Ask anyone: there’s almost no detail as daring on the red carpet than a dynamic slit. The sultry accent has stopped traffic on every red carpetfrom the Met Gala to the Oscars—after all, who could forget Angelina Jolie’s viral thigh-high slit from 2012? The latest star to step out with the bold detail is Penelope Cruz, who brought high-slit drama to this year’s Cannes Film Festival with a little help from Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel.

Today, Cruz wore a one-shouldered black gown for the festival’s screening of La Bola Negra. The gathered design prominently featured a thigh-high slit, ideal for spotlighting the actor’s sharp black pumps. Her look was complete with a flowing back sash, as well as dramatically flared, futuristic raffia flowers—one atop her thigh, the other on her right shoulder—that have become one of Blazy’s signature at Chanel.

Cruz’s look was the latest Chanel style to grace the Cannes red carpet this year. Since the festival began, numerous stars have continued to wear a wide range of designs from Blazy’s various viral collections. Newly announced brand ambassador Sandra Hüller stepped out in a bold, feather-covered hooded dress last week. Meanwhile, longtime global Chanel house ambassador Kristen Stewart broke multiple festival dress codes in a sheer skirt set and crocheted gown—complete with matching Chanel sneakers—within 24 hours. If there’s one designer who’s commanding the red carpet at Cannes this year, it certainly appears to be Blazy.

The black dress that Cruz wore on the festival’s red carpet also proved that the smallest details can make a big impact within the most subtle designs. Through its emphatic slit and surrealist florals, her outfit was elevated from a minimalist silhouette to a bold fashion statement—one that was literally blooming with character.

Buying a Birkin bag? Elite. Making a fashion homage to one of Jane Birkin’s most iconic looks on the Cannes red carpet itself? Well, that reserved for Bella Hadid only.

Last night, Hadid stepped out for a screening of La Battaille De Gaulle: L'Âge De Fer in a skintight Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown. Designed by Daniel Roseberry, the sweeping white lace number featured a long-sleeved silhouette with a bodycon fit, finished by a thin, ruffled mermaid train. A plunging neckline cinched by a dangling black crystal ornament, as well as a lace-up back topped by a large, flowing black bow, added a touch of Schiaparelli’s signature surrealism. In tandem with the festival’s high glamour, Hadid’s look was complete with sparkling diamond earrings and smooth black Gianvito Rossi pumps.

Though it was indeed glamorous, Hadid’s ensemble held far more detail than meets the eye. The star’s ensemble was actually an homage to a white lace dress that Birkin wore in 1969 to the Union of the Artists Gala in Paris. As history goes, Birkin opted to subvert fashion norms by wearing the Pucci dress backwards, creating a deep neckline that she cinched with a brooch. The same technique was used intentionally in the design of Hadid’s look, with a similar texture and shape creating a united thread.

The ensemble was also a strong example of the power of design. Hadid’s dress wasn’t composed of lace fabric, but rather an embroidery of anchor threads and chords, creating a tromp l’oeil effect. Ultimately, the custom piece was the result of 22,160 hours of work, according to a statement from Schiaparelli. That dedication to craft is one that’s made Roseberry an undeniable innovator in the fashion industry today, with his approach to the French house’s surrealism being especially intricate and immersive.

This year, her run has taken several days to spawn a look that’s a distinct hallmark of the event, compared to past viral appearances in looks ranging from a daring red Roberto Cavalli dress to a bust-less Schiaparelli gown accentuated by gold-dipped lungs. However, with a key reference that’s nostalgic and heartfelt, Hadid’s latest ensemble made a meaningful fashion statement—and simultaneously became one of the most powerful dresses to walk the Palais des Festivals steps this year.

In the midst of cruise season, “fresh off the runway” has taken on an entirely new meaning. Zendaya took the phrase literally at Louis Vuitton’s cruise 2027 fashion show in New York City, creating a surprising quick-change moment in the process. After all, what’s better than one luxe outfit when sitting in the front row? Two, of course.

While arriving to the Frick Collection for Nicolas Ghesquière’s latest collection, the star walked in wearing a minimalist draped gray minidress that packed a maximal impression. Her long-sleeved silk piece featured a fluid texture and folded neckline, as if simply fashioned from a fallen piece of fabric. Stylist Law Roach—who was also close by the star—finished her look with gray pointed-toe pumps with a subtle metallic sheen, as well as a dangling pair of diamond-covered Tiffany & Co. HardWear link earrings.

Like her recent outing at Euphoria’s season 3 premiere, Zendaya’s monochrome outfit distinctly leaned into neutral tones, altogether avoiding the “method dressing” practice she’s honed on the red carpet. But with an upcoming press tour for the Greek mythology-centric The Odyssey on the horizon, we wouldn’t put it past her and Roach to seed early, subtle nods to Grecian goddess attire.

The star’s second Vuitton outfit, however, was a truly unexpected vibe shift. As the Frick emptied out its star-studded front row—which also included Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Emma Stone, and more—Zendaya nonchalantly strolled down the museum’s steps in a silky look that walked the runway mere minutes before.

