Every step on the red carpet sets off a flurry of camera flashes and draws everyone’s attention. Numéro unveils the stories behind the most striking looks seen at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Since she landed on the Croisette earlier this week, Jodie Foster has been turning heads. Shying away from red carpets and the big screen for some time now, the American actress is making her grand comeback to cinema at Cannes – and her presence is nothing but unforgettable with her ultra-fashionable outfits. One standout: a Dior off-white velvet dress with blue prints and trimmed with fringe. This piece, which required 74 hours of handwork, comes from the house’s latest runway show held in Japan – there are obvious influences in the dress’ stunning and meticulous patterns.

On May 16th, Natalie Portman took the red carpet of the by storm wearing a stream of black tulle and velvet. Enhanced with silver embroidery in a scale-like pattern, the gown is inspired by a 1951 design from the fashion house and perfectly matches with the glamour and glitz dress code of Cannes. It required no less than 700 hours of work – including 450 hours of embroidery by Atelier Safrane.

When Louise Trotter took the helm at Bottega Veneta last December, she brought a new vision of femininity to the Italian house. Ahead of her first full collection in September, she offered a glimpse of her vision on the Cannes red carpet. On May 18th, Julianne Moore walked the stairs in a adorned with a simple leather bow on one shoulder, trailing into fringes down her back. A plain, yet striking silhouette, which gives us a glimpse at ’s emerging aesthetic for .

Known for her eclectic, bold choices both on and off screen, fashion icon Isabelle Huppert stood out once again on May 18th, 2025. Inspired by the silhouette 33 of Balenciaga’s 52nd haute couture show, her dress was ornamented with a myriad of fringes. Kiss black goodbye and say hello to this neon green version, a shade that perfectly suited her. A resounding success.

For the premiere of , in which she stars alongside Robert Pattinson, Jennifer Lawrence appeared as an ethereal being on the red carpet. Dressed by Dior, the American actress wore a , defined by intricate pleated waves of fabric. The atelier worked for 250 hours on that design. The retro aesthetic draws its inspiration from Christian Dior’s iconic 1949 Poulenc silhouette.

As one of the most haute couture pieces of the festival, the gown worn by Golshifteh Farahani dazzled us at the premiere of Julia Ducournau’s Alpha on May 19th. Just like a , the immaculate silhouette took 350 hours of handwork and incorporated over 5,000 embroidered elements. Crafted from white silk satin and organza, it shone with its pearls, crystals, and rhinestones along the neckline and straps.

also chose Vicky Krieps to showcase her early designs for . On May 19th, the Luxembourgian actress sported another black dress, a safe bet for the designer that relied on its structure. The square, geometric bustier contrasted with the fluid back, thus creating a sleek, compelling look.

Reinventing the often stereotypical sequined mermaid gown, dressed Naomi Ackie in an updated silhouette from its 53rd haute couture show. Originally made from upcycled and melted plastic bags, this sparkling black version with a square neckline brought a contemporary feel to the look.

As president of the jury of the 78th edition of the Festival, Juliette Binoche caught our eye during the opening ceremony, the perfect moment for the actress to sport a memorable look. She chose simplicity with a perfectly tailored white trouser suit, enhanced by a sublime, , silk crepe top. Draped across her bust and head to reveal one shoulder, the piece – crafted over 200 hours – evoked a hypnotic, virginal elegance. The folds are even reminiscent of the marble drapery of Michelangelo’s Pietà (1498–1499) at the Vatican…

As the icon she is since her arrival on the Croisette, model Irina Shayk offers us a collection of eye-catching looks, such as the asymmetric black gown made of velvet and silk faille. Its voluminous skirt contrasts with a skin-tight top, channeling a seductive, vintage and retro vibe. Indeed, the dress is a genuine archive piece: designed by Yves Saint Laurent himself for his Fall/Winter 1988 haute couture collection, it remains a testament to the designer’s avant-garde vision decades later.