The politics of the Cannes red carpet

Each year, the Cannes Film Festival celebrates the best of global cinema, with a focus on the people behind the camera. However, the festival has also become a showcase for Hollywood’s latest glamour and fashion trends. The event is an opportunity for A-list actors to strut down the famous red carpet in front of the paparazzi, grabbing headlines around the world.

This year, several leading ladies opted for politically charged statements on this global stage. From climate change to the MeToo movement, these women used their fashion choices to raise awareness for various causes.

Take, for example, Vanessa Kirby, who opted for a sustainable gown made entirely of recycled plastic bottles. The British actress, known for her role in the popular Netflix series The Crown, arrived at the premiere of her latest film, The World to Come, in a stunning black gown designed by Elie Saab. Saab collaborated with the eco-conscious company Eco Age to create the look, which was made from gathered and woven plastic bottles. Kirby’s gown was certainly a statement-making way to draw attention to the issue of sustainability in the fashion industry.

Meanwhile, Spanish actress Elena Anaya used the red carpet to send a message of empowerment. Anaya, who stars in the Spanish film Competition of the Century, arrived wearing a gown designed by Jesús Peiró with the words “I’m Sorry I’m Late” embroidered on the back. The phrase is a reference to the common excuse used by women when they are made to feel guilty for focusing on their careers. Anaya’s statement was a clear nod to the ongoing fight for gender equality and the challenges that many women still face in the film industry.

And climate change activism was also on full display at Cannes this year. While it was unclear whether the sentiment was a subtle nod to Greta Thunberg’s climate activism or simply a coincidence, several stars opted to wear coral-inspired hues. From Jessica Chastain’s fiery red gown by Gucci to Noemie Schmidt’s mermaid-esque silver number, these actors brought the issue of climate change to the forefront. Whether donning eco-friendly gowns or making statements in the name of gender equality, these leading ladies used the Cannes red carpet to combine their love of fashion with a passion for activism.