Cannes Film Festival: The good, the bad and the semi-naked

Susannah Guthrie
May 18, 2018, updated May 18, 2018

Supermodel Elsa Hosk lives in duds to die for. Now she can expand her wardrobe via Amazon. Photo: Getty

The annual Cannes Film Festival is a study in style contrasts. At once elegant, classy and the epitome of old Hollywood glamour, it also attracts some – ahem – interesting attendees keen to showcase their unique sense of style.

As this year’s Festival comes to a close, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful and awful looks – including the outfits that required at least a PG-13 rating.

The good

CARLA BRUNI: Leave it to France’s former first lady to nail French seaside glamour. Simple, comfortable and completely chic. Parfait. Photo: Getty

KENDALL JENNER: In a sheer Schiaparelli number, the model managed to look equal parts demure and daring, Photo: Getty

PENELOPE CRUZ: It’s been a while since we’ve seen the Spanish star on the red carpet, and this baby doll Chanel Couture frock was the perfect comeback look. Photo: Getty

CATE BLANCHETT: Dubbed this year’s ‘Queen of Cannes’, Blanchett donned plenty of stunning gowns across the fortnight, but this swathe of black Armani satin was the sophisticated standout. Photo: Getty

BELLA HADID: While the model wore plenty of showstopper gowns at the Festival, this simple white mini dress was our favourite for its sweet, summery feel and Hadid’s ultra-feminine styling touches, like her softly curled hair and her pointed pumps. Photo: Getty

RITA PEREIRA: Talk about a ‘wow’ moment. The Portuguese actress made Cannes’ famous steps her stage with this major ballgown look. Photo: Getty

SARA SAMPAIO: Portuguese supermodels probably look good in anything, but this nude Zuhair Murad gown took things to a whole other level. Photo: Getty

ELSA HOSK: The Swedish model settled on red – and then wore it from head to toe. We respect that commitment. Photo: Getty

KRISTEN STEWART: What do you do when you’re a fashion rebel but you have to wear classic Chanel? You add your own edge with rocker hair and a laid-back pose. Photo: Getty

AYMELINE VALADE: The French model’s Saint Laurent gown fit her like a glove. Photo: Getty

The bad

IZABEL GOULART: Shorts or a dress. Pick one. It’s not hard. Photo: Getty

DEEPIKA PADUKONE: This is so over-the-top it might be brilliant. But one frill too many pushes it into the ‘worst dressed’ category … just. Photo: Getty

MARION COTILLARD: The French actress is usually incredibly stylish, but this leopard lycra bodysuit is a bizarre misstep. Photo: Getty

HELEN MIRREN: The British national treasure looks like a sorceress from an 80s fantasy film in this velvet get-up. Photo: Getty

ELENA LENINA: The Russian TV presenter looks like the prettiest troll doll in all the land. Photo: Getty

CATE BLANCHETT: Only a style risk taker like the Australian actress could end up on the best and worst dressed lists simultaneously. This gown makes her look as though she’s being eaten alive by an exotic sea creature. Photo: Getty

This unidentified guest really … went for it. In fact, this might be the sea creature that attacked Cate Blanchett. Photo: Getty

ARAYA HARGATE: It was nice of the abominable snowman to attend. Photo: Getty

The nearly nude

This unidentified guest used her 15 minutes of fame to her advantage by arriving completely, yes completely, topless. The photo has been blurred for your protection. Photo: Getty

AMBER HEARD: While the bottom half of the American actress’ dress was voluminous and covered up, the top half threatened to fall apart at any moment. Nothing some cleverly placed invisible tape couldn’t fix. Photo: Getty