Her new outfit included a cropped, padded black jacket and silky yellow boxer-style shorts, cinched by a two-toned canvas belt. The look has just walked down the runway minutes earlier.

On the bustling island of Manhattan, outfit changes are a given—particularly with outings spread across uptown and downtown. Indeed, her double-duty outing mastered the mix of formal and casual fashion that’s signature of the city that never sleeps.

As the girl who’s perpetually on holiday, it makes perfect sense that Dua Lipa’s holiday wardrobe is wide-ranging. The singer’s been known to dabble in edgy, eclectic, and glamorous aesthetics within her own dynamic personal style—and she just continued that streak with a new sultry outfit. Her latest look effortlessly embraced spring’s trending bohemian style with a witchy touch.

While enjoying golden hour, Lipa posed for an Instagram photo dump in a gauzy all-black Chloé outfit. The singer’s swirling lace top and swishing ruffled skirt leaned into the label’s free-spirited ease, which she furthered with a gold ring–adorned leather belt from the French label. To ward off any summer breeze, she simply threw on a light, open-knit black cardigan from Ann Demeulemeester. Surely, Stevie Nicks would approve.

Indeed, Lipa’s outfit wouldn’t have looked out of place on American Horror Story: Coven either, thanks to its gothic palette. A similar supernatural feeling has been in the air lately when it comes to fashion, with stars like Margot Robbie and Hailey Bieber also stepping out in darker takes on light, warm weather friendly pieces.

A dangling gold Chloé necklace strung with seashell and bead charms added an extra boho touch. Her soft Schiaparelli Soufflé shoulder bag, accentuated with sculptural gold ring hardware, tied it all together.

Lipa’s witchy attire also flexed her own love for Chloé. In recent months, the singer’s worn a wide array of pieces from Chloé that have emphasized creative director Chemena Kamali’s exploration of archival symbols and femininity. Earlier this spring, Lipa was game to wear a swan-shaped clutch and blue dress from the brand’s pre–fall 2026 collection. Just last week, she similarly snapped photos in a bold array of outfits—including a pile of gold-toned Chloé necklaces atop a gauzy black dress. With her latest off-duty outfit, Chloé’s clearly found a loyal fangirl in Lipa. The singer is the latest in a wide-ranging group of celebrities embracing the label’s boho style this year, including Oprah Winfrey, Olivia Rodrigo, and new campaign star Apple Martin. As a true fashion fanatic, it’s only a matter of time before Lipa’s spotted in more of Kamali’s designs—or, the fashion gods willing, Chloé’s next viral front row.

With her honed understanding of colors and silhouettes, Queen Letizia of Spain knows how to deliver a sophisticated fashion statement for any occasion. During her latest appearance as a presenter for the Luis Carandell Parliamentary Journalism Awards, the royal continued that ethos with a burst of bright color, thanks to a sharp outfit that embraced one of her go-to hues.

For the awards, Letizia opted to wear a streamlined red midi dress with a sharp front pleat and short, flared sleeves. Her single-toned piece was accessorized with a smooth, flap-style leather clutch, as well as practical square-toed slingback pumps with short block heels. A small pair of gold drop earrings completed her minimalist ensemble with an elegant glint.

During the event, she presented awards to journalists Paloma Cervilla and Hector Esteban Garcia for their political and parliamentary coverage. The annual awards, named after a legendary Spanish journalist, honor those working in print, television, and radio. It’s a cause close to the queen’s heart. Before marrying then–Prince Felipe in 2004, Letizia was a newspaper and newswire journalist who worked in both Spain and Mexico before moving her way up to on-air anchor positions at CNN+ and the Spanish network TVE. And if you think about the old joke that newpapers are “black, white, and red all over,” it makes sense that the queen should dress in red all over too.

Red’s become a signature hue in Letizia’s wardrobe over the years, with her latest look ensuring it isn’t leaving her rotation anytime soon. The queen has worn the color across suiting and formalwear for occasions spanning university visits, a visit to the Bank of Spain, and more. In fact, it’s even present in her royal portrait, photographed by Annie Leibovitz, affirming her commitment to primary-hued fashion.

Letizia’s latest monochrome outfit showed that single-tone dressing can utilize color while remaining clean and sharp, and simultaneously avoid being either too casual or too formal. While numerous recent events have seen celebrities reverting to all-black palettes, the royal’s ensemble proved that rich, bright colors are still worth championing—and look especially flattering from head to toe. Perhaps other stars can take a note from her well-heeled book before their next red carpet outings.

Louis Vuitton’s spring 2003 collection was a milestone in Y2K fashion. It debuted Vuitton’s first collaboration with Takashi Murakami. While those bags are still iconic, thankfully, Bella Hadid remembered that the clothes were quite good too. Hadid stepped out at the Hotel Martinez in a pale blue silk minidress from the collection. It continued the streak of vintage deep cuts she’s put on display at this year’s Cannes Film Festival that’s already ranged from a sporty 1995 Prada Sport set to a beachy Elie Saab top and pants from 2003.

