French Riviera – Fashion Forward turned heads at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this year with a special red carpet presentation featuring the works of four emerging designers from around the globe. Representing Kosovo, Chile, Aruba, and Thailand, these designers brought unique cultural perspectives and cutting-edge style to one of the world’s most glamorous stages.

Chilean designer Gabriel Fuentealba made a powerful statement at the Cannes Film Festival with a couture gown dedicated to raising awareness for cervical cancer. His creation stood out not only for its beauty but for the meaningful story woven into every detail.

From handicraft to haute couture, Gabriel Fuentealba poured his heart into the design process, using artisanal techniques to create a piece that was both emotionally resonant and visually stunning. One of the most unique aspects of the gown was the use of controlled burning to shape intricate patterns into the fabric — a delicate, symbolic technique that reflected both pain and transformation.

The breathtaking dress was worn by the elegant model and actress Tarina Patel, who graced the red carpet with grace and confidence. Her presence brought the designer’s vision to life, combining artistry, awareness, and advocacy in a single unforgettable moment.

Gabriel Fuentealba’s work goes beyond fashion. His tribute to those affected by cervical cancer highlights the potential of design to tell stories that matter — stories of struggle, strength, and hope. Through craftsmanship and creativity, Fuentealba reminded the world that couture can be a powerful voice for change.

Rising designer Rite Hoxha from Kosovo captivated the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival with a breathtaking golden gown that radiated elegance and sophistication. The stunning creation was worn by the beautiful actress Anne Marie Waldeck, who turned heads as she gracefully walked the iconic red carpet.

The gown, designed in a rich shade of gold, shimmered under the Riviera sun, perfectly complementing Waldeck’s poise and presence. Rite Hoxha’s design combined timeless glamour with modern finesse, showcasing intricate detailing and expert craftsmanship that highlighted her unique artistic vision.
This collection is inspired by cinematic elegance—the timeless glamour of film stars and the transformative power of fashion on the red carpet. She wanted to create pieces that embody confidence, sophistication, and storytelling, much like the films celebrated at Cannes. The designs reflect a blend of old Hollywood charm and modern avant-garde aesthetics, capturing the essence of luxury and individuality.

The moment marked a significant milestone for both the designer and her home country, as Hoxha brought international attention to the emerging fashion talent of Kosovo. Her creation not only stood out for its beauty but also for the powerful statement it made about global creativity and diversity in high fashion.

Rite Hoxha’s golden masterpiece was more than just a dress — it was a symbol of passion, identity, and the boundless possibilities of fashion on the world stage.

Cannes, France – Aruban designer Anika took center stage at the Cannes Film Festival with a breathtaking white gown that masterfully blended traditional elements with contemporary design. The stunning piece, worn by the radiant Mirka Howard, captured the attention of photographers the moment she stepped onto the red carpet.

The gown, a vision of elegance and cultural pride, stood out for its graceful fusion of heritage craftsmanship and modern silhouette. Anika’s design not only celebrated the beauty of Aruba’s cultural roots but also pushed the boundaries of haute couture, demonstrating that tradition and innovation can coexist in perfect harmony.

More than just a fashion statement, this creation was a declaration of heritage, artistry, and strength. Every stitch and detail echoed a story — a celebration of identity, resilience, and the enduring power of cultural expression.

Anika’s masterpiece is a testament to skill and vision deserving of global recognition. It proved that culture and luxury are not separate realms, but deeply interconnected — enriching each other to create something truly extraordinary.

Rising young designers from Thailand, Winny and Hero, brought a breath of fresh creativity to the Cannes Film Festival with their enchanting green gown titled “Cabbage Garden.” This unique piece seamlessly fused fashion with fine art, capturing the spotlight on the red carpet as it was worn by the stunning actress Anna Baranowska.

The gown featured exquisite hand-painted details, turning fabric into canvas and storytelling into couture. Inspired by a deeply personal childhood memory, Cabbage Garden reflects Winny’s first experience growing cabbages as a young girl. She lovingly sowed tiny seeds into the soil, watering them daily — and just days later, vibrant green sprouts emerged from the earth. It was a moment of wonder and quiet transformation that would later blossom into this unforgettable design.

The dress symbolizes the essence of dreams — how they often begin in silence, hidden from the world, yet with trust and persistence, they grow into something beautiful. Just like those first sprouts, our aspirations can blossom into joy, growth, and inspiration, not only for ourselves but for the world around us.

With this piece, Winny and Hero have beautifully illustrated that fashion can be more than style — it can be a heartfelt narrative. Their blend of art, memory, and craftsmanship marks a bold new voice in global couture, one that deserves international recognition.

The elegant blue dress, worn two days ago for the Chopard soirée interview, was another standout piece — showcasing refined sophistication and further solidifying the designer’s presence at Cannes. Designed by Winny and Hero, the piece was inspired by a painting she encountered at the Louvre Museum — a work that evoked the graceful elegance of the Victorian era. Moved by the intricate beauty and luxurious fashion of that time, Winnie was reminded of the joy that comes from dressing with intention and care. That emotional connection sparked a creative journey, resulting in many of her recent art-driven designs.

The initiative, aimed at promoting global fashion talent, offered a rare spotlight to creators from underrepresented fashion scenes. Each designer unveiled a signature look that reflected their heritage while embracing contemporary trends — from bold silhouettes and artisanal craftsmanship to sustainable materials and vibrant storytelling through fabric.

The red carpet moment wasn’t just a fashion highlight — it was a celebration of diversity and creative expression on an international scale. Fashion Forward’s commitment to pushing boundaries and elevating global voices made a powerful statement about the future of the industry.

As the flashing cameras captured their work against the iconic backdrop of Cannes, the four designers not only showcased their artistry but also carved a path for greater inclusivity in high fashion.

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam