty of his handcrafted creations. To further enhance these stunning looks, Hadid has consistently accessorized with pieces from Chopard, a brand synonymous with luxury and elegance, adding a final layer of sparkle and refinement to her ensembles.
Reimagining Icons: The Jane Birkin Tribute
Perhaps one of the most poignant and talked-about moments of Hadid’s Cannes 2026 appearances was her collaboration with Schiaparelli for the premiere of La Bataille De Gaulle: L’Âge De Fer (De Gaulle: Tilting Iron). For this event, Hadid channeled the iconic 1969 look of Jane Birkin, a legendary style icon whose influence continues to resonate. The Schiaparelli creation, a testament to the house’s commitment to artistic craftsmanship, was a white lace knit gown featuring trompe-l’œil embroidery. Designed by Daniel Roseberry, the dress was brought to life by 130 artisans and featured a dramatic mermaid-style tiered train and long sleeves. The deep neckline was accentuated by a black brooch, a direct homage to Birkin’s original ensemble at the Union of the Artists gala. This act of sartorial homage underscored Hadid’s deep respect for fashion history and her ability to imbue classic looks with a modern sensibility, paying tribute to a luminary like Birkin.
Detailed Lookbook: Bella Hadid’s Cannes 2026 Fashion Chronicle
1. Schiaparelli: A Tribute to Jane Birkin’s Timeless Elegance
For the premiere of La Bataille De Gaulle: L’Âge De Fer, Bella Hadid stunned in a Schiaparelli gown that masterfully recreated Jane Birkin’s iconic 1969 look. The intricate white lace knit creation, featuring trompe-l’œil embroidery, was a labor of love, involving 130 artisans. Daniel Roseberry’s design captured the essence of Birkin’s original, with its flowing long sleeves, a dramatic mermaid-style tiered train, and a plunging neckline elegantly adorned with a black brooch. This selection underscored Hadid’s profound appreciation for historical fashion moments and her ability to resurrect them with contemporary flair. The sheer artistry and detailed execution of this gown solidified its place as a highlight of the festival.
2. Louis Vuitton by Marc Jacobs: A Spring 2003 Gem
Hadid also paid homage to the early 2000s with a baby blue Louis Vuitton mini dress from Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2003 collection. This charming piece, characterized by its round collar, zip closure, and matching belt, evoked a sense of youthful exuberance and playful sophistication. She expertly paired it with a vintage Prada bag, creating a look that was both nostalgic and undeniably chic, showcasing her knack for mixing contemporary vibes with retro accents. The choice of this particular collection and designer speaks to Hadid’s deep knowledge of fashion history and her ability to identify pieces that resonate with current trends while maintaining their unique heritage.
3. Tom Ford: A Modern Statement with a Political Edge
Transitioning to more recent fashion history, Bella Hadid sported a striking black suit from Haider Ackermann’s Fall 2026 collection for Tom Ford. This ensemble featured a high neckline, long sleeves, and a daringly cropped silhouette that revealed a sliver of midriff, artfully connecting a loose-fitting top with tailored trousers. The look was further elevated by a key pendant necklace, a symbolic gesture representing Palestinian rights, adding a layer of personal and political significance to her fashion statement. This choice underscored Hadid’s willingness to use her platform not only for fashion but also for advocacy, demonstrating a powerful fusion of style and substance.
4. Elie Saab: A Glimmering Echo of Fall 2004 Couture
For the Chopard Miracle Gala, Hadid embraced a vintage aesthetic with a breathtaking Elie Saab gown from the Fall 2004 Couture collection. Styled by Mimi Cuttrell, the shimmering gold creation featured short sleeves, a form-fitting bodice, and cascading sequin detailing that flowed into a voluminous chiffon skirt. The gown’s dramatic train added an extra touch of glamour as she moved. This exquisite piece, paired with dazzling Chopard diamond jewelry, was a masterclass in vintage opulence, highlighting Elie Saab’s enduring legacy in haute couture. The choice of a gown from over two decades ago demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of timeless design and its continued relevance.
5. Vintage: A Delicate Interplay of Lace and Khaki
In a more relaxed yet equally stylish moment, Hadid showcased the versatility of vintage pieces with a delicate, sheer lace blouse sourced from pre-loved fashion. She paired this ethereal top with a pair of khaki trousers, cinched at the waist with a double belt for added definition. Her accessories, including a book charm attached to a Coach Chelsea bag and animal print heels, added a whimsical yet chic touch. This ensemble demonstrated that vintage fashion can be effortlessly integrated into everyday wear, proving that style knows no bounds of occasion or era.
6. Prada: A Custom Satin Column Gown
For the Garance red carpet, Bella Hadid opted for a custom Prada column gown in a sophisticated grey satin. This strapless design was adorned with intricate crystal embroidery, and its floor-length silhouette culminated in a subtle short train, creating an elegant and streamlined effect. The gown was complemented by a matching cape with bomber-style sleeves, adding a contemporary edge to the classic design. Paired with pointed white heels and Chopard diamond jewelry, this look epitomized modern red carpet glamour, showcasing Prada’s prowess in crafting bespoke, show-stopping pieces. The choice of a custom gown from a leading luxury house highlights Hadid’s status as a muse and fashion icon.
7. Elie Saab: A Floral Fantasy from Spring 2003
Revisiting the Spring 2003 collections, Hadid wore an Elie Saab floral-print top and matching scarf. This ensemble, paired with wide-leg white trousers and pointed heels, exuded a bohemian yet sophisticated charm. The addition of a green Prada bag provided a pop of color, demonstrating Hadid’s keen eye for detail and her ability to create harmonious looks with carefully selected accessories. This choice highlights the enduring appeal of floral motifs and the timeless elegance of Elie Saab’s designs, even in more casual interpretations.
8. Prada: A Refreshing Splash of Spring 1999 Blue
Rounding out her Prada selections, Hadid was seen in a vibrant baby blue suit from Prada’s Spring 1999 collection. This youthful and energetic look was complemented by Puma sneakers and a Prada Spazzolato bag, sourced from SHY. The ensemble offered a striking contrast to some of her more formal red carpet appearances, showcasing her versatility and ability to effortlessly transition between high-fashion moments and more casual, yet equally stylish, ensembles. The inclusion of sportswear elements like Puma sneakers with a designer suit exemplifies a modern approach to fashion, blending comfort with high-end aesthetics.
The Broader Impact: Vintage Fashion and the Cannes Narrative
Bella Hadid’s consistent embrace of vintage fashion at an event as globally watched as the Cannes Film Festival carries significant implications. It not only elevates the profile of pre-loved and archival pieces, encouraging a more sustainable approach to fashion consumption, but also contributes to a richer narrative around the festival itself. By drawing from fashion history, Hadid connects the present moment to the past, creating dialogues between eras and designers. This approach challenges the notion of fashion as ephemeral, instead highlighting its enduring value and the stories embedded within each garment.
Furthermore, her deliberate choices, like the Schiaparelli tribute to Jane Birkin or the political statement with her Tom Ford suit, demonstrate that fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression and even activism. In an era increasingly focused on ethical consumption and personal branding, Hadid’s sartorial choices at Cannes serve as a compelling example of how style can be both aspirational and meaningful. Her influence extends beyond mere trendsetting; she is actively shaping a conversation around fashion’s role in culture, history, and personal identity, making her an integral part of the Cannes Film Festival’s evolving story.