Originally designed by Marc Jacobs, her short-sleeved style included a darling club collar and bow-tied waist belt, accentuated by a zip-up bodice, side zippers, and curved piping. A parade of similar dresses in a rainbow of colors opened the show. Each model carried one of the rainbow-print Murakami bags that would soon become desired by It girls and high school juniors across the world.

While Hadid didd’t carry one of the iconic Murakami bags, her vintage white pumps were printed in the artist’s iconic rainbow reimagining of the house’s monogram. On her shoulder, she instead opted for a sandy beige canvas shoulder bag, perhaps a more practical style for toting around the sun-drenched South of France.

Of course, being Cannes, plenty of glamour was also afoot. Hadid elevated her ladylike look with a pair of dangling diamond drop earrings, as well as a sparkling pavé ring. Her ensemble was finished with a set of tortoiseshell Gucci sunglasses with rounded oval frames.

With her sophisticated Vuitton dress, Hadid further affirmed her immaculate fashion versatility. So far during the festival, the star’s combination of archival, casual, and formal looks has run the gamut from classic glamour to modern minimalism, proving her adeptness at wearing a range of aesthetics. Plus, the range of deep-cut styles she chose from surprising past collections made it clear that her vintage archive can’t be beat.

Taylor Russell’s artisanal approach to the red carpet is in full force with a black Schiaparelli gown at the Cannes Film Festival. However, given Russell and creative director Daniel Roseberry’s flair for the dramatic, this monochrome look was far from basic.

During the photocall for her upcoming sci-fi thriller, Hope, Russell posed in an intricately pleated dress from Schiaparelli’s fall 2026 collection. The unexpected silhouette included a slit skirt, extended sleeves, and a turtleneck bodice. With its twists and folds enhancing the texture, the piece appeared to be flowing and engulfing Russell as if possessing a mind of its own—a theme that’s sure to be at play in the alien-focused Hope, in which the actor stars alongside Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Hoyeon Jung.

To maintain focus on the piece’s surrealist, sculptural shape, Russell’s attire was simply finished with smooth black pointed-toe mules. A set of oval-shaped sunglasses brought her attire an air of cool nonchalance, as well—while also remaining practical against the bright Cannes sunshine.

Russell’s all-black look may have utilized a monochrome color palette, but it was far from basic. In fact, against the myriad of black gowns that have walked the red carpet during this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the piece was a true standout from its avant-garde silhouette. Of course, this being Russell, the look remained true to her focus on wearing innovative, unexpected pieces on the red carpet—from a wooden Loewe breastplate gown at the 2024 Met Gala to the flower-inspired white Dior dress she wore to the festival last night.

With a passion for surprising design, Russell’s appearance on this year’s Cannes circuit is a welcome sight. The star previously caught the fashion world’s eye while promoting her cannibal thriller, To the Bone, and has been a darling of designers from Jonathan Anderson to Sarah Burton ever since. In the grand tradition of defying standard red carpet glamour, Russell joins the ranks of stars including Cate Blanchett and Sandra Hüller by favoring unexpected pieces imbued with craftsmanship and intricate details.

Now that she’s back on the red carpet circuit, there’s no telling what Russell will wear next—but it’s all but certain that buzzy new designer appointments and a healthy dose of drama will play key roles.

As far as model style goes, Irina Shayk is known for her edgy streak. Her wardrobe has pinged between grunge, punk, and rock influences—and no shortage of all-black looks—over the years, both on and off the red carpet. Fittingly, her latest ensemble brought that same dark attitude to spring’s high-flying lace trend—with a distinctly romantic touch.

At the Palazzo Parigi in Italy, Shayk was seen in a fluttering black lace dress. The intricate, blossoming floral pattern was seen across a sleeveless number with a plunging neckline and midi-length hem, layered over matching black lingerie. The model gave the see-through style a slick edge with knee-high black stockings and glossy patent leather pumps, creating a monochrome look in the process.

Shayk also enhanced the see-through piece’s romantic texture with classically formal details. Her ensemble was complete with a black leather clutch with gold hardware, as well as a beaded black Dolce & Gabbana rosary. To finish her look, the star opted for a minimalist slicked-back bun and bright red lipstick—a classic beauty staple that’s symbolized romance and a bold attitude through the decades.

The model’s lacy look wasn’t just in tandem with her own edgy tastes, however. Lace has made a recent resurgence back into trend territory. New collections by Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, and Chloé have all utilized the romantic, delicate texture across a swath of styles, from sweeping gowns to floral-trimmed skirts and slips. Whether used as a girlish detail or to create a fully see-through piece, the lace trend has certainly hit the ground running. Dua Lipa, Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Jennifer Lopez have all incorporated the textile into recent off-duty looks, while Zoë Kravitz, Kate Moss, Cher, and Cardi B each wore different takes on lace at this year’s Met Gala.

Shayk’s punky take on the trend showed how the traditionally elegant texture can be entirely individual based on its wearer. Through different silhouettes and colors, the sheer material can take on an entirely new context and feel. With an edgy assortment of 2026 outfits that have included a watch-strapped bra, bombshell slits, and plenty of leather, we’re intrigued to see how—and if—Shayk returns to lace again this summer.