Monochrome dominated the red carpet in Cannes
The annual Cannes Film Festival is about two things: films and frocks. The big screen and big dresses. And we’ve noticed that this year many of the stars gracing the red carpet have chosen to hark back to the glory days of the black and white movie in monochrome gowns.
Blake Lively stole the show (again!) when she walked the red carpet at the premiere of The Captive in monochrome Gucci. Husband of two years Ryan Reynolds matched his wife’s curve-enhancing black bodice and contrasting white skirt in an extremely dapper tux. Talk about Hollywood power couple.
Cheryl Cole donned a dramatic hemline at the Foxcatcher premiere; the mullet shape revealed tanned legs and fierce heels whilst the voluminous train billowed out in the French breeze. In fact, the gusts of air added so much to the incredible drama of the Monique Lhuillier dress it was almost as if Cheryl’s stylist had made a secret pact with the weather man.
Bond girl Eva Green stunned in a black Elie Saab jumpsuit, a welcome change from the traditional red carpet gown. Myth might dictate never wearing black and blue together, but Eva proved this to be ill-advised in huge (and hugely fabulous) dark blue rings. At the Lost River premiere, Christina Hendricks stayed true to the Mad Men silhouette she’s known for in a Christian Dior suit with a flirty hemline. Also on the darker side of the monochrome trend were Jess Weixler, Monica Belluci and Rita Ora.
In contrast, a number of celebrities have opted for lighter, whiter outfits. Coco Rocha gave her feminine Gabriela Cadena embroidered pencil gown an edge with sultry make up and a black clutch. Rooney Mara proved her fashion credentials by working two of this summer’s hottest trends – crop tops and tassels – in one bright white look at a Calvin Klein event. And America Ferrera’s George Hobeika dress was so gorgeous that Ukranian TV presenter and Prankster Vitalii Sediuk tried to get in to it himself by climbing under the skirt!
Monochrome has always been a classic trend, but it’s going to be particularly big this summer. As Adele Exarchopoulos and Emma Miller demonstrated in Cannes, leather is a perfect way to update your black and white ensemble for this season. Try a black leather pencil skirt with a floaty white cami for a professional but breezy office look. Monochrome might not be the most obvious colour choice on the beach, but a lightweight maxi in a black and white print would look fabulous with a wide brimmed hat and a pair of red Célines for a pop of colour. Or if you’re not quite ready to pledge your full allegiance to the monochrome movement, a simple way of joining the black and white brigade is to swap your trusty nude stilettos for open toe white sandals next time you slip on your favourite LBD.
