When attending the Cannes Film Festival, most attendees only need a great gown or two. But as a member of this year’s jury, actress Brie Larson needed a full outfit. For full parties, premieres and dinners, Larson opted for looks exclusively by Chanel.
She told me her experience this year felt like a “fever dream.” Instead of promoting a single film, Larson was excited to see it all at the festival, along with jury members like director Julia Ducorno and actor Paul Dano. “It’s been a magical two weeks watching amazing films by amazing filmmakers and artists from around the world, making friends with my jury team and enjoying the beautiful and beautiful setting of Cannes.”
Perfect days
She doesn’t see dressing as a jury member as much different from dressing as an actor on stage at a premiere, but she does recognize the difference between daytime and nighttime shows. For Wim Wenders’ premiere in the afternoon, Larsen wore black, ecru, pink and blue embroidered jacquard jeans with a top and skirt. It was 9 looks from the Chanel cruise 2023 collection that debuted in Los Angeles earlier this month.
In the collection’s show notes, Virginie Viard says, “The idea is to offer a breath of fresh air, a journey, lightheartedness and a happy fantasy.” She was inspired by the legacy of her home in Los Angeles – not necessarily on the silver screen, but on the Venetian boardwalk, the rhinestone-encrusted ’70s rollerskater mini-shorts consciousness and daring legwarmers worn on wrap-arounds. From Jane Fonda’s famous workout tapes.
Larson’s look felt just as playful as the collection’s inspiration, with colorful double-C embroidery on denim that looked like distant flowers. On the red carpet known for its heavy glamour, the luxe denim look added some dramatic flair.
“We wanted something elegant but daytime and simple,” she says of the decision-making process. In her jewelry, Bouton de Camelia choker in 18K white gold and diamonds and Chanel Fine Jewelry signature double bracelet in 18K. She made sure to keep it simple with white gold and diamonds. “I liked the choker – it was perfect for the look, so we focused on that.”
Even more beautiful than the back-sparkling camellias perched above her collarbones are the layers of lace that fall like fluttering petals from her dress. And while she didn’t look as inspired as roller-skating Venice Beach babe Viard, she managed to bring the Californian sunshine to Cannes in a rare red-carpet appearance.
Styling by Samantha McMillen, hair by Bryce Scarlett and makeup by Nina Park.
Tara Gonzalez is a senior fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Previously, she was a stylist at In styleFounder Commerce Editor at charming, and fashion editor at Coveter.